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How to Make Mosquito Repellant
How to Make Mosquito Repellant. If you're looking for long-lasting adult protection against mosquitos while hiking or camping, scientific studies say you can't do better than formulations containing DEET, a form of diethyl methybenzamide. However, DEET is not recommended for children and many people would rather use a compound based on natural...
If you're looking for long-lasting adult protection against mosquitos while hiking or camping, scientific studies say you can't do better than formulations containing DEET, a form of diethyl methybenzamide. However, DEET is not recommended for children and many people would rather use a compound based on natural ingredients. With a little experimentation, you can make mosquito repellent in your own kitchen.
Things You'll Need
10 drops essential oil such as vanilla, tea tree, geranium, carrot, peppermint, lemon grass or eucalyptus
2 oz. soybean oil
In a small airtight container, mix the essential oil with the soybean oil.
Try a few drops on a small area of your skin. Essential oils can be potent and allergenic.
If there is no reaction after a few minutes, apply liberally in exposed areas, keeping away from nose, mouth and eyes.
Keep the solution air tight and reapply after 20 minutes.
Try different oils and different combinations until you find what works for you. Some people are naturally less attractive to mosquitoes than others and do not require much protection.
Tips & Warnings
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that repellents based on natural oils did provide some protection. The problem was that the protection did not last long. The secret to using natural oils as insect repellents is to reapply every 20 minutes, the period of time that the study found the oils to be effective.
Check essential oils for warnings, especially if you are to use them on children. Not all essential oils are suitable for children and some are harmful.
