Different species of mosquitoes — like the ones that carry malaria — prefer bacteria and sweat. Others are attracted to carbon dioxide and certain hand odors.
Whichever species you encounter, you can protect yourself without having to use a DEET-based chemical repellent. DEET products have the potential to cause health and environmental problems.
You might choose to avoid using DEET products unless you’re visiting places that have a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika. DEET is recommended for people at risk of mosquito bites carrying any disease.
Insect Repellent Organic
Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.
A 2014 studyTrusted Source showed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.
DIY
You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Researchers from the University of Florida caution against using the mixture on children under 3 years of age.
Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes.
An animal study from 2002Trusted Source on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes.
Lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin.
DIY
You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.
Cinnamon is more than just a great topper to applesauce or oatmeal. According to a study in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill off mosquito eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito.
DIY
To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.
When it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. In one animal study from 2002Trusted Source, 5 percent thyme oil applied to the skin of hairless mice provided a 91 percent protection rate.
You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. ResearchTrusted Source shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
DIY
For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.
Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. The white and pink flowers grow up to 18 inches, but it’s the extract and oil from the bruised leaves that’s the most valuable.
One studyTrusted Source found that oil from the plant could repel mosquitoes effectively for 2 to 3 hours. Researchers at Iowa State University also found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Block Kids (2 percent soybean oil) could provide long lasting protection from mosquitoes.
DIY
In addition to soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combinationTrusted Source has been tested to guard against different species of mosquitoes.
Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection.
Research from 2011Trusted Source says that the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. When the product is formulated correctly, it’s as effective as DEET and can protect you for up to 2 hours. If the formula isn’t right, citronella can evaporate quickly and leave you unprotected.
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent.
Field testingTrusted Source shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.
Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It’s from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose. As an ingredient in mosquito repellent, it’s known to be effective for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the species.
Keep this oil away from your eyes, and try to avoid using it if you have sensitive skin. Geraniol may cause eye and skin irritation.
Although neem oil is advertised as a natural alternative, there are mixed results about its effectiveness. A 2015 studyTrusted Source about the effectiveness of neem oil in Ethiopia found that it offered more than 70 percent protection for 3 hours.
Neem oil is not approved as a topical repellent because it can cause skin irritation. It’s still best to use DEET when traveling to a country that’s high risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
DIY
To repel mosquitoes with neem oil, dilute 50 to 100 milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. It’s also important to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed neem oil.
Insect Repellent Organic
Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.
Essential oils aren’t regulated Trusted Source by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s possible to buy a faulty product, so always buy from a reputable source.
If you are going to be traveling in an area where mosquitoes are known to carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, or the Zika virus, doctors advise using a chemical mosquito repellent to reduce the odds of contracting a dangerous illness.
It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients in essential oils. Before you use any new product, spot test the product on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or burning sensations do not occur.
List Of Insect Repellent Organic
- ALL NATURAL BUG SPRAY – Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray repels insects naturally with the pleasant aroma of Citronella, Rosemary, and Lemongrass essential oils. These pure essential oils naturally keep bugs, mosquitos and insects away from you and your family.
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE – Badger mosquito repellent spray doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals, DEET, or petroleum products. Tested to provide 3 hours of protection from mosquitos. Gluten Free, Cruelty Free, & Vegan.
- PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS – Protect yourself and your kids on your next outdoor adventure (hiking, camping, outdoor dining, sports, or a day at the beach) with Badger bug spray.
- CONVENIENT PACKAGING – Aluminum bottle is sturdy, lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to recycle. Available in 4oz and 2.7oz TSA approved travel size.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Badger is a family owned, women run B Corporation (Benefit Corp) making organic bug sprays and other natural skin care products that we use on our own families in rural New Hampshire since 1995. Read our ingredients, see what others say about our products, and try them for yourself.
Additional Info :
| Color | Multi |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5 Inches |
| Width | 2 Inches |
| Length | 10 Inches |
| Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Made without DEET, alcohol, and other harsh additives.
- ALL NATURAL: Formulated with natural plant-based ingredients like citronella, and lemongrass essential oils to repel bugs and insects the natural way.
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Apply by spraying directly on exposed skin. When applying to the face, spray product into hands first and then gently apply avoiding the eyes and mouth. Adult supervision required during application to children.
- FREE-FROM: Deet, Alcohol, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Dyes.
- GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE PLANET: USDA Organic and responsibly made in small batches using the highest quality ingredients.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
- Proven 98-100% repellency against Yellow Fever Mosquitoes – Tested by the largest pest testing lab in the U.S.
- EPA Regulatory Compliance, Deet- Free, Refreshing Herbal Scent, Fine Mist Spray, Alcohol Free, Cruelty Free Product, Not Tested on Animals – Leaping Bunny Program
- Allowed to bring on an airplane. (Put in a one quart-sized zip top bag by TSA rule)
- Proudly made in USA. Exported and sold in many countries.
- The manufacturing facility is USDA certified, GMP-certified. Original Product with USDA Seal that Certifies it to be Organic and Not Manufactured by Private Label Manufacturer
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.48 Inches |
| Width | 1.39 Inches |
| Length | 1.39 Inches |
- REPELS & PROTECTS. Powered by Wondercide’s proven-to-work spray formula that repels 98% of mosquitoes, this insect repellent spray is a safe, effective control method for repelling bugs. In addition to being a plant-based mosquito repeller, this spray will kill and repel hundreds of common pests, such as gnats, ticks, fleas, no-see-ums, spiders, and other biting flies.
- GENTLE ON KIDS, EASY-TO-USE. Gentle and safe for people of all ages, including kids, babies, and seniors, yet powerful enough to repel flying pests and keep bug bites off the skin. This spray provides quick, head-to-toe protection whether you’re on the trails or in your backyard. Just spray on and stay protected.
- DEET-FREE & VERSATILE. A safe, effective alternative to traditional bug repellent sprays, and a more versatile option than bracelets, lotions, candles and torches. Our plant-based mosquito repellent spray is perfect to bring on your outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, walks, or other on-the-go activities.
- NO NASTY INGREDIENTS. Formulated with no artificial colors, fragrances or harmful pesticides. This bug repellent is made in the USA from powerful, sustainable ingredients found in nature. Cruelty free and biodegradable.
- POWERED BY NATURE, AS POWERFUL AS DEET. Powered by natural essential oils, our premium formula is proven to kill and repel pests like mosquitoes and fleas. Safe for use on adults, children, and pets when used as directed. DEET-free.
Additional Info :
| Color | Peppermint |
- Premium Baby Insect Repellent. More than a mosquito repellent for kids, this fast absorbing spray can also repel biting flies, ticks, and fleas.
- Full Body Protection. This plant based bug spray can be sprayed over arms, legs, and exposed skin, as well as external clothing and layers.
- No harsh Chemicals. Protecting your baby is as important to you as it is to us, which is why our bug repellent contains no DEET or other harsh chemicals.
- Pure, plant based Ingredients. We only use pure essential oils in our formula, including lemongrass, cedar, and citronella, for true cruelty free protection.
- Unbeatable Quality Assurance. As a brand trusted by parents all over, we aim to provide you with the fastest, most reliable product and customer support possible.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2.2 Inches |
| Width | 2.2 Inches |
| Length | 6 Inches |
| Weight | 0.41 Pounds |