Add 10 drops of lemongrass oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil to 60 ml of a carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil) with boiled water and vodka to your spray bottle to make a great homemade mosquito repellent spray that works best.
Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied. When using insecticides, always follow label directions.
One of the most effective DIY repellents calls for just coconut oil and peppermint, says Harlow-Ellis. "While this combination of scents is delightful to humans, it will chase away mosquitoes," she says. To make it, mix 1/3 cup coconut oil and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a jar.
Vinegar, witch hazel, and essential oil: Combine ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ witch hazel, and 20 drops of any essential oil such as rosemary, citronella, tea tree, cedar, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. Fill a spray container halfway with the mixture and shake well before using.
As an alternative, many natural replacements for the DEET ridden repellents include apple cider vinegar. Mosquitoes dislike the smell and taste of the vinegar, and will leave you alone so you can enjoy your BBQ.
Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Apple cider vinegar: It's a truly multipurpose remedy that can help with so many things, including mosquitoes. Add equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it on areas where mosquitoes tend to hang out. You can even spray it on yourself to keep them away.
How do mosquitoes find me? Mosquitoes use many methods to locate us. Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans and other animals emit. They also use their receptors and vision to pick up on other cues like body heat, perspiration and skin odor to find a potential host.
Ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus work well," says Laura C. Harrington, a professor in Cornell University's entomology department. Mosquito repellents come in a variety of formulas and some naturally provide a bit more protection than others.
Q: Does Dawn dish soap kill mosquito larvae? A: Yes, Dawn dish soap can kill mosquito larvae in standing water by suffocating them.
Acetic acid makes vinegar an excellent tool for pest control, repelling some of the most common backyard nuisances and even killing weaker insects. It's most effective against ants, spiders, and mosquitos. You can keep spiders from entering your home by spraying vinegar around your property's perimeter and entryways.
The two main culprits I'm referring to are mosquitoes and sand fleas. Fortunately, I have learned two things that keep these critters away and you only need 4 simple items: 2 Spray Bottles, a bottle of Listerine Mint Mouthwash, and bottle of Pine-sol (or eucalyptus oil for a more natural spray).
Deter Insects
We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant.
Peppermint Oil
People will use it to treat everything from skin problems to depression. Peppermint oil can also be extremely useful in pest control, especially at keeping mosquitoes away. Most pests cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil, even though a lot of humans love it. It's also toxic to many insects.
Pesticide mixtures of household ingredients like dish soap, garlic, and vinegar (Figure 1) may seem harmless and safer than storebought formulated pesticides, but they can actually pose unrealized risks.
To make the repellent, mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1 cup apple cider (or white) vinegar, adding 10 to 25 drops of each of the essential oils (you don't need to use all of the above, but the mixture will be more effective if you do). Pour into a spray bottle, shake and apply to arms and legs.
Toothpaste Why it Works: A dab of toothpaste on the bite will act as an astringent, drawing itchy venom from the wound as it dries. Menthol in the toothpaste will also provide a “cooling” sensation that will occupy the nerves in the same way ice does, relieving discomfort.
Swab the bite with rubbing alcohol.
“Rubbing alcohol works really well in reducing itching and that histamine response,” Day says, adding that he always carries individually wrapped alcohol wipes when he's studying mosquitoes in the field.
Applying petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) is an easy way to bring down itching while you wait to treat bites more efficiently. “It forms a protective seal over the skin that allows the barrier to repair itself, especially if you've been scratching,” Dr. Zeichner explains.
Windex – Windex is one of the most common and most effective DIY household products for pest control. Windex is toxic to most pests, especially spiders. Spraying window cleaner directly onto small insects like ants or mosquitoes will kill them within a few moments.