Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Their bites can leave itchy, red bumps on your skin. More seriously, mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases like Zika, West Nile, malaria, and more.

Fortunately, there are easy, natural ways to make homemade mosquito repellents to help keep these pests away. These DIY repellents utilize ingredients you likely already have at home. Best of all, making your own mosquito spray allows you to avoid the harsh chemicals found in store-bought repellents.

In this post, we’ll explore some simple recipes for making natural mosquito repellent at home using everyday ingredients like essential oils, vodka, and apple cider vinegar. Follow along to learn how to make mosquito spray that works and is safer for your family.

Why Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent?

There are a few key reasons you may want to make your own natural mosquito spray:

• Avoid harsh chemicals - Store-bought repellents often contain DEET or other powerful chemicals. Natural DIY options provide mosquito protection without these compounds.

• Cost savings - Purchasing natural repellents can get expensive. With homemade versions, you likely already have most of what you need.

• Customize the scent - Essential oils allow you to pick calming or energizing scents you enjoy.

• Use what you have - Repurposing pantry staples like vinegar means less waste.

• Make large batches - Scaling up recipes means you can make enough repellent to last all season.

Now let’s look at some simple recipes for natural mosquito repellents you can whip up at home.

Easy Homemade Mosquito Spray Recipes

These simple mosquito repellent recipes utilize ingredients you likely have on hand. Feel free to tweak them to your liking by adding more or less of certain ingredients to adjust the strength and scent.

Vodka Mosquito Spray

• 1 cup vodka
• 15-30 drops essential oil (citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, etc.)
• 8 oz spray bottle

Add the vodka and essential oils to a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Mist over exposed skin or clothing, avoiding eyes and mouth. The alcohol in the vodka creates a mosquito-repelling vapor. Essential oils enhance the effects with their strong scent.

Apple Cider Vinegar Mosquito Repellent

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 15-30 drops essential oil
• 8 oz spray bottle

As with the vodka spray, add the apple cider vinegar and essential oils to a bottle and shake before use. The acidic vinegar helps repel mosquitoes, while the essential oils mask the vinegar scent. Spray onto skin and clothes, avoid eyes and mouth. Reapply every 1-2 hours.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito Repellent

• 15 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 8 oz spray bottle filled with water

A little lemon eucalyptus oil goes a long way. Add 15 drops to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake and mist onto skin as needed. Studies show lemon eucalyptus oil can be as effective as low concentrations of DEET.

Mosquito Repelling Candles

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops citronella oil
• 10 drops lemongrass oil
• Jar candle

Melt coconut oil either in the microwave or a pan on the stove. Let it cool slightly and add the essential oils. Pour into a candle jar and allow to fully harden. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. The oils will create a bug-repelling aroma when the candle burns.

Mosquito Repellent Incense

• 1 tablespoon dried lavender
• 1 tablespoon dried eucalyptus
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint
• 1 teaspoon dried catnip
• Mortar and pestle
• Charcoal disc
• Incense burner

Grind the dried herbs together with a mortar and pestle until they form a loose powder. Sprinkle a bit onto a charcoal disc and light. Place in an incense burner and allow to smolder. Burning these pungent herbs creates smoke that helps repel mosquitoes.

How to Apply Homemade Mosquito Repellent

To get the most protection from DIY mosquito sprays and oils, follow these tips:

• Apply evenly and generously - Don't skimp when spraying repellent on all exposed skin. Pay special attention to ankles, wrists, and neck.

• Reapply often - Generally reapply spray repellents every 1-2 hours. Oils like lemon eucalyptus may provide longer protection.

• Use with sunscreen - Sunscreen should go on first so it can fully absorb. Then apply repellent.

• Avoid eyes and lips - Take care not to spray near eyes or mouth. Oils can also irritate if they make direct contact with eyes.

• Wash hands after use - Essential oils can sometimes irritate skin. Wash hands after application.

• Store in cool place - Heat and humidity shorten the shelf life of homemade repellents. Keep them in the refrigerator between uses. Properly stored, most recipes last around two weeks.

Ward Off Mosquitoes All Season Long

Now you’re ready to keep annoying mosquitoes at bay! Whip up one of these easy DIY mosquito repellents so you can enjoy the outdoors bite-free. Try a few recipes to find your favorite scents and method of application. Soon you'll have a go-to mosquito spray that keeps these summertime pests away.