If you are planning an excursion or want to go camping, it is important to remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes. In addition to causing various itching and discomfort, mosquito bites can also transmit life-threatening infections and diseases. Luckily, there are several methods of making completely natural and effective repellents. Using oils or ingredients such as beeswax and lavender, it is possible to make a product that will protect you from these pesky insects.
Ingrediants
Repellent to Essential Oils
- 60 ml of distilled or boiled water
- 30ml vodka or witch hazel water
- 50-75 drops of essential oils
Beeswax repellent
- 60 ml of coconut oil
- 3.5 g of baking soda
- 180 ml of water
- 60 g of beeswax in granules
- 50 drops of essential oils
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make an Essential Oil Repellent
Step 1. Choose an essential oil for the spray
The intense smell of essential oils keeps mosquitoes away. You can use several: the choice depends on your tastes. Some of the most popular and effective include peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, cloves, sage, cinnamon, and thyme. Choose the fragrances you prefer to prepare the repellent base.
- Essential oils can be found online.
- You can also mix several to create a unique scent.
Step 2. Fill a 120ml spray bottle with 60ml of distilled water
Alternatively, you can boil tap water. Help yourself with a measuring cup to calculate exactly 60 ml of water.
If you have boiled it, wait for it to cool
Step 3. Add 30ml of vodka or witch hazel water
At this point, close the bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients.
Vodka or witch hazel water acts as an emulsifier, thus helping to mix water and oil better
Step 4. Pour 50-75 drops of essential oils into the spray bottle
Combine them as you like, just make sure you use 50-75 drops in total. Once all the ingredients have been mixed, there should be enough space in the bottle to allow you to shake it well.
Step 5. Shake the solution and apply it to the skin
The oils will separate from other liquids, so it is important to shake the bottle well before each use to mix all the ingredients.
- The repellent can be stored for later use, but protect it from direct sunlight.
- Generally, the useful life of essential oils is 1-3 years.
- Reapply every 2 hours.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Beeswax Repellent
Step 1. Pour 60ml coconut oil and 60g granulated beeswax into a saucepan
Let them melt over medium-low heat, mixing them with a whisk or wooden spoon until the mixture is thick.
Step 2. Take another pot and fill it with 180ml of water
Put the lid on. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then remove it from the heat.
Step 3. Remove the pot from the heat, add 3.5g baking soda and mix well to incorporate it into the water
Step 4. Slowly pour the water over the beeswax mixture while whipping it by hand with a whisk
The solutions will not mix easily, so you have to keep adding water and stirring slowly until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Step 5. Pour the solution into a bowl or pan, then place it on ice to cool
Alternatively, you can put it in the freezer for 10 minutes. Do not leave it for longer, otherwise it will harden.
Step 6. Add at least 50 drops of essential oils
You can mix them as you wish. Use lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, eucalyptus, or tea tree.
Step 7. Mix the coconut oil and beeswax blend with the essential oils
Pour the repellent into a jar or container to use. Apply it directly to the skin to keep mosquitoes away.
Do not expose it to high temperatures, otherwise it may melt
Method 3 of 3: Using Easy To Find Ingredients
Step 1. Make a vanilla extract insect repellent
In a bowl, mix 150 ml of baby oil, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons (75 ml) of distilled water. The oil can be poured into a spray bottle or massaged directly into the skin. Remember to mix the solution well to get a homogeneous mixture.
Some people may have an adverse reaction to vanilla, so be sure to test a small area of the arm before rubbing the solution all over the skin
Step 2. Make coconut oil and peppermint repellent
In a bowl, mix 80ml coconut oil and 15 drops of peppermint oil. Try to get a homogeneous mixture. If the coconut oil melts, you can put the solution in the fridge to make it thicken. Once ready, massage it into your skin to protect it from mosquito bites.
Step 3. Mix garlic, mineral oil, and lemon juice
Chop 2 or 3 cloves of garlic and put them in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of mineral oil and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Then, mix it with 2 cups (500ml) of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Strain the mixture through a colander and pour it into a spray bottle.
Since this repellent gives off an intense garlic smell, avoid using it if you don't like it
Step 4. Use lavender to repel mosquitoes
The oils found in lavender petals are able to protect you from these insects. If you have a plant, crush a few leaves, then rub it on your neck and behind your ears. Alternatively, you can also buy lavender essential oil online or at a herbalist's shop. Massage it into your skin to keep mosquitoes away.
