Say Goodbye to Mozzies: Natural Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work

Every time summer rolls in here in Auckland, it’s the same story—sunny evenings, BBQs on the deck, maybe a cheeky cider… and then boom, mosquitoes. Out of nowhere. And I swear, they always go for the same poor sucker (usually me).

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m not keen on slathering my skin with chemical sprays that smell like a hardware store aisle.

So here’s the good news: there are heaps of natural remedies you can use instead. Ones that don’t smell toxic, won’t mess with your skin, and actually do a solid job keeping mozzies at bay.

1. DIY Essential Oil Spray

This one’s a classic. Mix the following in a little spray bottle:

• 10 drops lavender oil
• 10 drops citronella oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus or tea tree oil
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka (yep, really)
• Top up with water

Shake it up before every use and spray it on your skin or clothes. Smells good, feels clean, and mozzies hate it.

2. Grow These Plants Around Your Home

Some plants are natural mozzie repellents. Pop these in pots by your doorway, patio, or windows:

• Citronella grass – the real deal, not just the candle version
• Lavender – beautiful and bug-repellent
• Lemongrass – bonus points, you can cook with it
• Mint – great in drinks, terrible for mozzies
• Basil – especially lemon basil, which has a citrus edge
• Rosemary – hardy and aromatic

3. Clove and Lime Trick

This old-school remedy is weird but works. Cut a lime in half, stick 10–12 cloves into each half, and place them near where you’re sitting or sleeping. Mozzies hate the smell.

Plus, it looks kinda cool—like some sort of herbal science project.

4. Burn Dried Herbs

Got a fire pit or BBQ? Throw a few dried sage or rosemary sprigs into the flame. The smoke smells amazing to us, but mosquitoes can’t stand it. Great for evenings outside when the bites usually kick off.

5. Make a Vanilla Body Rub

Vanilla extract mixed with a bit of water or coconut oil can be dabbed on your skin.

It smells lovely, and there’s something about it that mozzies avoid. Use real vanilla extract, not the fake stuff. (You’ll smell like cookies. Not a bad outcome.)

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic (Internal Method)

This one’s for the die-hards: drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water once or twice a day during mozzie season.

Some folks swear it changes your body’s scent just enough to make you less attractive to mozzies. Can’t say it’s foolproof, but hey—it’s good for digestion too.

7. Garlic (Plant It and Eat It)

Garlic’s strong smell acts like a natural barrier in the garden. Crush a few cloves and scatter them around sitting areas, or grow some along walkways. Eating garlic regularly might even help deter bites.

Though… you might deter your date too, just sayin’.

8. Coconut Oil + Essential Oils

Mixing essential oils (like peppermint, neem, or eucalyptus) with a base of coconut oil makes a great skin-safe rub.

It sticks better than water sprays and acts as a moisturiser too. Just don’t wear white—some oils can stain if you go heavy.

9. Coffee Grounds in Standing Water

If you’ve got birdbaths, old pots, or trays that collect water, toss in some used coffee grounds.

It messes with mosquito larvae and stops them breeding. Less larvae, fewer mozzies later.

10. Keep a Fan Running

Mozzies are weak fliers. A strong breeze from a standing fan is like a full-on hurricane for them.

Stick one by your bed or on the porch when you’re chilling outside. Easy, chemical-free fix.