Nothing ruins a peaceful evening faster than that annoying buzz of a mosquito near your ear. They don't need an invite; they just crash every party.
Mosquitoes not just irritate but also bring along some serious health risks. Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and chemical mosquito repellent fail to completely keep us safe.
But before you reach for chemical sprays or plug-in repellents, here’s a better idea: fight mosquitoes naturally with essential oils. Nature has its powerful toolkit, and aromatic oils are right at the heart of it. Packed with natural compounds, these oils mask scents, actually repel mosquitoes, and some even confuse their senses altogether.
In this blog, we will explore how to say goodbye to mosquitoes the natural way. You will also learn how natural oils help keep mosquitoes away, which ones work best, and a few creative ways to use them effectively in your home.
Why Mosquitoes Hate Essential Oils
Mosquitoes have a super sharp sense of smell. That’s how they find you in the first place. Smelling carbon dioxide, body heat, and scent of your skin, mosquitoes know where they can get to drink blood.
But certain plant oils can interfere with their ability to detect these signals. Many oils essences contain compounds like citronellal, eugenol, limonene, camphor, and linalool. These compounds either block mosquito receptors or repel them outright. Some oils also disrupt the mosquitoes' ability to locate hosts, making them less likely to land and bite.
Before jumping into best essential oils for mosquito repelling, let's know why these natural oils over liquid repellent or coil should be chosen.
Are Essential Oils Better than Mosquito Repellent Coils/ Liquids?
Most households rely on liquid mosquito repellents, coils, or vaporizers to keep mosquitoes away. While these methods may seem convenient, they come with a hidden cost to your health.
- Toxic Fumes: Liquid vaporizers and coils often release chemicals like allethrin and transfluthrin, which can cause dizziness, eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory issues. Children, the elderly, or those with asthma should strictly avoid it.
- Indoor Air Pollution: Many studies have proved that burning one mosquito coil can emit as much particulate matter as 100 cigarettes. It's prolonged exposure can lead to chronic lung irritation.
- Non-Eco-Friendly: Most repellents and coils are non-biodegradable and leave behind chemical residues that can harm indoor plants, pets, and the environment.
- Long-Term Health Effects: Continuous use of chemical repellents has been linked to endocrine disruption, allergic reactions, and neurological effects in sensitive people.
Best Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitoes
Backed by the research, following are some best essential oils for mosquitoes that you must use to keep mosquitoes, bugs, flies, and every small nuisance at bay:
1. Neem Oil
Used in traditional Indian homes for generations, neem oil not only repels mosquitoes but also disrupts their breeding cycles. Due to its bitter properties, these are very effective in keeping mosquitoes away.
2. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has active compounds that keep mosquitoes away. A few drops around doors and windows can create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Antiseptic, anti-fungal, and now… anti-mosquito. Tea tree oil has a sharp scent that repels bugs and also helps treat itchy bites.
4. Clove Oil
With a strong, spicy aroma, clove oil contains eugenol, which is toxic to mosquitoes and effective even in small amounts.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil contains PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), a compound proven to be as effective as DEET. Eucalyptus oil on its own also helps mask human scent.
6. Peppermint Oil
The cooling menthol in peppermint oil is something mosquitoes find overpowering. Bonus: it smells great and fills your space with energy.
7. Lavender Oil
Besides its calming effect on humans, lavender oil is unpleasant for mosquitoes. It also soothes existing bites thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Basil Oil
A herb from your kitchen that doubles as a mosquito repellent. It contains estragole, which has proven mosquito-repelling activity.
Why Essential Oils Are Safer & Smarter?
When it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, essential oils to repel mosquitoes offer a natural, toxin-free solution that’s gentle on your skin and safe for your lungs.
- 100% Natural: Pure essential oils like Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass, and Lavender naturally repel mosquitoes without emitting toxins.
- Safe for Indoor Use: When diffused or applied properly, concentrated plant essence oils are gentle on the lungs and safe around kids, pets, and the elderly.
- Multi-Use & Economical: A single bottle of oil can be used in diffusers, sprays, bath soaks, or mixed with carrier oils, making it cost-effective in the long run.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Natural oils come from plants and are biodegradable, supporting both your health and the planet.
How to Make Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils
Here are the creative ways to use these fragrant oils for mosquito control. If you've watched reels showing fancy DIY mosquito repellent with essential oils recipes but forgot what exactly to mix, here’s your natural, easy, no chemicals guide!
1. Make a DIY Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oil
You’ll Need:
- 10 drops Neem Oil
- 10 drops Lemongrass Oil
- 10 drops Eucalyptus Oil (or Peppermint if you don’t have eucalyptus)
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (or any light oil you use at home)
- 1 small spray bottle
- 1 cup boiled and cooled water
How to Make It:
- Add all the oils into the spray bottle.
- Pour in the distilled water.
- Shake well before every use.
- Spray on clothes or exposed skin before stepping outdoors.
2. Room Mosquito Repellent (Diffuser Method)
Add a few drops of citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender oil to your diffuser in the evening. It fills the space with a pleasant scent while keeping the bugs out.
You’ll Need:
- Diffuser or diya with water section
- 5 drops Citronella/ Neem/Lemongrass Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Oil (optional for a soothing aroma)
- Water
What to Do:
- Add water to your diffuser or diya.
- Add the oils.
- Light the candle/diya or plug in the diffuser and let it spread throughout the room.
3. Blend with Carrier Oil for Skin Protection
Always dilute oil essences with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. Apply to pulse points before heading outside for mosquito-free skin protection.
5 Extra Tips - You May Need
Here are some safe and super practical tips to use concentrated plant essence oils to repel mosquitoes:
- Burn dried neem leaves in corners at dusk to naturally repel mosquitoes.
- Add camphor tablets to water bowls or closets to repel insects.
- Lemon slices with cloves can be placed near your bed or dining table for repelling mosquitoes.
- Combine clove and rosemary oils for a dual-action blend that repels and soothes.
- Try herbal oil patches on clothes when you're outside.
- If you grow lemongrass plants on your balcony, they naturally deter mosquitoes.
- Apply diluted tea tree oil on existing bites to reduce swelling and itch.
Ready to Try Nature’s Way?
Herbal oils don't just smell divine, but are nature’s way of protecting us from flies, mosquitoes, and bugs. With these oils as repellent, you don't have to choose between safety and effectiveness. With a little creativity, you can turn your home into a mosquito-free sanctuary without a single drop of harsh chemicals.
While natural oils are widely known for repelling mosquitoes, they also offer incredible benefits for your skin. If you are looking to nourish your skin the natural way, explore this beginner’s guide to using essential oil for skincare effectively.
At Edysian, we offer a curated selection of premium plant-based oils. Pure, potent, and ready to protect your space. Whether you prefer a lavender mist for bedtime or an Eucalyptus diffuser for the living room, your journey to a mosquito-free home starts here.