As more research is released about the health hazards of DEET for insect repellent, you might be searching for a DIY insect or mosquito repellent that works best.

I have a DIY 3 ingredient natural mosquito repellent using essential oils that works.

I use essential oils to make my natural mosquito repellent. This homemade repellet works great for me and my family even though we are the type blood that is a magnet for mosquitoes.  I’ve tried different recipes and purchased other alternatives to DEET. Some have worked great but in the end, it’s more fun and less costly to make my own repellent.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe the need for a natural insect or mosquito repellent is increasing every year.  A popular current over-the-counter conventional repellent contains ingredients known to cause skin allergens. Add to this that the risk for mosquito-borne diseases continues to grow in the United States and you have just one more reason to pull out the oils.

I believe the best defense from mosquito-borne disease without introducing unhealthy agents into the body is a natural mosquito repellent.  The best natural mosquito repellent comes from pure natural oils and has been used since ancient times by Egyptians and other ancient civilizations.

The 3 ingredients for natural insect or mosquito repellent that work

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
2. Lemongrass Essential Oil
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil

I mostly use Jade Bloom Essential Oils and an EVOO purchased at the local grocery store in my home town.

The EVOO is known as the ‘carrier oil’ so we’ll use more of it than lemongrass or tea tree. I use a half cup EVOO.

Lemongrass is the second ingredient and is also a fairly safe essential oil providing a refreshing scent to us but not for insects.  I add 3-5 drops of pure lemongrass oil to the half a cup of olive oil.

Only one drop is needed of the tea tree oil.  Tea tree oil is very potent and only one drop is needed to ward off pesky insects but it must be used with a carrier oil for safety.

SIDENOTE:
I personally don’t have a skin allergy to tea tree oil but bear in mind there may be issues you should be aware of before using tea tree oil with any natural remedies.  You can learn more about essential oils, their uses, and any potential adverse effects at Jade Bloom’s Essential Oil University (you’ll need to create a free account with them to access the free courses and earn free products).

I mix these three ingredients and store them in a glass jar. Then, I place the jar in a cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat. I simply pour a small amount into the palm of my hand and use it like moisturizer. After all, the ingredients work as a great natural moisturizer so the benefits of DIY-ing is now two-fold. Just be sure and wash your hands with soap after applying so you don’t get it in your eyes.

How often do I reapply? It just depends on how long I’m outside.

If you want to use the oils I use, then simply head over to Jade Bloom. 

There you have it. If you have any questions, simply use the Contact Form below.

In His Grace,

Cathy