This weekend is going to be our first big camping trip of the season and I needed to pick up a natural mosquito repellent. For our backpacking excursions we are sometimes forced to use our regular Ben's repellent with DEET due to the high exposure, but being 12 weeks into a pregnancy I needed to make sure that I found something more natural due to the side effects and risks of using it during pregnancy. Granted, DEET has enough for any time use, but for certain trips I am willing to make an exception.
Anyway, I originally wanted to make my own oil based repellent using some recipes I discovered, but access to essential oils was posing a problem in the short amount of time I had before the trip. Instead I ended up visiting the Whole Foods near my office to pick up some already mixed spray. I was shocked to find that they only had three different brands of sprays since I saw a good couple dozen online during research: they had Burt's Bees, Badger, and, the one I ended up buying, Buzz Away. The Buzz Away got very good reviews online so I decided to give it a try until I can find some oil to make my own.
Natural bug repellents require more frequent application than their chemical counterparts and also require a higher concentration. They are not waterproof so if you're on a hike and get a little wet you have to make sure you reapply right away. Products that contain multiple repellents also tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient.
Here are some oils that are known as the best bug repellents.
- • Citronella Oil • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil • Cinnamon Oil • Castor Oil • Rosemary Oil • Lemongrass Oil • Cedar Oil • Peppermint Oil • Clove Oil • Geranium Oil • Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic
When making your own bug repellent you have to dilute the essential oils, but you cannot use water as a source to dilute with. Your best bet is to mix with other oils, known as carrier oils, or mix with witch hazel or even vodka. Cooking oils such as olive and sunflower oils are some of the best recommended carrier oils, but do not apply this mixture onto clothing as it will most likely stain. instead apply to the skin around your clothing.
Natural Mosquito Repellent Ingredients you are making large amounts of mosquito repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use:
- • 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils • 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol
If you make in a large batch or do not use all of your repellent at once store in a cool area, preferably in a dark container.
If you have any repellent recipes of your own feel free to share below!
Great post! I will have to try this. Ohio doesn't seem to have nearly as many bugs as Florida, where I grew up, but this time of year they can still be a problem- especially on camping trips!
ReplyDeleteI do know from experience that Basil will repel flies! My family in FL lives right next to a dairy farm, and in the summer flies are a huge issue (think hundreds of disgusting black flies sitting on the ceiling). If my mom keeps a basil plant growing near the door the flies stay out of the house!