6 Ways to Beat Mosquitoes Naturally

‘Tis the season for sunshine, barbecues, and mosquitoes.

Before you grab that DEET-based mosquito repellent in an effort to keep the mosquitoes at bay, consider that research at Duke University links diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) use to brain damage —no wonder the mosquitoes leave at the first scent of it. Perhaps we’d be wise to follow their lead and stay clear of the stuff. Check out my article tomorrow on the dangers of DEET mosquitorepellents.

Here are six natural options that mosquitoes hate and you’ll soon love. You don’t have to worry about DEET-induced brain cell damage or scratching yourself to death. And, if you still think that natural means less effective, keep reading. Some of these mosquito repellents are MORE EFFECTIVE THAN DEET!

1. Citronella
The old standby. Be sure you’re using pure essential oil, not fragrance oil, which is ineffective and potentially dangerous. Most mosquito repellent products “containing citronella” are made with fragrance oil and should be avoided. If you’re applying citronella to your skin, dilute it in a carrier oil or natural moisturizer. A few drops per tablespoon of oil or cream is all that is needed.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KS G.

4:24AM PST on Nov 23, 2011

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

Abbe A.

9:25AM PDT on Sep 3, 2011

What's worked best for me is buzz off clothing. It's poisonous, but you can take it off when you're back indoors.

heather g.

12:20AM PDT on Jul 11, 2011

Mosquitoes love me and I'm very allergic to them. It helps if I can deal with the bite immediately and take an allergy capsule asap. If not, the process can take a fortnight or more to heal and can also leave scars. They seem to aim at that one little spot without repellent. I'll try citronella - which also repels cats... Thanks, I'll try virtually anything as allergies are really unpleasant.

Merelen K.

3:44PM PDT on Jul 10, 2011

Just what I needed last week! I'll try some of these to avoid getting devoured by mosquitoes again.

Sonny H.

5:54PM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

I will try soy oil in a moisturizer.

Santanita G.

10:58PM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

Just tried using lavender essential oil as a mosquito repellent at the lake. The mosquitos out here must not have gotten the memo about lavender.

Adam K.

2:05PM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

Useful information if I ever feel the need for insect repellant.

Elizabeth M.

1:29PM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

Thanks Michelle. Saw this article before but did not save it, and now the mosquitos back up two blocks and race right at me!!! Masses of them right now, and it is making gardening unpleasant. I don't like using the products with DEET, but couldn't remember which oils to get.

3:26AM PDT on Jun 24, 2011

Shaklee's Basic H works.

Margarita R.

2:14PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

Ooops! My comment got cut! Anyway, I was saying that lavender makes me nauseous, but I can try the other tips I read.

I think the eucalyptus and Flexall tips are related as the main ingredient in many muscle rubs (including Flexall and Ben Gay) is menthol. Check the list and see what's out there.
Good luck.