Stop the Itch!

labrokerinc
Jun 14, 2016
5 min read

Summer brings blue skies, outdoor activities under the sun and...mosquitoes! Summertime grilling brings unwanted guests to your backyard barbecues. That's where mosquito repellents play an important role. There are many options when looking at mosquito repellents--from natural plant-based mosquito repellents that often work just fine in areas where they are only a small nuisance--to those with DEET or Picardin ingredients that offer more protection in areas heavy with mosquitoes.

First, the alternative methods of repelling mosquitoes are good to consider, especially if you're prone to bites.

Natural Mosquito Repellents

A mosquito repellent doesn't actually kill mosquitoes. Repellents work by making people less attractive to mosquitoes, so they're less likely to bite you.

Bug-Repelling Essential Oils:

Citronella
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lavender
Cinnamon
Thyme
Greek Catnip
Soybean

Citronella oil, extracted from a grass, is very good at keeping mosquitoes at bay. It's a common ingredient in bug sprays and, once the scent is in the air, mosquitoes keep their distance. But many citronella candles tend to be only artificially scented and not actually infused with the oil. It is actually very easy to make your own citronella and other essential oil candles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved eucalyptus oil as an effective mosquito repellent. A recent study showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil gave more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours. Lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. You can grow lavender in your outside garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your arms. Alternatively, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin. Lavender also has analgesic and antiseptic qualities, meaning that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it calms and soothes the skin. Cinnamon is not just a spice on your kitchen rack. According to a study conducted in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill off mosquito eggs and act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes. A concentrated dose of cinnamon leaf oil on your skin can be irritating, so it should be diluted. To do this, mix ¼ teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home. When it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. In one study, hairless mice had 5 percent thyme oil applied to the skin, with a 91 percent protection rate. Greek Catnip oil is a member of the mint family related to catnip that can also ward off mosquitoes. One study found that oil from the plant can repel mosquitoes effectively for two to three hours. Additionally, researchers at Iowa State University found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Blocker for Family (2 percent soybean oil) can provide longer lasting protection from mosquitoes than citronella-based products — the more common ingredient in mosquito repellents. In addition to just soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against multiple species of mosquitoes. The rosemary herb contains an essential oil which acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Grow rosemary in pots then shift it indoors in winter, since the plant does not tolerate long periods of cold climate. To control mosquitoes in warmer months, place rosemary plant pots in the yard. To make a skin-friendly rosemary mosquito repellent, mix 4 drops of rosemary essential oil and ¼ cup of olive oil and store it in a cool & dry place. Apply as needed on your skin.

In lieu of rubbing or spraying repellents, here is how you can make your own essential oil-infused (with your scent of choice from the above) candles at home to repel mosquitoes:

Materials

White beeswax - 1 lb bag - $7.50 ( Bear in mind, the volume of flaked wax will reduce to about one-half when in solid form.)
Double boiler (or use a pan and a metal bowl)
Measuring cup (heat resistant)
Scissors
Newspaper, wax paper, old rags or towels
Mason jars
Pre-made wicks (like these)
Sturdy tape or hot glue
Citronella Oil; $4.95 for 10 ml
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil; $4.95 for 10 ml
Lavender Oil; $7.95 for 10 ml
Cinnamon Leaf Oil; $4.95 for 10ml
Thyme Oil; $7.95 for 10 ml
Rosemary Oil; $7.50 for 0.5 oz

Start by protecting your workspace by laying down newspaper, wax paper, or old towels/rags on the table or counter you will be working on.
Glue or tape down the pre-made wicks to the bottom of the mason jars.
Place the mason jars in a warm oven set to the lowest temperature. This ensures that the wax cools evenly.
Depending on the size of your mason jars, measure out the wax and place in metal bowl, placing water in bottom pan.
Beeswax's melting point is 144 °F to 147 °F ( 62 °C to 64 °C ) any higher and discoloration can begin to occur.
When done melting, the liquid wax should be clean and resemble olive oil.
Stir in the essential oil of choice - add 3 drops of the per cup of wax. You can even add color if you want, but remember that the color will look lighter once the candle has cooled and solidified.
Pour the wax into the mason jars, using a pencil or stick to keep the wicks centered.
Once the candles have cooled (6 hours--overnight is best) you can trim the wicks.
You can store them by replacing the jar covers and light them up on your tables the next time you have an outdoor event.

Popular Mosquito repellents

OFF! Mosquito Lamp

Light this lamp and you'll have up to 6 hours of enjoyable time sans the pesky nuisance of mosquitoes. This company also has clothing clips, lotions and more.

$11.97 at Home Depot

Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

This lotion provides up to 12 hours of protection against not only mosquitoes but also ticks, fleas, and other pests. One thin layer of this lotion is all it takes to ensuring lasting protection.

$6.49 at Walgreens

Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent

This natural spray has a mixture of different essential oils that work together to keep you unsavory to those pesky mosquitoes. Just spray evenly on exposed skin (careful with your eyes and clothes) and you can enjoy hours free from bites. Perk: It's supposed to smell really good too!

$7.99 at Walgreens

California Baby® Summer Blend ™ Everyday Lotion

This brand is by a mother who wanted the least toxic ingredients in her sunscreen and other products for her children. Non-chemical. Non-toxic. Day or night. No nut oils, gluten, soy, oat or dairy. For babies, kids & sensitive adults. Perfect for evening hikes or outdoor dinners. Aloe vera and calendula are infused into high quality, cold pressed vegetable oils that are non-greasy and absorb quickly. It leaves the skin with a long-lasting satiny finish while soothing existing bug bites and hydrating parched summer skin. Apply generously after a long day in the sun or after bathing. Beautifully scented with essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and cedar; these pure and natural oils are traditionally recommended as safe, gentle, and effective. These oils do not cause harm to humans, pets or the environment, and are sustainably grown. Does not contain SPF. Not tested on animals. No animal ingredients. Eco-friendly & biodegradable. Made in the USA.