Natural Mosquito Repellents Using Essential Oils

← Pest & Insect Control | Insect Repellents & Prevention

Quick answer

• Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, and Lavender are top choices.
• Blend with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
• Apply to skin and clothing.
• Reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Always do a patch test for skin sensitivity.
• Combine oils for broader effectiveness.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you pack up and head for the woods, a little prep goes a long way, especially when it comes to bugs.

• Land manager / legality: Know who’s in charge. Is it National Forest, BLM land, a State Park? Each has its own rules. Sometimes specific areas have restrictions. A quick check on their official website or a call can save you a headache. I learned this the hard way trying to camp somewhere I thought was open.

• Access/road conditions: Don’t get stuck. Check if the road is paved, gravel, or just a suggestion. Is your rig up for it? High clearance? 4WD? Mud season is no joke out here. Better to know before you bounce your fillings out or need a tow.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Crucial. Are campfires allowed? What about propane stoves? Check the local fire danger level. Weather can change fast. Wind can be your friend or foe. It can blow bugs away, but it can also make a fire hard to manage.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Bring enough water or know where to filter it safely. Pack out everything you pack in. This includes food scraps and all trash. Burying human waste properly is key too. Let’s keep these spots pristine.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Be aware of local wildlife. Know how to store food properly. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Cell service is often spotty. Let someone know your itinerary. A satellite messenger is a good backup plan for remote trips.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to get your natural mosquito repellent ready and use it right.

1. Gather your essential oils: Select your oils. Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Geranium are popular. Good to have a few on hand.

• What “good” looks like: You have 2-3 different oils ready to go.
• Common mistake: Just grabbing one bottle. You might get used to its smell, or it might not be effective enough on its own.
• How to avoid it: Mix and match. Different oils target different mosquito species.

2. Choose a carrier oil: This dilutes the essential oils, making them safe for skin and helping them spread. Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or even olive oil work.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clean bottle of carrier oil.
• Common mistake: Applying undiluted essential oils directly to skin. This can cause irritation or burns.
• How to avoid it: Always dilute. A ratio of about 5-10% essential oil to carrier oil is a good starting point.

3. Mix your repellent: In a small, dark glass bottle (to protect the oils from light), combine your chosen essential oils with the carrier oil. A common blend is 10-20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

• What “good” looks like: A well-mixed, pleasant-smelling liquid in a dark bottle.
• Common mistake: Guessing the ratios. Too much essential oil can be harsh.
• How to avoid it: Use a dropper and measure carefully. Start with a lower concentration and add more if needed.

4. Shake well before each use: Essential oils and carrier oils can separate. A good shake ensures an even distribution.

• What “good” looks like: The liquid looks uniform after shaking.
• Common mistake: Skipping the shake. You might end up with a concentrated blast of essential oil or just carrier oil.
• How to avoid it: Make it a habit. A quick shake before you apply is all it takes.

5. Perform a patch test: Apply a small amount to your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to check for any redness, itching, or irritation.

• What “good” looks like: No reaction on your skin.
• Common mistake: Skipping this step, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• How to avoid it: Be patient. It’s a small price to pay for avoiding a rash.

6. Apply to exposed skin: Use your hands or a cotton ball to apply the repellent to arms, legs, neck, and any other exposed areas.

• What “good” looks like: Even coverage on all skin that bugs can reach.
• Common mistake: Missing spots. Mosquitoes are sneaky and will find any uncovered patch.
• How to avoid it: Be thorough. Look in a mirror if you need to check your back.

7. Apply to clothing: You can also lightly spray or dab repellent onto your clothes, hats, or tents. This adds another layer of protection.

• What “good” looks like: Your gear smells faintly pleasant and bug-repelling.
• Common mistake: Over-saturating clothing, which could stain or damage some fabrics.
• How to avoid it: Lightly mist or dab. Test on an inconspicuous area of fabric first if you’re worried about staining.

8. Reapply frequently: Natural repellents don’t last as long as DEET-based ones. Reapply every 1-2 hours, or more often if you’re sweating or getting wet.

• What “good” looks like: You’re consistently protected throughout your outdoor time.
• Common mistake: Thinking you’re covered all day after one application.
• How to avoid it: Set a timer or reapply after significant activity. It’s better to over-reapply than under-reapply.

9. Store properly: Keep your repellent in its dark glass bottle, away from direct sunlight and heat.

• What “good” looks like: The mixture stays potent and effective.
• Common mistake: Leaving it in a hot car or direct sun. This degrades the essential oils.
• How to avoid it: Store it in your pack or a cool, dark place when not in use.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using undiluted essential oils	Skin irritation, burns, allergic reactions	Always dilute with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut, jojoba) at a safe ratio (5-10%).
Not doing a patch test	Unexpected skin reactions (redness, itching, rash)	Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours before full application.
Missing application spots	Mosquito bites on uncovered skin	Be thorough and methodical. Check all exposed areas, including behind knees and ears.
Forgetting to reapply	Reduced effectiveness, leading to bites	Reapply every 1-2 hours, or more often after sweating or swimming. Set reminders if needed.
Using the wrong carrier oil	Ineffective spread, potential skin reactions	Opt for light, non-greasy carrier oils like fractionated coconut or jojoba oil.
Not shaking the bottle before use	Uneven application (too much oil or too little)	Shake well before each application to ensure even distribution of oils.
Storing repellent in direct sunlight/heat	Degrades essential oils, reducing effectiveness	Store in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark glass bottle.
Relying on just one essential oil	May not be effective against all mosquito species, leading to breakthrough bites	Blend 2-3 different repellent essential oils for broader coverage.
Applying too close to eyes or mucous membranes	Significant irritation, stinging, and discomfort	Avoid applying to the face area; if necessary, apply to a hat or bandana instead.
Using essential oils on pets without research	Can be toxic to animals, especially cats	Consult a veterinarian before using any essential oil-based products on pets.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you have sensitive skin, then use a lower concentration of essential oils (around 5%) because it’s less likely to cause irritation.
• If you’re going to be near standing water, then use a stronger blend or reapply more frequently because mosquito populations are usually higher there.
• If you’re in a high-wind area, then consider applying repellent to your clothing and hat as well as skin because wind can blow away topical applications.
• If you’re unsure about a specific essential oil’s safety for skin, then do a patch test first because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• If you notice mosquitoes are still biting despite application, then reapply immediately because the protection has likely worn off.
• If you plan on swimming or sweating heavily, then reapply your repellent as soon as you get out of the water or finish your activity because water and sweat wash away the repellent.
• If you’re using a new essential oil blend for the first time, then test it in a low-risk environment before a major trip because you don’t want to discover it doesn’t work for you in the backcountry.
• If you’re making a large batch, then divide it into smaller, portable bottles because it’s easier to carry and less risky if one gets lost.
• If you’re camping with children, then research age-appropriate oils and dilutions because some oils are not safe for young kids.
• If you’re concerned about specific bugs beyond mosquitoes, then research blends known to repel ticks or biting flies as well, as some oils overlap in effectiveness.

FAQ

What are the best essential oils for repelling mosquitoes?

Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, and Tea Tree oil are widely recognized for their insect-repelling properties.

How do I make a natural mosquito repellent spray?

Mix 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oils with 1 ounce of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut or jojoba oil. Put it in a dark glass spray bottle.

Is Lemon Eucalyptus oil safe for children?

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is registered by the EPA and recommended for use on children over 3 years old. Pure Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil may be too strong for young children; always check product labels and consult a pediatrician.

Can I use essential oils directly on my skin?

No, it’s generally not recommended. Essential oils are potent and need to be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation or burns.

How often do I need to reapply natural repellent?

Natural repellents typically need to be reapplied every 1-2 hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or have been in water.

Will natural repellents work as well as DEET?

DEET is generally considered more potent and longer-lasting. Natural repellents can be effective, but they require more frequent application and might not offer the same level of protection in heavily infested areas.

Can I put essential oils in a regular plastic spray bottle?

It’s best to use dark glass bottles. Many essential oils can degrade plastic over time, especially with prolonged contact.

What happens if I get repellent in my eyes?

Immediately flush your eyes with plenty of water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Avoid applying repellent too close to the eyes.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific essential oil chemical compounds and their scientific efficacy: For deep dives into the research, look for academic studies.
• DIY insect repellent recipes for specific regions or bug types: You might need to tailor blends for ticks or flies.
• Commercial natural repellent products: This guide focuses on making your own.
• The use of essential oils on pets: Animal safety requires separate research and veterinary advice.
• Advanced camping skills like navigation or first aid: These are crucial for any trip.