eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Make Organic Mosquito Repellent

Contributor
By Linda Batey
eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

You could use a chemical insect repellent or an organic one that works equally well, smells better and is actually good for your skin. Making your own organic mosquito repellent is easy and less expensive than the chemical repellent and is safe even for babies.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Witch hazel, for spray application Spray bottle Jojoba oil, for direct skin application Small jar Essentials oils (in order of effectiveness against mosquitoes): citronella pennyroyal lemon balm garlic tea tree cedar eucalyptus geranium lavender thyme spearmint or peppermint
  1. Step 1

    Measure 4 oz. of witch hazel to make a spray application of mosquito repellent. Pour witch hazel into the spray bottle. Choose the oils that you wish to use and add 20 drops of four different oils. You could also use 40 drops of two oils or 80 drops of one oil.
    Shake well and spray on skin or clothes. The repellent also can be safely used in hair.

  2. Step 2

    Measure 2 oz. of jojoba oil into a small jar. Add a total of 60 drops of oils of your choice into the oil and mix by shaking. This oil can be used anywhere on the body except around the eyes.

  3. Step 3

    You can also repel mosquitoes around a seating area by burning unscented candles, which give off carbon dioxide, attracting mosquitoes to them. Placing cotton balls soaked with essential oils around the area will help as well.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you are working in the garden and don't have any essential oils around, put a dryer sheet in your waistband to repel insects. If insects are biting your dogs, use the spray repellent on them too.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health