Mosquitoes are a common nuisance, especially during the summer months.
These insects not only bother with their bites, but can also transmit diseases.
Fortunately, there are numerous natural remedies that can help you keep mosquitoes away without resorting to harmful chemicals.
There are various natural methods that we can adopt to protect the home and garden from mosquitoes, such as creating a mosquito repellent spray, using repellent plants to place in the garden or on the balcony, making citronella candles at home, or building mosquito traps that attract these insects.
Mosquito repellent spray with essential oils
Essential oils are one of the most effective and pleasant solutions for keeping mosquitoes away. Many essential oils have natural repellent properties. Here are some of the most effective:
Citronella oil: probably the best-known natural mosquito repellent. Citronella oil can be used in diffusers, candles, or directly on the skin diluted with a carrier oil.
Lemon eucalyptus oil: this oil has proven to be very effective at repelling mosquitoes. You can mix it with water and spray it indoors or outdoors.
Lavender oil: besides having a relaxing scent, lavender oil is a good mosquito repellent. It can be used in sprays or applied directly to the skin, always diluted.
Tea tree oil: known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is also a good deterrent for mosquitoes. It can be mixed with water and sprayed on surfaces.
To use essential oils as a repellent, you can create your own mosquito repellent spray.
Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 100 ml of distilled water;
- 50 ml of witch hazel or denatured alcohol;
- 20 drops of citronella essential oil;
- 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil;
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil;
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Procedure
- Mix the distilled water and witch hazel (or alcohol) in a spray bottle.
- Add the essential oils.
- Shake well before each use and spray generously on exposed skin areas.
Mosquito repellent spray with garlic and vinegar
Vinegar is a well-known insect repellent, and garlic has antibacterial properties that can help keep mosquitoes away.
Ingredients
- 500 ml of apple cider vinegar;
- 2-3 cloves of garlic.
Procedure
- Crush the garlic cloves and place them in a jar.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar and let it sit for a couple of days.
- Filter the liquid and transfer it to a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution in areas where mosquitoes tend to gather.
DIY Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are easy to make at home and very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.
Ingredients
- Beeswax or soy wax;
- Candle wicks;
- Citronella essential oil;
- Glass jars.
Procedure
- Melt the wax in a double boiler.
- Add the citronella essential oil to the melted wax (about 20 drops per 200 grams of wax).
- Pour the wax into the jars, positioning the wick in the center.
- Allow to cool and solidify completely before using the candles.
Repellent plants to place in the garden or on the balcony
Another natural method to keep mosquitoes away is to grow repellent plants in the garden or on the balcony.
These plants not only beautify the environment, but also release substances that mosquitoes find unpleasant.
Some of the most effective plants at repelling these annoying insects include:
Citronella - This plant is the natural source of citronella oil. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
Lavender - Lavender is easy to grow and its pleasant scent repels mosquitoes. Plant it near windows or areas where you like to relax.
Marigold - In addition to being a beautiful flower, marigold has repellent properties against many insects, including mosquitoes.
Mint - Mint is a versatile plant that keeps mosquitoes away. You can plant it in the garden or in small pots to place near home entrances.
Rosemary - This aromatic herb is great in the kitchen and effectively repels mosquitoes. Grow it in the garden or in pots on the balcony.
Mosquito trap with yeast and sugar
This trap attracts mosquitoes with the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast.
Ingredients
- A 2-liter plastic bottle;
- 1 cup of warm water;
- 1/4 cup of sugar;
- 1 teaspoon of brewer's yeast.
Procedure
- Cut the plastic bottle in half.
- Mix the warm water with the sugar until dissolved, then let cool.
- Pour the mixture into the bottom part of the bottle and add the yeast (do not mix).
- Insert the top part of the bottle upside down (like a funnel) into the bottom part.
- Place the trap in a dark corner.
Using natural remedies against mosquitoes is an ecological and healthy choice.
Combining these different solutions often provides the best results.
Not only do you protect your family from potentially harmful chemicals, but you also contribute to maintaining a healthier environment.