6 Natural Mosquito Repellents You’ll Need This Summer

Summer is the season everyone loves. Hot days, beach visits, and ice-cold cocktails are among our favorite summer things. The one thing everybody doesn’t look forward to in summer is the buzzing of mosquitoes, making mosquito repellants a must-have.

When you hear that annoying buzz sound that mosquitoes make, you probably want to phone one of the many services for pest control Melbourne has to offer.

Although, how much do you really know about these pesky little creatures?

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Mosquitoes are among the most dangerous pests on the planet. They carry a whole host of diseases that can be passed onto humans and animals through little itchy bites.

The diseases that mosquitoes in Australia can spread include:

• Murray Valley encephalitis virus
• Barmah Forest virus, dengue virus
• Ross River virus

Can You Get Malaria in Australia?

Most people associate mosquitoes with the dreaded malaria disease. Four different species of mosquitoes spread this disease via their bites, causing many deaths across the globe every year.

Fortunately, Australia is free of the malaria-endemic. However, Australians can catch malaria when traveling to tropical regions in Africa, Asia, and Central or South America.

It’s recommended that you advise your doctor of any plans to visit these areas to take preventive medicine.

Essential Oil Natural Mosquito Killers

In addition to the risk of different viruses, mosquito bites are very annoying. They itch for days and form little red bumps on your or your animal’s skin.

Some people might consider themselves mosquito magnets because they seem to attract these pests no matter where they are.

When you go camping or spend some fun time in your backyard in the summer months, it’s a good idea to invest in a few natural mosquito repellents. Read on to see which option you’d like to try.

Citronella

Citronella is probably the most effective and common essential oil to combat mosquitoes. Many mosquito repellents contain citronella oil.

People prone to mosquito bites in the outdoors often use citronella candles which can provide up to 50% additional protection.

Tea Tree Oil

Known as the go-to essential oil in Australia, tea tree oil is a popular essential oil used for various ailments.

Since it has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is used to treat everything from sunburn to mosquito bites.

Lavender

Mosquitoes are quite irritated by the scent of lavender. When the dried flower is crushed into an essential oil, it produces an antifungal analgesic with strong antiseptic qualities.

This means that if you rub some on your skin, you won’t only be warding off the mosquitoes but also soothing the bites you already have.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Since the mid-1940s, eucalyptus oil has been used as a natural repellant to all kinds of insects, including flies and spiders.

An adequately concentrated lemon and eucalyptus oil mixture have proven to be a solid repellent for insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon is good for more than just adding to your favorite dessert.

A study in Taiwan has reflected that cinnamon oil can instantly kill mosquito eggs. It’s also an effective agent against adult mosquitoes buzzing around your home.

Thyme Oil

Thyme is a popular go-to herb for campers or people sitting around a fire. Throwing thyme leaves into the fire releases a scent that keeps mosquitoes at bay for an average of 60 minutes.

The essential oil is a good alternative for use inside the home or as a spray.

How Do I Apply the Mosquito Repellent Oil?

Making an essential oil mixture is amazingly simple. All you need is water, your chosen essential oil, and a spray bottle.

Mix as follows:

• Combine one teaspoon for every 4 ounces of water and mix well.
• Spray the mixture onto your skin or around your home.
• Be sure to spray the window frames of rooms where mosquitoes seem to be most prevalent.
• You can also place some of the mixtures in a saucer in the room.
• Be careful not to spray any of the mixtures onto your clothes as they might stain.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

In addition to making an essential oil spray, homeowners can also plant a few herbs to deter mosquitoes from coming into their homes.

If you don’t have space to grow, placing the herbs in small pots on the windowsills is also an option to consider.

Popular mosquito deterring plant choices include the following:

• Garlic
• Lavender
• Catnip
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Marigold
• Ageratum
• Thyme

Final Thoughts

Don’t let buzzing pests and little itchy bites spoil your outdoor camping trips and summer evenings. Make an essential oil mixture and spray it on all exposed skin areas.

When you suspect that you have a mosquito nest on your property, consult your local pest control agent to help you deal with the problem.

If your home is prone to mosquitoes every summer, consider planting a few of the herbs and plants we’ve listed. You’ll get rid of the mosquitoes and add pleasant fragrances to your garden!

What's the best mosquito repellent device you've found?