We all know that mosquitoes can carry all kinds of disease leading to the main reason we don’t want to get bit. Most well noted in the US encephalitis and meningitis. There are also the following viruses: West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis, and Eastern equine and Western equine encephalitis.

Some people still use DEET products but there are several reasons not to.. Reported reactions include rashes, irritation of the skin, irritation of mucous membranes, numbness and burning sensation. More concerning is that DEET has been linked to nerve damage. (SOURCE)

So, lets talk about a more natural approach to mosquito repellent. Here are a few plants that have a history of use as natural mosquito repellent — Eucalyptus – Lavender – Cinnamon – Thyme – Citronella – lemon balm – lemon grass – Geranium – Rosemary – Basil – Mint – Marigolds – Cedar.

We have a small deck out the back door that is screened in. Even so, they still manage to get thru every time the door is open and shut.

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I will say that these DIY sachets I made are nothing fancy because I grabbed what I had available to get something out their now. I am sure you will have ideas popping into your head for adorable little sachets that will put mine to shame. Right now — I just want them to work.

What you need: Scissors, about 3 feet of string or twine (cut in half so each sachet has about 1 and 1/2 feet to hang them with, a 12×12 piece of tulle or lace material, some cotton balls and essential oils such what was listed above. I used a combination of Peppermint, Spearmint and Lemongrass.

I hung them inside the patio in front of the screen and close to the door where the mosquitoes come in when we go in or out. It should help to keep them away.

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There are many ways you can use plants to help with mosquito control and the first one is planting some specific herbs and/or flowers in your garden.

If you are planning a herb garden be sure to add one or more of thyme, mint, lemon grass, rosemary or basil. If your adding flowers – Be sure to add some geranium and marigolds.

Don’t forget to put some in pots to place in the areas you frequent such as your patio, deck and barbecue area’s. They can also be helpful at your front door.

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TIP: Make an extra sachet for the dryer — or put a few drops of essential oils that are listed above on a cloth (preferable cotton) and toss in the dryer with your clothes. TADA.. some natural repellent right on your clothing and you smell great too.

Make your own mosquito repellent: You always see the spray on recipes with a mix of essential oils and things like witch hazel or vodka. I don’t believe most of these homemade spray on’s really work that well because all the ingredients never really get mixed together. The oils always separate. However, you can make your own rub on or roll on. And some of the essential oil brands make a pre-made mix you can roll or spray on.

You can buy your own empty ROLL ON BOTTLES and mix up a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Fill the roll on bottle about half or so with the carrier, add about 8 drops of your choice of mentioned essential oils, then finish filling it with carrier oil. Roll or shake the bottle to mix it up

Our personal choice has been to simply purchase the pre-made as they are very inexpensive.

Last year I bought 2 bottles of the SPRAY ON and was not sure that was enough for both my husband and myself. They were bigger than I thought. One bottle lasted us thru the mosquito season and I don’t have to buy another one for this season.

Share your DIY bug repellent with us and tell us what are your favorite oils for keeping the sketters away..

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Linda Carlson – Certified Nutrition & Wellness Counselor (retired) with 25+ years background.

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