How to Use Peppermint Oil as a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Mosquito bites don't have to be part of your summer.

Mosquito bites can take the enjoyment out of backyard cookouts and summer outings in no time. Commercially available insect repellents can prevent these bites, but most contain chemicals that may be harmful, especially to young children. Make your own insect repellents at home using essential oils. These safe, natural and inexpensive repellents can prevent insect bites. Use peppermint oil to avoid becoming dinner for the mosquitoes and enjoy the sweet, fresh smell at the same time.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Eye dropper
• 8-oz. plastic spray bottle
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil
• 9 drops eucalyptus radiata oil
• 8 oz. water OR 4 oz. jojoba or almond oil

1. Place the peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus oils into the spray bottle with the eye dropper. Fasten the lid and shake the oils well to blend them.

2. Remove the lid and add the water to the blended essential oils. Replace the spray lid and shake the water and oil mixture well to mix the ingredients.

3. Spray the peppermint repellent on the skin and clothing when going outside where mosquitoes might be present. Do not spray it directly onto the face; instead, spray onto fingers and spread over the face, avoiding the eye area.

4. Make a rub-on oil version of the repellent by mixing the essential oil blend with four ounces of jojoba or almond oil in a small plastic or glass container. Shake the mixture well to blend the oils. Apply the oil repellent to the skin by hand and rub it in completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Dab undiluted peppermint essential oil directly onto pulse points as a strong mosquito repellent. Wash off the oil completely within three to four hours to avoid skin irritation. Undiluted peppermint oil can be applied by cotton ball or fingertips directly to clothing as well, but test a small area first for colorfastness.

• Do not apply essential oils near the eyes.

References

• Experience-Essential-Oils.com: Natural Mosquito Repellent Made Perfectly with Essential Oils!
• Insect Repellent Clothing; Using Essential Oils As Insect Repellents; October, 2010
• Skin Care Recipes and Remedies: Homemade Insect Repellent

Resources

• Inventor Spot: Mosquito Repellent Charm With Peppermint Oil Says 'Bug Off!' Naturally