How to Spray Natural Mosquito Repellants

Prevent mosquito bites with natural ingredients.

According to the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Infectious Diseases, mosquitoes transmit a number of harmful illnesses, such as malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever and dengue fever. Many commercially manufactured mosquito repellents contain the chemical DEET. However, if you want to keep the bugs at bay without synthetic ingredients, you can create your own spray-on version at home with some commonly found ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup citronella leaves
• 1/4 cup rosemary
• 1/4 cup peppermint leaves
• 1/4 cup cloves
• Food processor
• Strainer
• Plastic spray bottle

Instructions

1. Boil water and put the leaves and herbs in a food processor. Be sure that the plants are chopped finely, like tea leaves. Chopping the leaves releases essential oils, which repel mosquitoes.

2. Add the boiling water to the food processor and allow the plants to steep for several minutes.

3. Strain the plants from the water once it has cooled sufficiently. Refrigerate until you are ready to use the mixture.

4. Pour the liquid into a plastic spray bottle. Apply liberally and often.

Tips & Warnings

• Use peppermint oil to balance out the mix's fragrance. You may have to experiment with various herbs to come up with a combination that appeals to you.

• Pregnant women should avoid handling citronella oil; some say it can harm unborn children.

References

• Centers for Disease Control: "Infectious Disease Information: Mosquito-borne diseases"
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: "The Insect Repellent DEET"
• PlanetGreen.com: "Tell Mosquitoes to Buzz Off, Naturally"
• Life123.com: "Citronella: Grow Your Own Mosquito Repellent"
• Stony Mountain Botanicals: "Herbal Insect Repellents"