What essential oils repel mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are considered unworthy of attention, but now it's not so simple. Previously, people lived in nature, and now they are "getting out into nature" - immunity to insect bites has greatly decreased, and for many children born and growing among high-rise buildings and asphalt, it is absent altogether. Therefore, not only itching and swelling can occur, but also a rash and real blisters that turn into long healing sores, and in some people the lymph nodes increase and overall health worsens. And mosquitoes can carry dozens of dangerous infections.

True, insect protection has ceased to be a problem thanks to repellents that repel mosquitoes for long hours. However, their action is based on the properties of chemical compounds, to some extent toxic to humans. Not all adults tolerate repellents, and protecting children, pregnant and lactating women with them is generally not allowed.

Reviews about mosquito oils

Many are interested in the question, do essential oils work against mosquitoes? They work, but not as well as described on many network resources.

In addition, individual reactions to essential oils from mosquitoes should not be ignored: natural esters can cause no less severe allergies than chemical repellents.

However, there really are effective essential oils from mosquitoes, and many give the desired result only together with other esters: you need to mix, try, understand and choose your own - so there are less amenities than with ready-made repellents.

For example, many reviews of the action of essential oils of tea tree, lavender and geranium, which are considered effective against mosquitoes, speak of their little benefit. Although after an insect bite, these oils are useful if you quickly lubricate the affected areas; geranium oil cannot be applied without dilution.

The most effective repellent ethers

The effectiveness of mosquito essential oils is related to the percentage of essential substances, and it varies depending on the living conditions of the plants and the methods of preparation. Therefore, a larger amount of ether will work, but you will get a super expensive repellent. However, the combination of "strong" and "weak" ethers in most cases work fine.

Here is an example with lemon eucalyptus: for 10 drops of eucalyptus oil the same amount of bergamot mint, 5 drops of lemongrass and palmarosa; mix with 50 ml of any fatty oil. The composition of essential oils is allowed to be applied directly to the skin.

Combinations with geranium ether (pelargonium) also do not irritate the skin. Geranium has universal properties: not only mosquitoes and flies are afraid of it, but also more dangerous insects, such as ticks. Pelargonium, rosemary, lavender, tea tree (10 drops each) - combine with almond oil (50 ml).

Experiments with catnip (catnip) show that mosquito essential oil works better than synthetic repellents and can work up to 6 hours in a row. Recipe: 40 drops of ether mixed with 60 ml of alcohol (apple cider vinegar), shake the bottle, add 60 ml of water and 1⁄2 tsp. glycerin (for flavor persistence), shake again.

It can be sprayed onto clothes (there will be no greasy stains) and onto the skin, but sprayers for any esters should be selected from glass or from thermoplastic PET resistant to organic solvents.

Cedar essential oil is also effective against various stinging and “biting” insects, from mosquitoes to ticks. It helps protect pets. Mix: for 6 drops of cedar - 4 patchouli and 10 lavender, base oil (40-50 ml).

If you manage to buy natural neem oil, extracted in India, it will protect you from mosquitoes for 8-10 hours, and the concentration required is small, 1-2%. True, he has an unpleasant aroma, so it is recommended to mix with rosemary, geranium, lavender, and use almond, burdock or olive oil as a base.

The ether of citronella (lemongrass) is ranked as an effective mosquito repellent 70 years ago; it is even called a "non-toxic biopesticide." It works for about 3 hours, but in mixtures longer. Recipe: 8 drops of citronella, geranium and lavender essential oils (hybrid of narrow-leaved and broadleaf lavender), 3 drops of patchouli and atlas cedar, 50 ml of the base.

Thyme oil has the same pronounced mosquito repellent effect as catnip, but it does not last long, about 2 hours. But the effect of mixtures with its help becomes even stronger. Lemograss (8 drops), thyme, catnip (pepper and peppermint) and lavender (4 drops each) work brightly and for a long time. Base oil - as described above.

Essential oils to protect children from mosquitoes

Naturalness makes essential oils against mosquitoes preferable to chemical repellents, but they should be protected by children only after testing, taking into account contraindications and a tendency to allergic reactions. Up to 3 months of age, you can not use ethers and this is hardly required: parents will have to find safe ways to protect the baby.

Effective Mosquito Essential Oils to Protect Children

Here are a few mixtures of mosquitoes for children (base oil, as usual, 50 ml).

• Lavender and patchouli - 3 drops each, lemon eucalyptus (5) and citronella (10);
• Cedar essential oils - 7 drops, pelargonium (5) and lavender (8);
• Lavender and geranium - 5 drops each, peppermint (8), patchouli (2).

And about some essential oils from mosquitoes, the compounds with which are allowed for use by children under 2 years old, but take a maximum of one drop per 1 tsp. the basics.

These are esters of patchouli, palmarosa, citrus, lemon eucalyptus, lime, lavender, geranium, fir, dill, coriander, citronella, cinnamon, cedar, catnip, basil.

Recall again that essential oils are highly allergenic. Before using either a single oil or mixtures, test the product on a small area of ​​the skin, and in the absence of allergies, inflammation and redness of the skin, apply as needed. This is especially true for mosquito repellents for children.