Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

Mosquitoes have a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening. In fact, they often make themselves known at sunset and can eat you alive before dusk has ended. There are all sorts of remedies to help prevent mosquito bites. Some of these methods work better than others, but as more and more information comes to light about harmful chemicals, you might want to find an organic and natural way to help keep mosquitos from biting.

If you want to use natural methods to keep mosquitoes away, lemongrass oil, citronella and peppermint are all known to repel mosquitoes. Cinnamon oil, catnip oil, and lavender oil are also effective at keeping these bugs from biting. Consider installing outdoor fans in areas where mosquitoes tend to bite, and also try burning sandalwood, or even putting thyme in a fire pit.

There are all sorts of natural ways to help keep mosquitoes from biting you. There are essential oils, fresh herbs, and even wood and plants you can burn. In fact, you might even have some of these natural remedies already growing in your yard. So, keep reading below to see what natural mosquito repellents are best for you.

10 Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitos From Biting You

1. Peppermint

One great natural remedy to keep mosquitoes from biting is something you might even have in your herb garden. Peppermint is known to be effective at keeping mosquitoes away. This herb is high in menthol. This is a potent aroma, which causes mosquitoes to have overwhelmed senses, thus making it difficult to spot a human to land on and bite.

Growing pots of mint on your patio, or applying peppermint oil to your body, are both great natural ways to keep these pests from buzzing near you. Consider planting mint in your garden, so you have easy access to it during mosquito season.

2. Lemongrass Oil

Another fragrant plant that is great at keeping mosquitoes away is lemongrass. Lemongrass might not grow in all climates, but you can certainly use its oil to help keep bugs away.

Lemongrass, in addition to being great for cooking, also has qualities that help repel mosquitoes. In fact, this herb has the compound citronella, which is known to help confuse and repel mosquitoes. Lemongrass oil also has a lovely bright citrus, and fresh scent to it. It will make you smell good while also helping to keep bugs away.

3. Citronella

Citronella is perhaps the most popular and widely used natural mosquito repellent. What makes citronella so great at keeping mosquitoes is away is that it helps mask human scents that mosquitoes latch on to. It is a sort of camouflage, helping prevent mosquitoes from locating humans.

Citronella comes in a variety of forms. There is the citronella plant, which grows in many climates. There are citronella oils that you can apply to your skin, as well as sprays that you can spray on your body. There are also candles and torches that are also quite popular in outdoor settings.

4. Burn Sandalwood

If you are someone who enjoys burning incense, sage, or other items in the home, consider buying some sandalwood. Sandalwood and sandalwood incense are both known to help prevent mosquitoes from biting humans.

There are several ways you can introduce sandalwood into an environment in order to keep mosquitoes from biting. You can burn sandalwood coils or incense, for example. Or if smoke is not an option, then you can also purchase sandalwood essential oil and rub it on your skin. This is also known to be an effective and natural way to prevent mosquito bites.

5. Thyme

Thyme is a very versatile herb, making it a great choice for an herb garden. From cooking food to teas and natural remedies, this miracle herb does it all. It is also great at keeping mosquitoes from biting.

You can take fresh thyme and crumble the leaves, releasing the oils onto your skin. You can also purchase thyme oil if you don’t have access to the plant. If you do have thyme growing in your garden, you can even burn it, or toss it in a fire. This is known to help keep several pests, including mosquitoes, at bay.

6. Catnip

If you love cats and hate mosquitoes, then it might be time for you to plant some catnip. Catnip is a popular natural herb that cats love. It is added to treats and toys and grows naturally. But one lesser-known fact about this herb is that it repels mosquitoes.

You can either grow catnip near your outdoor areas or also purchase catnip oil. Either one will help naturally keep mosquitoes from biting you.

7. Lemon Eucalyptus

While all eucalyptus plants have a variety of medicinal benefits, the lemon eucalyptus variety is known specifically for keeping mosquitoes away. Lemon Eucalyptus might not grow near you, but its oil is easy to find.

In fact, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular oils in natural insect repellents. It also has a very refreshing citrus and menthol smell, which is quite soothing and enjoyable.

8. Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon is not only a popular cooking spice for the fall and winter. It is also highly effective in the hot summer months when mosquitoes become most troublesome. The best way to use cinnamon to effectively keep mosquitoes away is cinnamon oil.

Cinnamon oil not only smells festive and spicy, but it keeps all sorts of bugs away. Fruit flies, weevils, bed bugs, and mosquitoes are all repelled by this strong cooking spice. So, keep cinnamon oil on hand, even if you aren’t a baker.

9. Lavender

Another common herb that is a great natural mosquito repellent is lavender. Lavender is commonly used to help create a sense of calm and even help promote sleepiness, but it is also great at camouflaging the human scent.

Just like citronella, lavender has a strong smell that masks human scents from these pests. You can plant this herb in your garden, put it in pots on your patio, and also use the essential oil directly on your skin. You can also add it to an oil diffuser in a common room to give the room a great smell as well as keep these biting insects away.

10. Install Fans In Buggy Areas

In addition to all the natural herbs and smells listed above, there is one other very natural way to keep bugs away – wind. While sprays and smells work great, there is almost nothing better at keeping mosquitoes away than strong winds.

If you happen to have an outdoor patio area where mosquitoes love to bite you, install some fans. Ceiling fans or even an oscillating fan works wonders at keeping mosquitoes away. Even if they are present, they are much less likely to land on you if you are constantly feeling a steady breeze. The windy conditions make it quite difficult for these tiny pests to fly.

Concluding Notes On Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away

If you are getting bitten by mosquitoes but don’t want to use chemical methods to repel them, there are several options for you to choose from. Citronella is perhaps the most popular natural insect repellent.

Burning sandalwood, or even thyme, is also a popular and natural method. You can also consider common household herbs like peppermint, lavender, and even cinnamon (and their natural oils). Even catnip, lemongrass, and lemon eucalyptus are effective and natural methods to help repel these biting insects.

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Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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