Top 15 Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes can be a nuisance when trying to enjoy the outdoors, leaving itchy and irritating bites. Their bites can also transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and more. Many people turn to chemical insect repellents to keep mosquitoes away, but these can contain toxic ingredients like DEET that can be harmful to health. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to repel mosquitoes without the use of chemicals. Here are the top 15 natural mosquito repellents to help you enjoy the outdoors bite-free.Top 15 Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes
The Top 15 Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes Are:
1. Citronella
Citronella is a popular natural mosquito repellent that has been shown in studies to be effective against several mosquito species including Aedes aegypti, the species responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Citronella oil can be found in candles, torches and lanterns designed to repel mosquitoes. The strong aroma of citronella masks attractants like carbon dioxide that mosquitoes use to locate hosts. Place citronella candles, torches or lanterns around your yard or camping area for protection.
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2. Lemon Eucalyptus
Like citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil has been registered by the CDC as an effective plant-based repellent against mosquitoes. The lemon eucalyptus plant, also known as Corymbia citriodora, contains citronellal that gives it insect repelling abilities. Extracts from the leaves of this plant can be found in sprays, lotions and wristbands designed to repel mosquitoes naturally. Apply lemon eucalyptus oil on your skin or clothes before going outdoors for lasting protection.
3. Lavender
The pleasant aroma of lavender makes it a popular scent for soaps, candles and more. But did you know this purple flower also helps keep mosquitoes away? Research shows lavender oil repels mosquitoes including the Aedes mosquito which can transmit Zika and dengue fever. Grow lavender plants around your home or apply lavender oil on your skin to deter mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. You can also place lavender candles outside for a natural, relaxing scent that repels mosquitoes.Informationguidenigeria
4. Basil
Commonly used for cooking, basil also doubles as a natural mosquito repellent. Like other aromatic plants, the strong scent of basil masks attractants that mosquitoes use to find hosts. Rub crushed basil leaves directly on your skin or place pots of basil plants around your patio or garden to repel mosquitoes naturally. You can also infuse oils with basil leaves to create natural repellents.
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5. Peppermint
The clean and brisk aroma of peppermint makes it a great natural mosquito repellent. Research has shown extracts from peppermint oil leaves to effectively deter different mosquito species. Apply peppermint essential oil on your skin for protection before going outside. You can also crush peppermint leaves and rub directly on skin or clothing. Plant peppermint in pots or flower beds around your yard to discourage mosquitoes from the area.
6. Thyme
Thyme is another herb that can be used to repel mosquitoes naturally. Studies have found thyme oil and thymol, its active ingredient, to work against mosquito larvae and adults. Make your own natural repellent spray by infusing thyme leaves in water. Thyme also makes a beautiful ornamental plant, so grow it in your garden to repel mosquitoes while enjoying the pink flowers. Pots of thyme placed by outdoor tables or benches will discourage mosquitoes from bothering you while outside.JAMB Result
7. Garlic
The strong smell and taste of garlic makes it a popular cooking ingredient. But garlic can also help ward off mosquito bites naturally when applied to the skin. The sulfur compounds contained in garlic repel mosquitoes effectively. Rub crushed garlic over exposed skin or steep crushed garlic cloves in oil for a natural repellent. Garlic also makes a beautiful ornamental plant perfect for repelling mosquitoes in your garden.
8. Catnip
Catnip doesn’t just attract cats, it also repels mosquitoes naturally. Research shows catnip oil repels several disease-carrying mosquito species including Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens. Grow catnip in your garden or yard and rub the leaves on your skin when outside. You can also use catnip essential oil in a spray or diffuser for protection. The plant features small white flowers loved by bees too.
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9. Neem Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil contains compounds that naturally deter mosquitoes. Neem oil is commonly used as an insecticide and mosquito repellent. Apply diluted neem oil on your skin or burn neem oil candles outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also add neem leaves to fire pits or bonfires to repel biting insects. Neem plants also make beautiful additions to gardens.Romantic Love Messages
10. Bee balm
With its bright red flowers, bee balm is an attractive plant that also repels mosquitoes naturally. Crush bee balm leaves to release the aroma and deter mosquitoes when enjoying the outdoors. Bee balm plants are perennials that grow well in gardens so you can enjoy their beauty while repelling mosquitoes. Bee balm also attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds for an added garden benefit.NYSC Portal
11. Marigolds
Bright yellow and orange marigolds are well-known for repelling mosquitoes. These pretty flowers contain Pyrethrum which naturally deters mosquitoes and other insects. Plant marigolds in flowerbeds and pots around your yard to help repel mosquitoes. Crush marigold flowers and rub directly on your skin, or brew into teas or oils for natural repellent sprays and lotions. Besides deterring mosquitoes, marigolds also promote a healthy garden environment.
12. Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular herb used for cooking, but it can also be used as a natural mosquito repellent. When applied to the skin, rosemary oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes for up to four hours. The carnosic acid in rosemary works against mosquitoes. You can apply rosemary essential oil directly to the skin or use cut rosemary sprigs on patios and in gardens to repel mosquitoes naturally.Good morning My Love Message
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13. Lemongrass
The subtle citrusy aroma of lemongrass makes it great for repelling mosquitoes. Lemongrass contains citronella, the same compound found in citronella candles and torches. Drink lemongrass tea or use lemongrass essential oil on your skin for protection. Place lemongrass plants around your yard and garden in pots or flower beds to create a mosquito barrier. Crush lemongrass leaves to increase aroma potency.
14. Sage
Sage is commonly used for its culinary and medicinal benefits, but it also makes a great natural mosquito repellent. Sage contains compounds like cineole, thujone and camphor that effectively deter mosquitoes. Burn sage leaves or sage essential oil in candles or torches to repel mosquitoes from your yard at dusk when they are most active. You can also make homemade repellents by steeping sage leaves in carrier oils.
15. Mint
Mint is another multipurpose plant that can be used to repel mosquitoes naturally. Peppermint and spearmint both contain compounds like menthol that deter mosquitoes. Grow mint in pots around outdoor living spaces or rub crushed mint leaves directly on your skin and clothes before going outside. Mint adds wonderful aroma to gardens and flowerbeds while helping keep mosquitoes away.
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Conclusion
Mosquitoes can quickly ruin outdoor fun with their bothersome bites. But there are many natural ways to repel mosquitoes without the use of harsh chemicals. Plants like citronella, lavender, basil, garlic and mint contain aromatic compounds that naturally deter mosquitoes. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage and lemongrass also double as effective insect repellents. Simple strategies like lighting candles, applying essential oils and planting mosquito repelling plants can keep mosquitoes away so you can better enjoy the outdoors. With this list of the top 15 natural mosquito repellents, defending your yard from mosquitoes has never been easier.
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