Looking for a natural, effective and safe solution to keep mosquitoes at bay? Forget chemical products and dubious sprays: essential oils are your best allies this summer. True lavender, Java citronella, lemon eucalyptus, rose geranium… Each drop has a powerful repellent action against undesirable insects, while respecting your skin, your health and that of your children.
Whether used as a homemade spray, diluted skin application, homemade recipe, soothing recipe to soothe burns or relieve bites, repellent preparation or atmospheric diffusion, these oils offer recognized repellent properties, often used in pharmacies or natural consultations. Their composition, rich in citronellol, citronellal or linalool, makes them an ideal alternative for treating, soothing or preventing mosquito bites, even for pregnant or breast-feeding women (with caution).
In this 100% natural anti-mosquito kit, each oil has a role to play: soothing a mosquito spot, repelling mosquitoes, purifying the air. In just a few minutes, you can create a simple, soothing home remedy for the whole family. Ready to say goodbye to mosquitoes? Read on.
Which essential oils repel mosquitoes?
Essential oils have long been recognized for their natural mosquito repellent properties. Here are the most effective for use against tiger mosquitoes and other insects:
Java citronella essential oil essential for its powerful repellent effect, linked to its lemony scent that disturbs mosquitoes’ sensory sensors.
Rose geranium essential oil or geranium bourbon essential oil: with its pleasant floral fragrance, it acts as a natural repellent on exposed areas.
True lavender essential oil In addition to repelling mosquitoes, it soothes and heals existing bites.
Other anti-repellent essential oils: eucalyptus lemon, peppermint, lavender spike and clove are less obvious, but are sometimes cited for their repellent effectiveness.
These essential oils can be used alone or in synergy, depending on the repellent sprayrecipechosen.
How to use anti-mosquito essential oils?
To optimize the effectiveness of essential oils against mosquitoes, it is essential to use them correctly:
Cutaneous application: Mix essential oils with a vegetable oil (sweet almond, coconut, sesame, etc.). Apply to exposed areas. For example: 5 drops in 10 ml vegetable oil.
Repellent spray: Prepare a mixture in a bottle with 50 ml water, 10 ml alcohol, 30 drops essential oils, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Shake well before each use. NB: essential oils do not mix with water, so alcohol is essential.
Atmospheric diffusion: 5 to 10 drops in a diffuser to repel mosquitoes in the ambient air.
Precautions to note:
Always perform a skin test beforehand.
Do not use on childrenunder3, pregnant or breast-feeding women without medical advice.
Never apply directly to irritated skin.
What are the effects of essential oils on mosquitoes?
Essential oils act on several levels:
Repellent effect : Immediate protection against mosquitoes thanks to their lemony, mentholated or floral fragrance.
Disruptive action: they mask carbon dioxide emissions and body pheromones.
Limited duration: on average, their effectiveness varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours, which is why repeated application is so important.
The composition of essential oils, rich in active ingredients such as citronellol, linalool, geraniol and eucalyptol, is essential to their effectiveness. That’s why choosing the right essential oil is so important.
How to make homemade mosquito repellent?
Quick and easy repellent spray recipe:
Ingredients:
50 ml water (or lavender hydrolate)
10 ml alcohol (vodka or 70° alcohol)
30 drops of an essential oil blend (lemongrass, geranium, lemon eucalyptus)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Essential oil preparation :
Mix the selection of essential oils and alcohol in a spray bottle.
Add water and vegetable oil.
Shake before use.
This natural repellent is an easy-to-use alternative to chemical products at home, even on holiday.
A simple recipe and your essential oil blend based on natural ingredients is ready!
What are the best essential oils for stings?
Certain oils are recommended for soothing bites and relieving pain or inflammation:
Spike lavender essential oil Ideal for soothing swollen or painful mosquito bumps, from age 6.
true lavender essential oil Healing, soothing essential oil for a calming, anti-inflammatory effect, from 1 year.
Roman chamomile essential oil suitable for children, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Tea tree Antibacterial, prevents over-infection due to scratching, a real anti-bite solution.
How to use them?
In the event of a localized sting (mosquito, wasp, etc.), apply 1 drop of diluted lavender aspic essential oil to the affected area (if aged > 6 years), repeating 2 or 3 times a day.
Soothing anti-bite formula (5 ml roll-on bottle)
Lavender aspic EO: 15 drops
Roman chamomile EO: 5 drops
HV Calendula (or other mild vegetable oil): qsp 5 ml
Apply locally 3 to 4 times a day until improvement. Suitable for children over 6 years of age (replace lavender aspic with lavender vera if < 6 years of age).
Are essential oils effective against mosquitoes?
According to several studies on the effectiveness of essential oils:
Their effectiveness is comparable to that of some chemical mosquito repellents, with no major side effects.
Skin testing is a reliable method of confirmingrepellent action.
Their natural origin, harmlessness and effectiveness make them a highly relevant natural anti-mosquito solution.
However, effectiveness depends on :
oil quality,
their preservation,
the regularity of the application.
Tips for fighting mosquitoes
In addition to using essential oils, adopt these simple anti-mosquito tips:
Wear long, light-colored clothing.
Install mosquito nets.
Eliminate stagnant water (pots, bowls, etc.).
Use a fan or diffuse oils into the air.
Take along a natural mosquito repellent kit based on essential oils for evenings out or travel.
Are there any allergy risks?
Although natural, mosquito repellent essential oils can present an allergic risk, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Before applying them, it’s advisable to follow certain precautions, including a skin test: apply a small amount of oil (previously diluted in a vegetable oil) to the hollow of the elbow and wait 24 hours. If there is no allergic reaction, you can use it with confidence. For reactive skin, it is essential to dilute essential oil before use, to ensure safe use. These simple gestures allow you to enjoy the benefits of mosquito repellent while limiting the risks.
Conclusion
There are many ways to fight mosquitoes, but few are as healthy, effective and natural as essential oils. Used correctly, they can repel mosquitoes, protect the skin, soothe bites and ensure a peaceful summer, without the need for chemical products.
Whether you’re looking for a natural anti-mosquito spray, a remedy for a pimple, or a soothing diffuser, these oils are long-lasting, effective solutions accessible to all. Slip them into your vacation kit or bathroom for natural, everyday protection.
FAQ - All your questions
1. What's the best natural essential oil for repelling mosquitoes?
The most effective essential oils against mosquitoes are Java citronella, bourbon geranium, true lavender andlemon eucalyptus. Each acts as a natural repellent thanks to its characteristic scent (lemony, floral or camphorated), which disturbs mosquitoes’ sensory sensors.
2. How to use anti-mosquito essential oils safely on the skin?
Essential oils should always be diluted in a vegetable oil (sweet almond, coconut, etc.) before application to the skin. For example: 5 drops of essential oil for 10 ml of vegetable oil. Avoid applying to irritated skin, and perform a skin test before each new use.
3. Which essential oil soothes a mosquito bite?
Spike lavender is ideal for soothing swollen or painful bites (from age 6). For younger children, use lavender vera instead. Roman chamomile and tea tree are also useful for their soothing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
4. Can anti-mosquito essential oils be used on children or pregnant women?
Yes, but with care. Some oils, such as True Lavender or Roman Chamomile, are suitable for use from an early age. However,use is not recommended for children under 3, or for pregnant or breast-feeding women without medical advice.
5. How to make a natural homemade repellent spray?
Mix in a spray bottle:
50 ml water (or lavender hydrolate)
10 ml alcohol (vodka or 70° alcohol)
30 drops essential oils (citronella, geranium, lemon eucalyptus)
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Shake well before each use. This DIY spray is simple, natural and highly effective against mosquitoes.
6. Are essential oils really effective against mosquitoes?
Yes, they offer natural protection comparable to some chemical repellents, with no major undesirable effects. However, their effectiveness depends on the quality of the oils, regular application and proper storage.
Editor: Camille Comet
Doctor of Pharmacy University Diploma (DU) in Aromatherapy
Fascinated by the power of plants since childhood, my expertise and passion focus on aromatherapy and the production of essential oils, with an ethical and ecological vision.
