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Next time you decide to go camping or spend time outdoors, make sure you have plenty of bug repellent on hand to keep pesky bugs at bay. Mosquitoes love the smell of sweat, dark clothing and maybe even your blood type. Fortunately, we can repel mosquitoes without coating ourselves in toxic chemicals. These best natural mosquito repellent can help!
Article Overview
- What To Look For
- Best Repellents By Category
- Homemade Repellents
- Mosquito Repellent Plants
- How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites Fast (Video)
- Tips For Using
- Eco-Friendly Beauty Resources
What To Look For In Natural Repellents
If you’re looking for natural mosquito control, you’ll want to follow this rule: If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the back of a label or it sounds like a chemical compound, it’s probably not natural.
For instance, can you pronounce any of these words on your first try: picaridin, methylpropyl, hydroxyethyl, piperidine carboxylate? Not so easy, eh?
These were some of the ingredients we found in common name brand mosquito repellents. We’re not suggesting that you should never put these on your skin, but we are saying that if you’re looking for organic, natural mosquito repellents, you should probably put the bottles down that include these ingredients.
To DEET Or Not To DEET?
DEET is a popular ingredient found in insect repellents. It effectively keeps biters away. Some believe that DEET is toxic and shouldn’t be used on the skin, while others think it’s just fine because it’s been around for 50 years.
If you want to learn more about DEET, we recommend reading these myths and facts about DEET. If you’re traveling to a geographic location with a high risk of mosquito-borne illnesses (Zika, West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, elephantiasis, etc.), carefully weigh the pros and cons of using DEET (the most active ingredient against mosquitoes).
Using this toxic ingredient from time to time may be worth the risk compared to the very high risks associated with these severe illnesses.
Best Natural Mosquito Repellents
Below are our picks for the best natural mosquito repellents by type, allowing you to pick the one you are the most comfortable with. We also recommend a natural bracelet option if you have sensitive skin or aren’t a fan of sprays. If you want to make your own homemade mosquito repellent, skip down. And don’t forget to check out some plants you should have around if you’re going to deter those pesky critters from your home and yard.
Best Natural, DEET-Free Repellents: Cutter
Cutter is a well-known brand that makes a full line of yard care and pest control products. Their insect repellent comes in a 4-ounce bottle and is sold individually or in a pack of 6.
Our founders use this product and are big fans of this natural method to keep bugs away without any DEET.
It also has a pleasant fragrance and moisturizing oils to keep your skin glowing in the summer sun. But, because it’s oily, it might not last as long when you sweat.
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Pricing
- $5.89 ($1.47 / Fl Oz) – 1 4oz Bottle
- $37.64 ($1.57 / Ounce) – 6 4oz Bottle’s
Safest Bug Repellent With DEET: Sawyer
If you’ve opted to use a bug spray with DEET but are seeking a safer solution than the traditional brands, we recommend Sawyer Products Premium Controlled Release Insect Repellent Lotion. It uses a controlled release method. allowing it to work up to 11 hours against mosquitoes and ticks.
Two of our team members went to Trinidad to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, and their research found this to be a reliable and safer choice (even for kids) when faced with the risks of Zika and Yellow Fever on the island. It’s what we use and worth your consideration in dense mosquito zones (also protects against ticks).
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Pricing
- Check Amazon for availability – 1 6oz Bottle
- $13.98 – 2 6oz Bottle’s
Best Mosquito Bracelets: RiptGear
Are you looking for an alternative to sprays? Or maybe you want to use something in addition to them. The RiptGear mosquito bracelets come in a 15 pack in a variety of pastel colors. They are also effective for the whole family since they are size adjustable.
Each citronella-infused bracelet lasts up to 240 hours, keeping you bug-free all summer. Just place it back into the resealable pouch in between uses to maintain its strength. These are also great for travel since they don’t contain any liquid.
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Pricing
- $15.95 ($15.95 / Count) – 15 Pack
5 Homemade Mosquito Repellent Tips
Below are some homemade options for organic mosquito control. You may have many of these items at home, so you may not have to spend any money.
- Apply vanilla extract or vanilla essence to your pulse points.
- Rub lavender flower behind your ears, wrists and neck.
- Combine 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil and 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake and spray.
- Combine 1-1/2 T water, 1 t castor oil, 8 drops rosemary essential oil, 8 drops lemongrass essential oil and 4 drops geranium essential oil in a 2 oz amber spray bottle. Shake and spray.
- Mix the following in a spray bottle: 6 oz witch hazel, 2 oz castor oil, 5 drops cinnamon oil, 15 drops eucalyptus oil and 15 drops citronella oil. Shake and spray.
15 Of The Best Mosquito Repellent Plants
Below is a list of plants that repel mosquitoes. You may want to consider having these mosquito-repelling plants around to get rid of those pesky pests.
- Ageratum
- Basil
- Catnip
- Cedars
- Citronella
- Citrosum
- Geranium (also useful for repelling ticks)
- Horsemint
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Marigolds
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites Fast
Did you forget to reapply your bug spray? Don’t we all?! Bug bites can be immensely itchy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are seven easy steps to get rid of your bug bites sooner. Watch the video below to stop itching now. You can also apply a drop of lavender essential oil to calm the itch.
Tips For Using Insect Repellent Properly
No matter what insect repellent you choose, it’s important to use it properly. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.
As a general rule, you don’t want to spray the repellent on your hands because you risk getting it in your eyes or mouth. You’ll also want to shake repellents vigorously to make sure the ingredients haven’t separated.
Additional Ways To Stay Healthy With Beauty
When it comes to being green with what you put on your body, it doesn’t stop at mosquito repellent. Sunscreen can be dangerous as well as toothpaste.
Do you use DEET bug repellent, or are you anti-DEET? Why?
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