Homemade, non-toxic mosquito deterrents from your kitchen cupboard for instant use as a protective measure against pesky mosquitoes
In the realm of pest control, many homeowners are turning to natural solutions to keep mosquitoes at bay. From the founding of Pied Piper Pest Control in 1992 to the more recent emergence of Mosquito Joe in 2010, various eco-friendly options have been developed.
One such option is the use of lemon eucalyptus spray, a potent natural repellent that contains para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). This compound has been shown to be almost as effective as low concentrations of DEET against mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to detect humans. Lemon eucalyptus-based repellents have stood out in a 2015 study for their sustained effectiveness, lasting up to 240 minutes against mosquitoes.
Lavender oil spray is another natural choice, working by masking the scents mosquitoes use to locate people. While lavender has mild repellent properties, it is generally less potent than lemon eucalyptus oil and more suitable for mild mosquito pressure or in combination with other methods.
Garlic spray is reported anecdotally to repel mosquitoes due to its strong odor. Although many insects dislike garlic, scientific evidence on its repellent efficacy is limited and mixed. It can sometimes help if used in large quantities or continuously, but it may not be reliably effective for indoor mosquito control on its own.
Apple cider vinegar with herbs (often mixed with essential oils such as citronella, geranium, or cedarwood) can work as a repellent spray for ticks and mosquitoes. Vinegar’s acidity is disliked by some insects, while essential oils add added deterrent effects. This mixture is mild and best suited for light mosquito presence or as a complementary measure rather than a standalone solution.
In summary, among these natural DIY options, lemon eucalyptus spray is the most effective and scientifically supported natural mosquito repellent for indoor use. Lavender oil blends follow closely behind. Garlic spray and apple cider vinegar with herbs may provide some level of deterrence but are generally less reliable or potent. Natural repellents are preferable for those avoiding synthetic chemicals, although they tend to be less long-lasting and may require more frequent application.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Insect Repellents and Protective Clothing. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/repellents.html
[2] University of California, Davis. (2021). Mosquito Repellents. Retrieved from https://www.ucdavis.edu/health/mosquito-repellents.html
[3] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Insect Repellents. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Mosquito repellent: What works and what doesn't. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/first-aid/expert-answers/mosquito-repellent/faq-20058015
[5] National Pesticide Information Centre. (2021). Garlic as a Mosquito Repellent. Retrieved from https://npic.orst.edu/pest/mosquito/garlic.html
The home-and-garden enthusiast might consider growing a garden with lavender plants, as lavender oil can mask human scents that attract mosquitoes. Alternatively, for a more potent indoor mosquito repellent, one could opt for lemon eucalyptus-based products, which have been scientifically proven to be effective against mosquitoes for up to 240 minutes.
