Mosquito-Free Naturally: 6 Natural Mosquito Repellents

Recent studies have linked DEET-based mosquito repellents to brain and neurological damage. So how do you avoid the mosquitoes and the dangerous effects of DEET? While Mother Nature offers dozens of different options, here are some of my top natural mosquito repellents:

1. Citronella—the old standby—use only pure essential oil of citronella—not fragrance oil. Oils purchased in bulk for burning are not adequate for applying topically to your skin. For your skin it is best to get a high quality citronella essential oil from a natural food store.

2. Soy oil—The New England Journal of Medicine reported that natural repellents made of soybean oil are just as effective as DEET-containing repellents. Soy oil is inexpensive and easy to find, making it an excellent choice. Plus, it is an excellent body moisturizer. As an aside, research shows that an ingredient in soy can slow the growth of body hair when applied topically. Choose organic soy oil if possible.

3. Catnip—an Iowa State University research group showed that the essential oil found in the herb catnip is about 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes in the laboratory.

Discover the mosquito repellent that the US National Research Council states is more effective than DEET…

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Noreen N.

4:37PM PDT on May 20, 2013

Mix those oils with a lavender or rose water spray and voila...all natural repellent

May 20
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Emrys M.

12:21AM PDT on May 19, 2013

nice, thanks.

May 19
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Duane B.

8:12AM PDT on May 18, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

May 18
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heather g.

1:26AM PDT on May 18, 2013

I've never seen Soy oil. 99% of Soy is GM, but I'll keep looking for organic soy oil. I take B12 every day, but will try and find B1 as well...... can't do any harm....
Thanks - I need all the help I can get because my body and skin reacts badly to mosquito stings....

Sonia M.

2:28PM PDT on May 17, 2013

Good ideas,thanks for sharing

May 17
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Amanda H.

4:53AM PDT on May 17, 2013

Thankyou very much Michelle - fortunately I absolutely LOVE eating garlic so this gives me an excuse to eat even more!!! And I love the smell of lavender. I am all for using natural remedies as opposed to chemicals in all aspects of lfe. Thankyou very much :-)

Anna U.

4:33AM PDT on May 17, 2013

Thanks for the ideas.

Sonny H.

1:58AM PDT on May 17, 2013

Thanks!

Lin M.

8:25PM PDT on May 16, 2013

I can see a child in 90 degree temps. wearing all those clothes. Will all neighborhood cats come to play if you use cat nip? Myself, I like the vit. B. since we all can probably use that. So what for the little ones? Have to try a few to see which work.