Essential oil for mosquitoes and midges - what insects are afraid of, how to choose and use, housewives' secrets

The best essential oil for mosquitoes and midges

Proven repellent oils include:

• clove extract;
• wormwood;
• basilica;
• geraniums;
• rosemary;
• tea tree.

Now think about why our grandmothers loved pots of geraniums so much? Was it only for the beautiful flowers that grew like umbrellas?

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For example, the pleasant smell of cloves has a detrimental effect on mosquitoes, and lavender is generally considered one of the most powerful remedies: it not only repels insects, but helps relieve nervous tension.

TOP 9 popular essential oils for mosquitoes

We’ve sorted out the methods of use, now it’s time to talk about the actual effective oils. There are quite a lot of them, but I chose the 9 best that show excellent results.

The best helpers in the fight against mosquitoes

1) Citronella is a leader in the fight against mosquitoes

Citronella essential oil is the most powerful in the fight against mosquitoes. It has a pungent odor that instantly repels unpleasant insects.

This oil is used both for aromatizing rooms and as an additive to cream. You can also prepare a very effective spray based on it.

2) Vanilla essential oil against mosquitoes: for both children and adults

Vanilla is an oil that has a very subtle, sweet and pleasant aroma. Because of this, it is recommended to use it in the fight against insects not only for adults, but also for children.

To prepare the spray, vanilla essential oil is recommended to be diluted with alcohol in a ratio of 1:3.

Aromatization of rooms, leather and furniture is also allowed. To do this, it is recommended to dilute a few drops of oil in water and wipe the composition on the skin or surrounding surfaces.

Even if a mosquito is not afraid of the smell of vanilla, it will definitely not like the taste - it is very bitter for such an insect.

Please note: vanilla oil has one contraindication in the fight against mosquitoes. Because of its sweet smell, it often attracts bees, so it can be dangerous if applied to the skin. It is best to use this oil in the evening.

3) How can clove oil help?

I think you know very well that cloves have a pungent odor. That is why it is also in the TOP 3 products aimed at fighting mosquitoes.

It is recommended to apply cloves to the skin in combination with creams or base oils. It also complements sprays perfectly.

The only drawback of cloves is that they are a strong allergen.

Another option for using cloves against mosquitoes

4) Lemon essential oil: helping against mosquitoes in a special way

In many sources you can find information that lemon is not effective in fighting mosquitoes, but this is not the case. In fact, lemon gives good results, but in a unique way.

When applied to the skin, it eliminates body odor, “hides” it, and therefore hungry mosquitoes simply cannot find you.

Lemon has a long-lasting effect on insects, but has its limitations: it should not be applied during the day, as it can cause severe skin burns in sunlight.

5) Lemongrass, or lemongrass essential oil

Lemongrass essential oil, also called lemongrass, has a very bitter odor, which is not at all attractive to annoying mosquitoes. In addition, lemongrass eliminates burning sensation, reduces swelling after bites, and promotes wound healing.

6) Tea tree to help against mosquitoes and their bites

Tea tree essential oil against mosquitoes is also a universal weapon. It repels insects and also helps cope with the consequences of their bites.

Tea tree oil relieves itching and redness, but there is one drawback - it does not last long.

7) Where geranium grows, there are no mosquitoes

Essential oil of geranium or pelargonium, a common houseplant, is also powerful in the fight against insects.

In addition, it repels not only mosquitoes, but also moths and even flies.

Geranium can protect a room from insects

The most hypoallergenic oil is lavender

Lavender essential oil has been used for mosquito repellents for many years. For humans, the smell of lavender is pleasant and relaxing, but for mosquitoes it is unbearable.

Lavender is one of the most hypoallergenic oils that can be used even to protect very young children.

It is best used as part of a cream or base oil. It can also be a great help if the mosquito has already bitten.

And yes, lavender also helps against moths.

9) Eucalyptus oil: freshness against insects

The last one I would like to point out is eucalyptus oil. It has strong disinfectant properties and easily repels mosquitoes and ants.

The reason for this is a very fresh but pungent smell.

10) Time-tested recipes

Any of the oils mentioned above has a unique ability to repel mosquitoes, but none of them will be as effective as a mixture of these oils.

To make you happy with the result, it is best to use proven formulations.

Here I will introduce you the best ones for adults and children.

These recipes are recommended for enriching creams or preparing oils.

Also, when combined with water, they can be added to the aroma lamp.

If you want to prepare a composition not for protection against mosquitoes, but for treating bites, the proportion will be slightly different: from 3 to 6 drops of oil (lavender or tea tree) per 25 ml of base - cream or oil.

Clove oil for mosquitoes:

How does repellent work on insects?

Its working principle is to disguise a person’s natural odor under the smell of natural products. And the components of these products have a negative effect on mosquitoes. All bloodsuckers have a very sensitive and developed olfactory system, tuned to search for prey. In the process of life, a person emits carbon dioxide and sweat, and it is these odors that serve as markings. Mosquitoes can smell the smell from several kilometers away. When essential oils evaporate, they release compounds into the air that can adapt to and eliminate a person’s odor.

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The active component of essential oils is a natural insecticide - pyrethrum or ethoc. Insecticides are drugs used to kill insects. Insecticides work very simply: they cause muscle paralysis and then death. Therefore, for an insect, such a pleasant smell of rosemary that comes from an aroma lamp means only one thing: “There is no food in this place, there is death.”

Oils of clove, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, lemon balm, orange, cedar, rosemary and tea tree help fight insects.

What essential oil are mosquitoes afraid of?

Typically, different essential oils are used to control different insects. For a given situation, you will need to choose the most effective mosquito repellent oil.

Geranium and lavender repel ticks. Mosquitoes are more afraid of rosemary, cloves, lavender and basil.

Also, special attention should be paid to Indian oil. It is considered a universal insecticide that repels many insects. However, the best results are achieved by combining different essential oils.

The convenience of essential oil has been appreciated by many people. You can purchase one or more bottles at the pharmacy. Not only the room and clothing are treated, but also the skin. In small amounts, oils are safe for exposed areas of the body. The products are divided into categories and are designed to kill various insects. For those people who do not recognize the use of chemicals, these products should always be present in the first aid kit.

Top 5 proven essential oil manufacturers

"Botany"

Manufacturer: Russian Federation. The company's products contain natural extracts and oils. The company's specialty is posting on its personal website recipes from its oils that help prepare natural cosmetics. Advantages: wide range, greater availability. Average price: 80-200 rubles per 10 ml.

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"Elfarma"

Manufacturer: Russian Federation. The company focuses on natural composition, excluding the use of chemicals, suppliers are European countries. Main advantages: environmental safety, budget cost. Average price: 70-150 rubles per 10 ml.

"Vivasan"

Production: Austria and Switzerland. The company's engineers control the entire production process, starting from the collection of raw materials. ending with storage conditions in the store. Average price: 800-1500 rubles per 10 ml.

"Aura"

Manufacturer: USA. The company uses phyto-raw materials from India, Vietnam and Madagascar. Advantages: no counterfeits, different bottles of 15, 30 and 50 ml. Average price: 700-1000 rubles per 15 ml.

Contraindications

Having determined which essential oil is the most effective, you should not use it everywhere without first testing it. You need to understand that these products contain aggressive components in high concentrations. This is why essential oils should be used very carefully, drop by drop. It is recommended to dilute them in water or other liquids.

Essential oils often cause allergies. To avoid this, it is recommended to do a trial use. Before applying the product all over your body, place one drop on your wrist and observe how your skin reacts. If redness or itching occurs, discard this product.

Particular care should be taken when choosing essential oils to protect young children. They often cause dizziness, difficulty breathing, and headaches in children. To protect infants, it is recommended to apply a drop of oil to a napkin, which is simply placed in the room with the baby. At the same time, it is also necessary to monitor the state of his health.

Main contraindications:

• pregnancy;
• individual intolerance;
• Infants need to mix the oil with the cream.

Tea tree and citronella oils are considered not only the most effective, but also less allergenic. If you are just starting to use these products on children, you should start with them.

( Video : “How to make mosquito repellents with your own hands”)

What you need to know before using lavender oil for the first time

Lavender oil for mosquitoes is one of the most gentle and calming essential oils. Despite the fact that it is quite fragrant, it is not aggressive towards the skin, even delicate ones. Therefore, it is ideal to use lavender oil against mosquitoes for children, even very young ones.

However, like any essential oils, lavender can cause allergies, or an individual intolerance to its smell may occur. Therefore, before using for the first time, listen to the aroma and listen to the sensations. If you feel nauseous or you simply don’t like the oil, it’s best not to use it. If, after prolonged interaction, a migraine, cough, nasal congestion, tachycardia begins - most likely this is also an individual intolerance. Also, don't apply the oil all over your skin at once; try a drop on the back of your hand. If there is no reaction, feel free to use it all over your body.

Despite the softness of the oil, try not to use pure lavender oil against mosquitoes for children on your skin; it is better to mix a couple of drops of oil with baby cream or olive oil. And do not smear your face, as the oil may get into your mouth or eyes and cause poisoning or swelling of the mucous membranes.

DIY insect repellents

If you are absolutely sure that you are not allergic to any plants or herbs, then you can try adding them to your daily care. Any non-greasy body cream is perfect for this. Five drops of lavender or cedarwood oil will be enough to protect you from annoying flying pests for a couple of hours. We recommend applying the cream regularly to repel flies and mosquitoes for a long time.

You can use aromatic lamps in the house - the oil is poured into a bowl located above a burning candle. This option will not only be an effective insect repellent, but will also fit perfectly into a modern interior.

You can make a spray with oils. There are about three to five drops of geranium and eucalyptus essential oil per 100 milliliters of water. You can also add alcohol to the resulting mixture. Before each use, shake the spray and spray onto the skin at a distance of 20 centimeters.

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Scented candles will help make your picnic safe and romantic. They contain a high concentration of essential oils, which evaporate during combustion. However, when purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the composition, since instead of insect repellent substances, candles may only contain fragrances.

Advantages

Essential compositions are in great demand among the population, as they have many advantages:

• First of all, these are natural oils, since they are based on plant components. According to consumer reviews, when used correctly they do not cause negative consequences, therefore they are practically safe. The exception is people who have individual intolerance to certain substances. This is why it is legal to use essential oils against mosquitoes for children.
• Availability is another important factor that attracts the attention of many consumers. After all, the concentrated substance lasts for a fairly long period.
• Wide range of applications - essential oils are used against mosquitoes and midges, as well as ticks and other harmful insects.
• A simple and convenient method of use that does not require any additional components (batteries or power source). This makes it convenient to use a folk remedy against mosquitoes and midges in camping conditions.
• Unlike chemicals, essential extracts have a pleasant aroma.

Essential Oils for Mosquitoes Many people wonder what essential oils repel mosquitoes. After all, pests do not react to all odors.

On a note!

Herbal and woody aromatic oils against mosquitoes are especially effective. They are made from citronella, tea tree, eucalyptus or bergamot.

Pine, cedar or fir oil are good protection against mosquitoes. Lemon or orange oil, as well as clove, lavender or geranium extract, are no less effective. Mosquitoes do not like rosemary, cinnamon oil, or coconut oil.

Vegetable essential oils against mosquitoes are used individually and in combined form, mixing with each other. They can also be used to prepare an essential solution - a spray, balm or cream, which is applied directly to the skin or clothing. Below is a list of the most popular oil extracts.

Indoor mosquito repellents

Emulsion for spray bottle

• Take 15 drops of lemon, cedar and geranium oils and combine with 500 ml of warm water and pour into a spray bottle. We remember that the emulsion must always be shaken before use.
• Mix 20 drops of mint ether, 10 thuja and 5 camphor. Pour in ½ liter of water and also pour into the spray bottle.
• 15 drops of clove ether, 15 lemon and 10 eucalyptus. We use it in the same way.

Combinations for aroma lamps

Combinations of the following oils can be used both for aroma lamps and for creating aroma candles and wet wipes.

The following esters combine well with each other:

• Lavender and tea tree;
• Eucalyptus and thuja;
• Cedar and cloves;
• Rosemary, basil and peppermint.

What is the secret behind the power of lavender oil against mosquitoes?

The oil is obtained from lavender flowers through steam distillation or extraction. Not every variety is suitable for this, but only angustifolia lavender of certain types, which is cultivated in Europe, the USA and even in Russia, for example, in the Crimea.

The smell of lavender is very fresh, floral with light woody notes. It is pleasant to most people, but is extremely disliked by insects. Everyone knows about the property of dried lavender to repel moths, and it also acts on mosquitoes. As soon as they hear its smell, as if it were growing in a pot, dried or in the form of oil, they try to fly away from the source. The whole secret is in the components of the essential oil, and these are, for example, geraniol, linalool, camphor. All these are odorous substances contained in different flower oils and they are all unpleasant to mosquitoes. Therefore, even a drop of such oil can, if not kill, repel a mosquito.

Recipes for insect repellent mixtures based on essential oils

Let's look at a few time-tested remedies. They can be prepared quickly, and the ingredients can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, specialized natural goods stores (IHerb) or on Amazon.

Recipe for a restful sleep

Midges and mosquitoes fly into the house in flocks closer to evening. To prevent them from disturbing your sleep, you will need a special aroma lamp and a couple of types of essential oils.

People consider cloves and cedar wood to be miraculous. They repel “mosquitoes,” but the catch is that mixing them is harmful. Therefore, you need to choose additional oils for the connection:

• Lavender and mint are ideal companions with cloves.
• Melissa goes well with cedar, and cypress wood, unlike many oils, can be administered in concentrated form.
• Conifers are very popular in pest control. But the most effective, after all, remains cloves.

Add water to the aroma lamp, light the candle, and add essential oil. You need to make sure that the liquid evaporates more slowly. You can simply heat the accessory well and the water will evaporate, and with it the oil. A “sweet” dream is guaranteed, just don’t leave the fire unattended.

Recipe for a hike

But if we consider long walks, hikes or barbecues, then specially prepared repellent solutions will come to the rescue. To do this, you will need a spray bottle, 0.5 liters of liquid and several types of essential oils.

You can mix a variety of mixtures. They are all equally effective:

• 20 drops of mint oil, 10 thuja, 5 camphor.
• 5 drops of thyme, lemon balm, peppermint and citronella.
• 3 drops each of chamomile, anise, eucalyptus, cedar, clove essential oil.

It is necessary to carefully move or shake the resulting mixture, this way it will be more effective.