All Natural, Effective & Easy-to-make Mosquito Repellent

I spend a lot of time outside tending vegetables in my garden. As I'm particularly susceptible to mosquito bites,  I thoroughly spray mosquito repellent on my hands, ankles, and neck even though I wear long sleeves and pants. A pack of three mosquito repellent bottles I bought even before the season had begun and I used them all in the midst of summer. I wondered  how this repellent is made and searched how to make it easy at home. Then, I found a very easy way: a lemon mosquito repellent. All you need is lemon and water.

At first, I was skeptical. As I had two wilting lemons in the fridge, I decided to give it a try. I squeezed the juice of the lemon, poured a cup of water, boiled them together, cooled and put them in an empty spray bottle. To test it, I put it on my arms and neck and went out into the garden. The mosquitoes pierced my socks and bit my feet and ankles, but to my surprise, no mosquitoes bit me at all on my arm that was covered with the lemon spray. I was so curious that I looked it up to see how lemon water repels mosquitos.

Why Lemon?

Lemon is not just a fragrant fruit; it also has properties that make it a natural mosquito deterrent. The strong citrus scent of lemon, primarily due to the presence of citronella and limonene, is known to repel mosquitoes. 

How to make a lemon mosquito repellent:

Ingredients>

2 Fresh Lemons & 1 cup of Water

Essential Oils (optional): For added potency, you can use essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender.

Carrier Oil (optional): If you prefer an oil-based repellent, consider using a carrier oil like coconut oil.

Spray Bottle: For easy application.

Step-by-Step Guide>

1. Boil the squeezed lemon juice with water

2. Pour it into the spray bottle after cooling it.

Oil-Based Alternative>

If you prefer a longer-lasting formula, consider creating an oil-based repellent:

Combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 1/4 cup of coconut oil.

Add 10-15 drops of citronella or eucalyptus oil.

Stir well and apply directly to the skin.

This oil-based version not only repels mosquitoes but also nourishes your skin.

Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Reapply Often: Natural repellents generally don't last as long as their chemical counterparts. Reapply the lemon repellent every 1-2 hours, especially if you're sweating or spending extended time outdoors.

Test Before Use: While lemon is generally safe, it's always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Store Properly: Keep your lemon repellent in a cool, dark place, and use it within a week for the best results.

Creating your own lemon mosquito repellent is not only a safer alternative but also a fun DIY project that allows you to take control of the ingredients you use on your skin. With its pleasant aroma and effective mosquito-repelling properties, this lemon-based solution is sure to become a staple in your summer routine.

Embrace the power of nature and enjoy your outdoor adventures, mosquito-free!