Tired of stepping outside only to have a bunch of itchy red bumps on your arms and legs from a mosquito strike? We are too. Mosquitos are infamous for leaving bites that take days to disappear. Our experts at Palmetto Mosquito Control want to help you solve this problem before it starts. 

You have probably used some form of mosquito repellent when camping or going for a hike, but many of these sprays contain harsh chemicals such as picaridin and permethrin, leaving many people searching for a more natural alternative to fight off these persistent pests. One alternative to bug spray that has been flying around is essential oils.

What’s So Essential About Essential Oils?

Essential oils are oils extracted from plants with strong aromas such as peppermint and lavender and have become a popular item used in diffusers, natural perfumes, and health remedies. No wonder they say the earth is healing. 

While these oils boast many benefits, they can be a skeptical choice for mosquito repelling due to their lack of regulation through the EPA. Without EPA approval, certain essential oils can contain hidden ingredients and may not be as effective as they claim to be. Essential oils also may not be as effective due to certain methods of use. Despite this, essential oils can be an excellent mosquito repellent if you purchase the right ones and use them the correct way. 

How to Find the Best Natural Repellents

The higher the quality, the higher the repelling strength 

It is important that you purchase essential oils in their purest form. No added chemicals. No unnecessary ingredients. Though higher quality typically means higher prices, it can be a worthy purchase if it fights off unwanted pests. 

Choose the right oils

Be careful to not choose an oil that, though it repels mosquitos, can attract other pests or one that doesn’t repel mosquitoes at all. Some of the best essential oils for mosquito repelling are:

• Lavender 
• Citronella 
• Lemon Eucalyptus 
• Peppermint 
• Tea Tree 

Citronella is arguably the most effective on the list with the ability to keep you protected for up to two hours. Another honorable mention is Lemon Eucalyptus which is approved by the CDC as a natural repelling agent. Make sure to research the strength of these oils so you know how often you need to re-apply for full coverage. 

DIY Pest Repellent

In some cases, direct application of these oils can be harsh on your skin, so it can be beneficial to make your own mosquito repellent formula at home. You can do so by combining the essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, avocado, and olive oil. This will create a more skin-friendly repellent. That way, your skin will be safe from strong oils and mosquitoes. 

Is Natural Repellent the Way to Go?

It is no secret essential oils are loved by us and hated by pests, but can they really do the trick? The short answer is yes, as long as you use it within the correct criteria that we previously discussed. Pure, high-quality essential oils can work wonders in fighting off mosquitoes, and at the same time, release sweet aromas. If you are skeptical of this alternative due to its lack of EPA regulation, typical store-bought mosquito repellents are still a great, effective option too. If you want a longer and more dependable means of mosquito control, please contact our mosquito control experts at Palmetto Mosquito Control for a solution for your home.