How to Make DIY Mosquito Repellent
There’s nothing like a warm evening outside—until mosquitoes crash the party. Those sneaky little buzzers have a way of finding you the second you sit down with a drink.
I’ve had my fair share of slap-fests on the porch, so I started experimenting with DIY mosquito repellents that don’t rely on harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets.
Turns out, there are quite a few ways to keep mosquitoes at bay using simple ingredients from around the house.
Essential Oil Spray – The Backyard Staple
If you’ve got essential oils lying around, you’re halfway there. This mix is one I use all the time—it’s fresh-smelling, effective, and easy on the skin.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz witch hazel (or vodka)
- 2 oz distilled water
- 50–75 drops of essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, or peppermint
Mix it all in a spray bottle, give it a good shake, and spritz lightly on your skin or clothes. Reapply every couple of hours, especially if it’s hot out.
Lemon eucalyptus and citronella seem to work best for me, but the combo is totally up to you.
Cinnamon Water Spray – Spicy & Effective
This one smells like apple pie and works surprisingly well. Cinnamon has natural mosquito-repelling properties, plus it’s cheap and easy to use.
To make it:
- Boil 2 cups of water
- Add 1 tsp dish soap and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Let it cool, strain if you want, then pour into a spray bottle
It’s great for misting around the patio, doors, or even lightly over your clothes (test it first if you’re wearing white!).
Aloe & Vinegar Soothe-and-Repel Spray
This one is more of a two-in-one: it repels and also soothes bites if you’ve already been attacked.
Here’s the mix:
- ¼ cup boiling water
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- 1 tbsp Epsom salts
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 10 drops citronella, 10 drops lemon eucalyptus, and 20 drops of any other bug-fighting oils
Let it cool, shake well, and spray on arms, legs, or even around the outdoor seating area. It’s gentle and smells really pleasant—not overpowering like commercial sprays.
Clove Water Infusion – Earthy and Old-School
Whole cloves are underrated. This one takes a couple of days to prep, but it’s effective and doesn’t cost much.
How to do it:
- Fill a jar with whole cloves to cover the bottom
- Pour boiling water over them, seal the jar, and refrigerate for 2–3 days
- Strain and pour into a spray bottle
This makes a natural, clove-scented mist that works well on porch cushions, clothes, or even directly on skin for short periods. It’s earthy and warming—not a bad scent to have around.
Natural Plants & Scents That Mosquitoes Hate
If you’ve got a green thumb, there are some plants that do more than just look pretty. They actually help repel mosquitoes naturally.
Top picks:
- Citronella
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Basil
- Catnip
- Marigolds
You can plant them in pots around your patio or crush a few leaves in your fingers and rub the oil on your skin.
It’s not super long-lasting, but it helps when you’re in a pinch.
Add-On Tricks for Outdoor Zones
Sometimes spray isn’t enough. Here’s what I’ve added to my setup for maximum mosquito-blocking:
- Use a fan: A strong breeze from a standing fan makes it hard for mosquitoes to fly. It seriously works.
- Switch to yellow bug lights: Mosquitoes are less drawn to yellow-hued bulbs.
- Burn dried coffee grounds: Light them like incense in a fire-safe dish—mosquitoes hate the smell.
Quick Recipe Table
| Method | Key Ingredients | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Oil Spray | Witch hazel, water, essential oils | Day-to-day body spray |
| Cinnamon Spray | Water, cinnamon, dish soap | General misting & outdoor seating |
| Aloe & Vinegar Spray | Witch hazel, aloe, Epsom salt, oils | Evening skin spray & after-bite care |
| Clove Infusion | Whole cloves steeped in water | Spray on surfaces, cushions |
| Natural Plants | Citronella, lavender, mint, basil | Perimeter planting or leaf rubbing |
| Outdoor Extras | Fan, yellow light, coffee grounds | Add-ons for patios or BBQs |
Mosquitoes might be part of summer, but they don’t have to ruin it. With a few natural ingredients, you can make your own effective repellents without relying on store-bought chemical sprays.
Mix and match a couple of these and see what works best for your space. Personally, I keep the essential oil spray in my bag all summer long—and my fan is practically part of the furniture at this point.
So go on, reclaim your backyard, deck, or garden. No more itchy ankles. Just you, the stars, and a mozzie-free breeze.
