An extensively used ingredient in market-bought mosquito repellents is N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide; this chemical is made so that it helps keep away, rather than kill, the mosquito. Although N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide or DEET has been permitted by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, it is an eye irritant and can cause rashes and blistering when applied to your skin.
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide has also been linked to several neurological problems. Researchers have revealed that DEET can cause behavioral changes and diffuse brain cell death in rats. DEET also has a decidedly adverse impact on the water sources and the wildlife during DEET manufacture as well as during its use.
Consequently, a host of people are opting for natural mosquito repellent which are devoid of all detrimental effects to health as well as the environment.
Recipes For Homemade Natural Mosquito Repellent
Recipe 1:
- Essential oils are decidedly effective in keeping off mosquitoes; you can choose from Citronella, Lemongrass, Clove, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Lavender, and Geranium.
- Natural Witch Hazel 50 ml.
- Distilled Water.
Fill half a spray bottle with distilled water. Add the witch hazel. Add about 50 drops of the essential oil (you may use one single essential oil or a combination).
Recipe 2:
- Dried herbs: Mint, peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, and, lavender.
- Distilled water
- Witch hazel
Boil 200 ml of water and add the dried herbs. Mix well, cover the saucepan and let it cool. Strain the herbs and add the witch hazel along with a little water. Store it in a spray bottle in a cool place and use as needed.
Recipe 3:
- Half a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Dried herbs – Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Basil, Thyme and Mint.
Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar. Seal tightly and make sure that you shake the contents well every day for at least three weeks. Thereafter, strain the herbs and store in spray bottles, if possible in the fridge.
To use on your skin, dilute with water in a spray bottle and use as required.
Recipe 4:
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Vitamin E capsules
- Jar
Break open about 30 vitamin E capsules; add 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil and blend well and store it in a jar. Apply to your skin; it ensures that the mosquitoes keep away.
Other mosquito repelling ideas
- Use vanilla extract, it is extremely effective in banishing the pests; either add to the above recipes, or just rub on to your skin.
- Lavender is beneficial too. Rub lavender flowers or lavender essential oil on your skin, especially on the neck, underarms, and behind ears to repel mosquitoes.
- Basil leaves proffer excellent results too.
Benefits Of Natural Mosquito Repellent
The products for repelling mosquitoes that are available on the market contain really harsh chemical agents that you definitely do not want to spray on yourself, let alone your children. Natural repellents either made at home or store bought are totally devoid of all chemicals and harsh noxious substances which can cause harm to you as well as the environment with the living things. They are made from all-natural ingredients and are exceedingly safe.