Plant Essential Oils to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes Famous heritage has attributed to different plants the power to repel mosquitoes. In many places, alcoholic dilutions of their natural essential oils are used to apply them to the skin as a repellent: citronella, basil, blue or lemon eucalyptus, lavender, lemon thyme, Egyptian Geranium, etc.

Well-known heritage attributes the power to repel mosquitoes to various plants. In many places, alcoholic dilutions of its natural essential oils are used to apply them to the skin as a repellent: citronella, basil, blue or lemon eucalyptus, lavender, lemon thyme, Egyptian geranium, etc.

It is to be expected that some of the synthetic repellents have shown greater efficacy than the essential oils of these plants. And also, of the studies that have been carried out on this subject, the essential oil that has proven to be the most effective in driving away these insects corresponds to a plant that does not appear on the usual lists of mosquito repellents called plants. : Soya oil.

Plant Essential Oils to Repel Mosquitoes

Its 2-3% dilution in alcohol, applied with a diffuser on the skin, maintains its repellent action for about an hour and a half, more or less the same as a DEET repellent at 5% concentration. It must be add that it is safe and can be use even in children.

Another natural essential oil that has also shown effectiveness as a repellent is a blue or lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora). Its activity is maintained for two hours, a little more than in the case of essential soybean oil. Still, it can present specific toxicity, making its use in young children inadvisable.

Its action is due to its content of citronellal. This terpene aldehyde also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it very useful to soothe mosquito bites that have already occurred. For this, you need to prepare a mixture of 50% almond oil, which has good penetration into the skin.

Lemongrass this Same Molecule

hence its name – another plant with a long mosquito repellent tradition behind it, just like lemon thyme. Therefore, its natural essential oil can also use for this purpose, although the intensity of its smell counteracts this, which many people find excessive.

Lavender is also on the list of natural repellents. It is frequently use in insecticidal products of all kinds and not just for its pleasant smell. Some botanists even advise mixing several to harmonize the aromas and gain efficiency. Rosemary, basil and Egyptian Geranium also make a list.

In any case, an important caveat must made. The requirement is natural and not synthetic since the latter made to reproduce smell and lack the chemical components that the natural ones have. And it is that for any of these essential oils to be effective in repelling mosquitoes.

Essential Oils Against Mosquitoes

Blue eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora). It is recognize for its anti-inflammatory goods and a sweet, fresh, lemony scent. Olfactory is close to lemongrass, although it is softer and more pleasant.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates). It is also use mainly for its antifungal properties. It is also a good anti-inflammatory, interesting for relieving joint and muscle pain.

Exotic verbena (Listed citrate). It has an exquisite aroma. It is peaceful and calming, as well as anti-inflammatory and antifungal.

The Egyptian Geranium (Pelargonium asperum or graveolens). It has a powerful aroma, but it is much sweeter and finer than lemongrass when diffused. Its main properties are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

Homemade Repellent Mix

If the user does not convince you of lemongrass, you can also prepare this pleasant mixture to keep mosquitoes away:

• 3 ml Egyptian Geranium
• Three ml of exotic verbena
• 3 ml of blue eucalyptus
• 1ml mint

Preparation:

You can put 15 to 20 drops in an ionizer type essential oil diffuser. If a diffuser is not available, you can apply a few drops on porous supports (a piece of wood or ceramic) and place it in strategic places.

Applying a few drops to a handkerchief or a cotton ball and carrying it in your pocket is also possible.

Warning: this mixture should not be apply pure on the skin because the essential oils irritating (especially the exotic verbena).

Egyptian Geranium essential oil or blue eucalyptus oil can be skin repellent.

Mix 100 ml of aloe vera with 2.5 ml of Egyptian geranium essential oil or with 2.5 ml of blue eucalyptus, plus two tablespoons of andiroba vegetable oil (optional), known to its insect repellent properties.

It is shake and apply to un cover areas of the body to protect them from bites.