Natural Mosquito Relief & Protection

Natural 24/7 Mosquito Defense:

60 drops Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)
40 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)
60 drops Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris L.)
40 drops Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Mix all the oils in a 10ml amber glass bottle. Now you have a ready to go blend!

Ways to use it:
Add 6-8 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser (with water tank) start diffusion at sunset.

Use 2-3 drops of the blend in 2 teaspoons (10ml) carrier oil (jojoba oil or other) or a neutral body lotion or aloe vera gel. Apply to exposed areas before going out.

You can make a water-based spray by adding 5 drops of this blend to 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Witch Hazel hydrosol and then adding 45ml of water. Shake the mixture before each application.

Certain foods are believed to help reduce mosquito attraction, as they can alter the natural scent of your skin or enhance your body’s defense against bites:

1. Garlic

- The sulfur compounds in garlic, like allicin, are known to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

- Eating raw garlic can help deter mosquitoes, or you can infuse oils with garlic for a topical application.

2. Basil

- Basil contains eugenol, which is known to repel mosquitoes.

- Add fresh basil leaves to salads, pastas, or smoothies, or crush them and apply to exposed skin for natural repellent effects.

- Organic Basil hydrosol can be added to drinks like iced teas, a glass of water, or fruit juices for a refreshing flavor and mild mosquito-repelling properties. It’s gentle and safe for culinary use, adding a subtle herbaceous note.

3. Mint (Peppermint & Spearmint)

- The strong scent of mint has insect-repelling properties, particularly effective against mosquitoes.

- Add fresh mint to drinks, desserts, or use it as an herb in cooking. You can also crush mint leaves and rub them on exposed skin.

- Peppermint hydrosol or spearmint hydrosol can be used in drinks like iced mint tea, a glass of water, lemonade, or even in smoothies. It offers a cooling effect while also promoting mosquito repellent benefits.

4. Rosemary

- Rosemary contains camphor, which mosquitoes dislike.

- Add fresh rosemary to cooking or use it in herbal teas. You can also burn rosemary sprigs on a grill to ward off mosquitoes.

- Rosemary hydrosol can be added to food and drink recipes, such as a glass of water, herbal teas or salad dressings. It provides a mild rosemary flavor and can have a calming effect, while also offering insect-repelling properties.

5. Melissa (Lemon Balm)

- Melissa (Lemon balm), a member of the mint family, contains citronellal, which mosquitoes find unappealing.

- Add fresh melissa (lemon balm) to tea, salads, or desserts for a refreshing flavor while benefiting from its insect-repelling qualities.

- Melissa hydrosol is excellent for adding a citrusy, slightly minty flavor to drinks like herbal teas, a glass of water, lemonades, or even used in baked goods. It also provides a mild, natural mosquito repellent effect.

6. Catnip

- Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects, even more so than DEET in some cases.

- You can eat catnip leaves in salads or herbal teas for added benefits, and it’s often used in various culinary dishes as well.

- Catnip hydrosol can be added to water, iced teas, or smoothies. It’s a gentle way to enjoy its soothing and mosquito-repelling properties.

7. Oregano

- Oregano contains carvacrol, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.

- Add fresh oregano to Mediterranean dishes, pizza, or pasta for both its flavor and natural insect-repelling qualities.

- Oregano hydrosol is a great addition to dressings, marinades, or as a light flavor in soups. Or just add 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of water. It also helps provide mild insect-repelling properties.

8. Marigolds (Edible Varieties)

Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound found in some insect repellents.

Some marigold varieties are edible, and their petals can be added to salads or used as a garnish to add color and natural insect-repelling power.

Hydrosol Effectiveness in Food and Drink

Organic Hydrosols, being much milder than their essential oil counterparts, are generally considered safe for internal use. They retain many of the same therapeutic properties as essential oils but in a gentler, more palatable form. While they may not be as potent as the essential oils in repelling mosquitoes, they still offer mild insect-repellent benefits when consumed in food or drink. Plus, they can add unique and refreshing flavors to recipes!

Important: When using hydrosols in food and drink, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re using organic-certified, food-grade hydrosols that are free from any additives, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances. This ensures that the hydrosols are safe for consumption and retain their natural properties without harmful chemicals.

All of our Essenciagua hydrosols are organic certified and food-grade, ensuring the highest quality and safety for consumption.

Wear Light-Colored Clothing: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors because they retain more heat. Light-colored clothing, like pastels or whites, can make you less noticeable to mosquitoes.

Avoid Fragrances: Strong scents from perfumes, body lotions, and scented shampoos attract mosquitoes. Stick to fragrance-free or lightly-scented natural products. For added protection, use our Mousti'Pic Summer Care Oil or create your own essential oil blend using mosquito-repellent oils that have a more pleasant fragrance, such as Palmarosa, Atlas Cedarwood, Geranium, Melissa, Patchouli, or Peppermint. These natural alternatives will help keep mosquitoes at bay while providing a refreshing and calming scent.

Cover Up: When possible, wear long sleeves and pants. Loose-fitting clothing made from light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help protect your skin from mosquito bites while still keeping you cool in warm weather.

Natural Repellents and Home Remedies

Neem Oil: Known for its insect-repelling properties, neem oil can be used as a natural repellent. Its scent is strong but very effective against mosquitoes.

Plant-Based Mosquito Repellents: Growing plants like marigolds, lavender, basil, and citronella grass around your home can help reduce mosquito activity naturally.

Melissa (Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, and Catnip (Nepeta cataria) are both known for their strong mosquito-repellent properties. Consider growing them around your home or keeping them in pots to naturally ward off mosquitoes. These plants not only help keep insects at bay but also add a lovely touch to your garden or home environment.
You can use these as essential oils or in dried herb form to repel mosquitoes as well.

Areas to Avoid (and Why)

Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s essential to empty any standing water around your home, including in flowerpots, bird baths, or puddles. Keeping your environment free from standing water can significantly reduce mosquito populations near your home.

Dusk and Dawn: Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher. If possible, avoid being outside during these times, or take extra precautions, such as using repellent or wearing protective clothing.

Other Tips

Keep Cool: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat, so staying cool can help reduce your appeal to them. If you’re in a hot climate, try using fans to create air movement, which can make it harder for mosquitoes to land on you.

Herbal Sachets or Sprays: You can make your own mosquito repellent by mixing essential oils like lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus with witch hazel or vodka in a spray bottle. Keep it in your bag or near your outdoor seating areas for on-the-go protection.

Avoid Eating Bananas: While it's commonly known that garlic can help keep mosquitoes at bay, some people may not realize that bananas can attract mosquitoes. It’s believed that the compounds in bananas, particularly the sugar, may increase your attractiveness to these insects.

The Role of Carbon Dioxide:
Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide: They are drawn to the CO2 you exhale, especially in larger quantities. To minimize this attraction, avoid heavy breathing or overexertion, particularly during dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you’re outside during peak mosquito times, keep movement to a minimum to avoid increasing your CO2 emissions.