How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Naturally

May 24, 2022 Biome

Summer is here, and so are the mozzies. Those pesky little bugs manage to find their way onto the surface of your skin even when you're inside the house. Many of us opt for commercial sprays and repellents, but these products often contain harsh chemicals that can be irritating to the skin and harmful to the environment.

Wondering how to prevent mozzies from biting you without synthetic chemical-based products? We've got you covered whether you're enjoying the outdoors, in the backyard, or indoors. In this article, we explain how to get rid of mosquitoes naturally.

What Repels Mosquitoes From Biting You?

Before we get into how to drive away mosquitoes naturally, let's take a look at how commonly-used insect repellents work. Insect repellents don't actually kill mosquitoes; they deter them from biting you because mozzies hate the smell!

Mozzie coils: are commonly used to deter bugs, but leading scientists believe they can be highly toxic and should be avoided. The full ingredients are rarely disclosed on the packaging of mozzie coils, and experts believe many contain harmful chemicals including pyrethroid (synthetic pyrethrum), allethrin, formaldehyde, and lung carcinogens. Although they may get rid of mosquitoes, studies have shown significant potential health effects from breathing in allethrin and particles in the smoke that don't seem worth the trade-off!

Bug spray or lotion: DEET is one of the main ingredients found in conventional mosquito repellents. Mosquitoes are attracted to our body heat, the chemicals in our sweat (all of which are hard to stop producing in summer), and the carbon dioxide we breathe out! DEET and other harmful chemicals are used to mask the smell so that mosquitoes can not find you. However, it's not the safest option for you or the planet. DEET is been known to cause rashes, soreness, or even blistering when applied directly to the skin. As it's only been used by the public since 1957, the long term consequences of DEET are still being studied. Fortunately, if it gets into the soil when you're outside, DEET can be effectively broken down by microbes. However, it doesn't dissolve well if leached into waterways. It is very toxic for freshwater fish and insects, so it's certainly not the safest choice when it comes to the environment.

What's the alternative? Luckily, natural ingredients with a strong scent can deter mosquito bites as effectively as DEET without harming your skin, the environment, or wildlife.

How To Repel Mozzies The Natural Way

So, is there a natural way to stop mosquitoes from biting you? There sure is! Many people are turning to natural repellent products instead of commonly-used commercial ones. A natural way to repel mosquitoes is a great alternative if your skin is sensitive to chemicals and mozzie repellents leave you even itchier. They're also ideal if you struggle with the synthetic fragrance of regular repellents, as the natural alternatives usually contain lovely, fragrant essential oils. A natural repellent is also great if you're simply looking for a more eco-friendly option.

What's The Best Mosquito Repellent?

1. Essential Oil Deterrent Sprays

Deterrent spray is the most common form of insect repellent. Most natural sprays that repel insects are based on a blend of essential oils plus sugar-derived ethanol and plant oils that dilute the essential oils to make them safe to apply to your skin.

Biome has created our own effective and pleasant smelling Mozzie Mist, plus we have Lil Bit's Shoo Natural Bug Spray that is safe for children and babies. It's based on a blend of citronella, lavender, lemongrass and rosemary essential oils. Other essentials oils such as cedarwood, tea tree, thyme, and blue cypress essential oils, also repel flies, mosquitoes, sandflies, and midges in Australia.

If you want to save money by making your own, here is a recipe for our Easy DIY Mosquito Repellent.

Caution: with essential oil repellents, always patch test first for sensitivities. Pregnant women should seek advice from a medical professional before using essential oils. You should also expect to reapply natural repellents more often than generic ones. Essential oil sprays and conventional toxic chemical mosquito repellents should not be used on babies or children under three.

2. Burning Sandalwood

Another way to stop mosquitoes from biting you is to burn sandalwood. Our New Mountain Sandalwood Diffuser disperses the sandalwood smoke horizontally at a low level. It's also designed to catch the ash and protect children and pets from the burning tip. We have a portable version, or you can simply burn the sandalwood sticks by themselves and stick them upright in pot plants or holders. It's a great natural alternative to conventional mozzie coils, which as mentioned carry a number of risks. Natural Australian Sandalwood really is a great way to get rid of mosquitos outside.

3. Repellent Wristbands

For those with essential oil sensitivities, a mosquito wristband is a great alternative. These wristbands from Para'Ki t o diffuse a blend of seven plant-based essential oils into the air. As these oils are in the band and don't make contact with the skin, there's no risk of irritation on sensitive skin. Simply insert the replaceable pellet into the band. This option is also ideal for pregnant women and children 3 years and over.

4. Ultrasonic Repeller

To get rid of mosquitos inside the house naturally without using any form of spray or smoke, you could try this ultrasonic repeller!

For a more technologically-advanced approach, repel mozzies with ultrasonic waves! This Ultrasonic Repeller uses oscillating ultrasonic sound waves to repel mosquitoes. It's non-toxic, has 3-metre coverage and is small enough to clip on your body, or in your bedroom near your bed. It's odourless and doesn't make contact with the skin, so it's a good option if you have skin sensitivities or aversions to overpowering scents.

5. Physical Barrier: Nets and Long Clothing

A physical barrier stops mosquitoes from making contact with your arms and legs. It's highly recommended that you use physical barriers if you live or holiday in mosquito-dense areas. Long, light clothing that covers arms and legs is preferable, as heavy clothing will create more perspiration and attract more mosquitoes. It's best to avoid tight clothing too, as mozzies can sometimes bite through the fabric if the material is thin enough.

For a night of uninterrupted, itch-free sleep, we recommend cotton mosquito nets over your bed in your bedroom. They can help keep sandflies and other bugs at bay.

What Natural Essential Oils Can I Use to Deter Mosquitoes?

There are a number of essential oils that can help to deter mozzies from nipping at your skin. Here are some of the best essential oils known to keep those bugs away:

Lavender – Crushed lavender flowers release a scent that is pleasing to humans but repulsive to mosquitoes. It also has antiseptic and antifungal elements, so it'll soothe the skin as well.
Lemon eucalyptus oil – Lemon eucalyptus oil has been approved by the CDC as a mosquito repellent. It's also It also has antioxidant properties!
Thyme oil – Thyme oil has been shown to be incredibly effective in repelling malaria-carrying mosquitoes. One study found that applying 5% thyme oil to the skin of hairless mice offered 91% protection against mosquitoes.
Greek catmint oil – Nepeta parnassica is a white and pink flower related to the mint family. Its extract and oil can effectively repel mozzies. A study concluded that Greek catmint oil could repel mosquitoes for 2 to 3 hours, and another study suggested catnip could be 10 times more effective than DEET for mozzie deterrence.
Cinnamon oil – Cinnamon is good for more than your breakfast! Cinnamon oil has been shown to kill mosquito eggs and repel different types of mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito.

Buy essential oils here with our extensive range.

Keep Those Bugs at Bay

If those chemical rashes have you wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes naturally, it's time to switch out commercial products for an essential oil-based repellent. They will keep those dreaded bug bites away while keeping your skin and environment as safe as possible. Explore our range of natural mosquito repellents or make your own mosquito repellent recipe!

How to Get Rid of the Itching

Tamanu oil that is grown in Australia relieves bites, as well as acts as a great repellent on your skin. Apple cider vinegar and witch hazel relieve itches and are also ingredients to make mosquito repellent sprays for people and dogs.