--- title: "How to Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent" description: "There's no need to spray yourself with chemicals to deter mosquitos. These DIY mosquito repellent recipes are easy to make and will keep the bugs away." date: "2015-09-01" modified: "2026-08-06" authors: - name: "Jennifer Noonan" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-mosquito-repellent/" categories: - "DIY" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Outdoor Living" - "Pest Control" tags: - "How To" - "News" --- # How to Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent ![Woman with rolled-up shirtsleeve applies spray to inside of her forearm.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Mention DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in a crowded room, and you’re likely to hear a chorus of different opinions regarding its [potential toxicity]() and health implications. Against a backdrop of such uncertainty, perhaps the only sure fact is that many people—parents of young children, in particular—have begun to limit their use of insect repellents that contain potentially harmful chemicals and switch to natural alternatives instead. [Research shows]() that certain plant-based substances like citronella, neem, and eucalyptus can protect against host-seeking mosquitoes. In recent years, a handful of plant-based natural bug sprays have come on the market, but most or all tend to cost more than the average person wants to spend. The good news is that you can quickly and easily make your own homemade mosquito repellent, at low cost and exclusively with ingredients you feel comfortable using. Below, the best all-natural bug repellent recipes. **RELATED:** [**How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Naturally: Our 15 Best Tips**]() ## Project Overview ***Working Time****: 3 to 5 minutes* ***Total Time****: 5 minutes* ***Skill Level****: Beginner* ***Estimated Cost****: $5 to $10* ## Before You Begin Natural mosquito repellents can be effective, but they might not provide the same level of protection as chemical alternatives. You may need to reapply them frequently. It's also important to note that some essential oils used in these repellents, like [peppermint]() and eucalyptus oils, can be harmful to pets and children, so it's vital to keep them out of reach and avoid applying them around sensitive areas like the eyes or wounds. Finally, remember that note that most essential oils are flammable. When you’re not using them, keep them in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dark place to prevent accidents. ## Best Essential Oil Bug Repellents ![A wood table topped with ingredients such as essential oils, vinegar, lemons, coconut oil and others for making homemade mosquito repellants.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* The effectiveness of any homemade mosquito repellent hinges on essential oils, which can be used alone or in combinations of two or three. Several essential oils are known to work against pests, including: - Lemon - Lemongrass - Catnip - Citronella - Lavender - Geranium - Peppermint - Eucalyptus Choosing an oil for your DIY natural mosquito repellent is often just as simple as choosing which scent you prefer—you can even blend oils to create a more appealing scent. Be warned, though, that some combinations smell better than the sum of their parts. For instance, lavender blended with geranium and peppermint smells heavenly, while other blends just weren’t meant to be. Once you’ve settled on which oil or oils to use, the next step is to decide on a base—that is, a skin-friendly carrier for the mosquito-fighting essential oil. The six most popular carriers are witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, isopropyl alcohol, white vinegar, and lemon juice. For each base, you’ll find a tried-and-true repellent recipe below. ## 6 Recipes for Natural Mosquito Repellent Choose your preferred base and favorite scent among the following recipes to create a homemade mosquito repellent that is effective and DEET-free. ### 1. Witch Hazel ![Woman squirts witch hazel into a measuring cup as she makes homemade mosquito repellent.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 1/3 cup [witch hazel]() 40 drops of [essential oil]() In a small [spray bottle](), combine the witch hazel with an equal amount of water. Because witch hazel doesn’t have its own odor, it pairs well with virtually any type of essential oil. After adding about 40 drops of oil, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients and [get rid of mosquitoes]() for good. ### 2. Apple Cider Vinegar ![Woman squeezes essential oils into a measuring cup filled with apple cider vinegar, a bottle of apple cider vinegar nearby.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 1/4 cup [apple cider vinegar]() 40 drops of [essential oil]() Combine the apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of water in a small spray bottle. Next, add in your chosen essential oil, noting that rosemary, lavender, and peppermint best complement the somewhat strong scent of the base. Give the bottle a good shake to finish. ### 3. Coconut Oil ![Woman squeezes essential oils into a measuring cup with a jar of coconut oil nearby.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 1/3 cup [coconut oil]() 15 drops of [essential oil]() Sweet-scented [coconut oil]() makes for the least offensive base where children are concerned. Add the coconut oil to a small, lidded jar, then follow with essential oil (peppermint or lavender are both good bets). Shake, then apply the mixture by hand. **RELATED: [15 DIY Solutions for a Pest-Free Home]()** ### 4. Isopropyl Alcohol ![Woman pours isopropyl alcohol into a measuring cup.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 1/2 cup [isopropyl alcohol]() 1/2 cup water 25 drops of [essential oil]() Isopropyl alcohol is similar to witch hazel but should be diluted with equal parts water in this homemade mosquito repellent recipe. Combine the alcohol and water in a [spray bottle](), add about 25 drops of your favorite pest-fighting essential oil such as catnip, shake it up, and spray it on. It’s important to note that with this solution and others, you should always test it on a small area of skin first. Watch for irritation and other allergic reactions before spraying it all over your body. ### 5. White Vinegar ![Woman pours white vinegar into a measuring cup.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 1 cup [white vinegar]() 50 drops of [essential oil]() Like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar comes with a pungent odor, but it makes for a good base. Mix it with pleasant-smelling essential oils such as citronella and eucalyptus to take down the vinegar scent while deterring mosquito pests. ### 6. Lemon Juice ![Woman wearing rubber gloves squeezes cut lemons onto hand and into a measuring cup.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### SUPPLIES 3 fresh-squeezed lemons, juiced 2 cups of water If lemon juice is as effective at repelling mosquitoes as it is at cleaning the house, this recipe is worth a shot! Combine the juice of three lemons and two cups of water in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and let it steep for about 1 hour. Allow the mixture to completely cool and add it to a spray bottle. As with all of these homemade mosquito repellent recipes, be careful not to spray or rub it in the eyes or on open cuts and scratches. **RELATED:** [**3 Cheap and Easy Ways to Make a DIY Mosquito Trap**]() Compared with their commercial cousins, homemade mosquito repellents tend not to last as long. Once the smell dissipates (after a couple of hours), expect to reapply the treatment. Also be aware that while natural bug repellent solutions can be highly effective, they may not stand up to the most unforgiving tests—say, a weeklong hiking trip deep into the backwoods. That said, for everyday circumstances, such as lazing away the afternoon on a backyard hammock, natural solutions offer wonderfully pleasant protection and, yes, peace of mind. ## FAQ ## Author A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()