Natural Mosquito Control: 7 Organic Strategies to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Mosquitoes are a terrible nuisance, especially during warmer seasons.

If the outdoors is perfect for some people, for others, it becomes an itchy, awful place to be in warmer months.

And if you are one of those people who seek ways to control mosquitoes organically, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, I shall discuss seven organic ways to help you avoid mosquitoes and create an eco-friendly environment that reduces mosquitoes in your home and yard.

What attracts mosquitoes

Understanding what attracts mosquitoes in the first place helps try to repel them.

Some types of scent, body heat, light, and humidity attract mosquitoes.

Different mosquito species like other things; females of some species prefer more carbon dioxide or body odor, like sweat and bacteria.

While chemical repellents, like DEET, may provide some temporary relief, they tend to put human health and the environment at risk.

Several options are available for those preferring the more natural route of repellent.

Here, we will go over our top seven organic mosquito control methods for your yard and home.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon eucalyptus oil has been used for a long time as a natural mosquito repellent, dating back to the 1940s.

Then, acknowledges these ducts are meant for mosquito control.

One study conducted in 2014 found that more than 95% protection against mosquitoes was noted within up to three hours when using 32% of lemon eucalyptus oil.

Homemade Recipe

You can make your mix at home:

Ingredients: 1 percent lemon eucalyptus oil in 10 percent sunflower or witch hazel.

Application: Spray this blend on exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

However, it should not be used for a child less than three years old.

Why It Works:

It has active constituents that closely resemble the smell most mosquitoes cannot resist.

Therefore, the oil deters mosquitoes and antimicrobial activity, giving it a double advantage.

Lavender

Besides being beautiful in your garden, lavender is also an excellent mosquito repellent.

Oils developed by pressing lavender flowers together repel the mosquitoes.

A 2002 study showed that lavender oil effectively deters adult mosquitoes.

How to Make It:

Lavender is easy to grow in your garden or in planters that you may have indoors.

Usage: Crush the flowers and extract their oil, which you may use on sensitive body parts such as your ankles and arms, or place a few drops of lavender oil on a clean cloth and gently rub it on your skin to have more coverage.

More Benefits:

Lavender has properties that promote sleep and help reduce stress, leading to improved sleeping conditions and a quieter mind; thus, mosquitoes avoid it.

Besides guarding off the mosquitoes, lavender also makes one feel better; therefore, this blend is appropriate for evening outdoor activities.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon is a delicious spice.

It also has sharp aversion powers for insects.

According to one study conducted in Taiwan, it has reportedly been said that egg mosquitoes can be killed by cinnamon oil, and Asian tiger mosquito adults or other species can be repelled by it.

Ready-to-make Recipe:

To make a dilution:

Ingredients: Mix 1/4 teaspoon (24 drops) of cinnamon oil for every 4 ounces of water.

Usage: Spray this solution on your skin, clothes, or in the house.

Be careful since highly concentrated cinnamon oil can irritate the skin.

Why It Works:

Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde, which was shown to interrupt the mosquito’s scent-detection mechanism.

This will repel them and may also break their reproduction cycle, meaning fewer mosquitoes in the long run.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is another excellent repellent, particularly against malarial mosquitoes.

A study in the year 2002 found that a 5% thyme oil solution protected people from mosquito bites 91% of the time.

Homemade Recipe:

To use at home:

Ingredients: Mix four drops of thyme oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil, like olive or jojoba oil.

You can also spray five drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.

Special Use:

You can burn leaves in the campfire so that they leave a fragrance for 90 minutes by letting out natural oils repel the mosquitoes and taking great effect in highly effective practice during outdoor gatherings where ambiance and protection coincide.

Greek Catmint Oil

Nepeta parnassica is a species that yields Greek catmint oil, one of the most potent oils against mosquitoes.

Research shows it can repel mosquitoes for 2 to 3 hours and is ten times more effective than DEET.

DIY Recipe

Use: You mash the leaves of the catmint plant and apply this oil to the exposed skin.

Caution: This is one of those essential oils you may have to test for skin sensitivities.

Growing Your Own:

Catmint is a low-maintenance gardening project that gives fragrance plus the benefit of driving away mosquitoes.

This flower attracts good pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

Soybean Oil

Another research-backed option is soybean oil.

Bite Block Kids, which contains 2% soybean oil, offers long-term protection against mosquito bites.

Homemade Recipe:

You can create your soybean oil solution:

Ingredients: Add soybean oil and a few drops of lemongrass oil for strength.

Usage: Use on skin that will be exposed to the weather or doused on clothing before spending time outdoors.

Health Precautions:

Soybean oil is less irritating; hence, it can even be used on children or those with susceptible skin.

It also provides the skin with moisturization, which aids in the process.

Citronella

Citronella is one of the oldest natural mosquito repellents.

These essential oils are most commonly associated with candles and topical repellents.

Citronella is said to be as effective as DEET when used in the right proportions, protecting it for as long as two hours.

DIY Recipe

You can make citronella candles for outdoor use:

Ingredients: You can also get citronella oil as a secondary ingredient in a candle-making kit sold at a craft store.

Use these candles outdoors to repel mosquitoes better.

Additional Uses:

However, Citronella oil, diffusers, and homemade sprays could provide excellent coverage on patios or decks.

Bonus Tip: Environmental Precautions

While you are taking these natural remedies, it is also essential to implement practices that will inhibit the population growth of mosquitoes at your home:

Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes stage dormant phases in stagnant water.

You should check on and empty regular bird baths and your pet’s bowl.

Also, make sure that your flowerpots do not contain excess water.

Keep Your Lawn Well: Keep lawn grass and shrubbery alive, as these are resting places for adult mosquitoes.

Host Natural Enemies: Encourage birds, bats, and beneficial insects in your garden, as these can control the mosquito population.

Conclusion

Natural mosquito repellent keeps those annoying insects away from your garden while contributing to a healthier environment.

You can draw upon several organic alternatives, like lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender, and citronella, when trying to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay without relying on chemicals detrimental to your health.

While these methods are very effective, note that the effectiveness of such processes may vary due to environmental factors and the species of mosquitoes prevailing in your area.

The best benefit can be obtained by using a combination of methods or hiring a professional for mosquito control.

FAQs

Which type of mosquito repellent is more robust, natural or chemical?

Natural repellents such as DEET can be very effective but last significantly shorter periods than chemical-based ones. They need to be reapplied frequently, especially if you are in a high mosquito-density area. This may not be desirable for most, but a few find the trade-off between efficiency and safety better suited for their purposes. Blending natural methods can enormously elevate the effectiveness of protection in general. Test different options to see what works best for you.

How often should I reapply organic mosquito repellents?

For this, it is advisable to apply natural repellents every one to two hours. Effects such as sweating, swimming, or heavy movement also impact effectiveness. Check the particular instructions for the repellent, especially for outdoor activities. In cases where mosquitoes are rampant, applications might be more regular. One thing is that the repellent is reapplied at the same rate to ensure the protection set.

Can I use essential oils on my skin?

Yes, you can. Note that pure essential oils must be blended with carrier oil before being used topically on the skin. Applying undiluted may cause irritation or even an allergic reaction on the skin. General dilution is between 3-5 drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil. Always patch test on a small area first. This makes sure you won’t react to the oil.

What are some dangers associated with essential oils?

Although mostly harmless, a few essential oils cause allergic reactions in users. Skin sensitization is another adverse reaction in which the user does not dilute oil appropriately for topical use. Access to quality products obtained from suitable suppliers can minimize such problems. Use should be stopped immediately if there are signs of redness, itching, or swelling. For severe reactions, treatment should be sought from a health professional.

What else could I do to avoid such problems?

Remove standing water around your place. Mosquitoes reproduce in stagnant water. Check and drain bird baths, pet dishes, and flower pots regularly. Kept-up yards also discourage mosquitoes. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using screened windows also limit exposure. Encourage natural predators like bats and birds to seek out the mosquito population.

How do I locate organic mosquito killer products near me?

Search for organic mosquito control products at local garden centers or health food stores. Most online retailers carry a great deal of natural pest control options. Community co-ops or farmers’ markets likely will have them. Some specialty shops concentrate on organic gardening and pest solutions. Checking customer reviews will help point you in the right direction for some compelling products.