Oils: Tackling Mosquitoes Naturally
I have always been a magnet for the world’s most annoying insect: mosquitoes. Sure, I know they serve a purpose in the ecosystem, but I think we can all agree that they are the worst. Moments after I am bitten my skin swells and the burning, itching sensation begins. These annoying little bugs have become my nemesis. They are often the one thing that keeps me away from enjoying my little garden courtyard or walks with my son, who inherited my mosquito magnet gene.
In this blog I will share ideas and recipes for the best way to naturally repel mosquitoes, but also ways to help when we do get the inevitable bite. However, this blog will not cover anything about ticks or other insects. It is also worth mentioning that the suggestions below are not suitable for countries where high risks of mosquito related diseases are prevalent.
In addition, I offer a lot of recipes for essential oils. It is really important when using aromatherapy that you only use pure and unadulterated oils. Everything you put on your body absorbs into your bloodstream and has lasting effects. If you find this blog useful and are in need of pure oils, I hope you consider ordering through me! I can help get you set up with an account, educate you and offer continuous personalized support. You can purchase here and read FAQ here.
Now, without further ado…
Why are Mosquitoes attracted to certain people?
There are reasonable explanations for why certain people are a target, but mosquitoes are attracted to several things. Most notably they are attracted to certain compounds on human and animal skin, things like body odor, blood type and sweat. While there are some things that can help deter these little bugs without the use of harsh chemicals, it is nice to know why you are more attractive than your friend standing next to you at the BBQ.
Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of public health at New Mexico State University, told Medical News Today:
“The reasons for mosquitoes being attracted to humans have been discussed in a few studies. These studies have discussed body odor, body color, skin temperature and texture, microbes living on the skin, pregnancy status, carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, alcohol, and diet type. Overall, the studies suggest that pregnant women, people with high body temperature and sweat, diverse skin microbe presence, and those with darker skin could be more susceptible.”
In addition to the reasons above, one study shows that mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood groups. In particularly, those with blood group O are more likely to be bitten than blood group A. This makes a lot of sense for me as I am O+ blood type. It is also widely known that mosquitoes are attracted to darker colored clothes. The point is, some things are in our control and other things are not.
FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE >> ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are extremely potent and offer a great defense to ward off mosquitoes. But how? It is really quite simple: essential oils are the aromatic constituents found within plants. They are the life force of the plant, containing the most active physiological properties. Think of essential oils like the blood of plants, constantly flowing through the plant to offer an array of life saving support. In the living plant, these essential oil components are used:
as defense mechanisms for protecting the plant from predators (herbivores and insects)
with hormones for growth and reproduction
plant pheromones for smells which attract pollinating insects protection against bacterial, viral or fungal invasion
Some plants have very high concentrations of essential oils, which they have developed for protection (herbs)
Did you see that first bullet point? Essential oils are a defense mechanism that plants use to ward off of insects that want to eat them. What does this mean for humans? When we apply specific essential oils to our bodies we are using that plants natural defense mechanism to repel insects from us. It really is that simple.
Based on my experience, here are my top 10 essential oils for warding off mosquitoes, in no particular order:
Arborvitae
Cedarwood
Citronella
Peppermint
Geranium
Lavender
Lemongrass
Clove or Cinnamon
Tea Tree
Eucalyptus
Some of doTERRA’s proprietary blends have multiple mosquito repelling oils together in one bottle. Examples include Terrashield and Purify. I like using these in my bug sprays to add a little extra boost. The recipe below circulated my doTERRA team for years and I have to say, it really works. You can make a large batch and then refill the smaller spray bottles to keep handy in your purse or garden bag.
ULTIMATE Bug Repellent Spray
20 drops Terrashield
20 drops Geranium
20 drops Lemon
20 drops Lavender
20 drops Lemongrass
20 drops Peppermint
10 drops Rosemary
10 drops Clove
10 drops Purify
Fill a 16 ounce glass spray bottle with water, oils & two tablespoon of witch hazel
I know this may seem a really potent, but I used this throughout pregnancy, postpartum and have used on my son as well.
If you want a minimal version of this recipe here is another version:
MINIMAL Bug Repellent Spray
5 drops Peppermint
5 drops Lavender
10 drops Lemongrass
10 drops Citronella
10 drops Tea Tree
Fill 2 Oz spray bottle with water, oils a 2 teaspoons of witch hazel
NATURE’S HELPERS >> PLANTS & HERBS
The jury is still out on whether or not planting certain flowers and herbs around your property really work. But what’s the harm in trying? At the very least you will have pretty plants and flowers to admire and, in some instances, be able to cook with the herbs. It’s a win win.
HERBS
Basil
Catnip
Citronella Grass
Lemon Balm
Lemon Thyme
Lavender
Rosemary
Sage
PLANTS
Citronella Geranium
Citrosum
Floss Flower
Marigolds
AROMATIC SUPPORT >> DIFFUSERS TO THE RESCUE
If you want to enhance the possibility of keeping bugs away from you, a great solution is the use of a diffuser outdoors. doTERRA offers THREE portable diffusers that I highly recommend investing in: The Pilot, the Pilot MAX and Roam Diffuser. Let me break down the main features and differences so you can make an educated decision based on your goals and needs.
The Original Pilot
The Original Pilot diffuser is much smaller and lighter. This diffuser would be my choice to travel with. It comes with a small carrying bag that has designated slips to store a handful of oils. These features make it really portable and convenient for travels. This version is also ideal for car trips as it fits in car drink holders. I would also recommend this for camping trips as it doesn’t take up much room and has a big impact on your outdoor experience.
The Pilot Features
Rechargeable / Battery operated
Customizable output: four hour continuous and up to eight hours of intermittent diffusion
Comes with a carrying case for the diffuser, its cords and oil storage
Responsibly created, incorporating eco-friendly materials
Automatic safety shut off
The Pilot MAX
The Pilot MAX offers the same silhouette and design, but it is significantly larger and not as convenient to travel with. The MAX version combines everything we love about the original Pilot with a longer runtime and higher volume output. Although does maintain a lightweight, that should not be confused with its power. This diffuser is by far the most powerful of the three portable diffusers doTERRA offers. The MAX is only available as a kit and comes with a limited time offered blend Malama, which is truly divine.
Pilot MAX Diffuser Product Features:
Rechargeable / Battery Operated
Dimensions: 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches x 6.5 inches
Water capacity: 4.06 fluid ounces
Diffuse up to 300 square feet
Three settings: Up to six hours of continuous diffusion, twelve hours of intermittent, and an ultra-mist mod
Automatic safety shut off
The Roam Diffuser
The last option for a portable diffuser is the Roam Diffuser. This is a great solution for backyard or patio hangs as it is a little more cumbersome to travel. This is my personal favorite diffuser doTERRA offers. It is heavy duty, making it extremely sturdy. I personally love using the Roam around my house and courtyard. I would say this is definitely the most attractive out of the bunch. It offers a more feminine touch and blends into most atmospheres.
Roam Diffuser Product Features:
Water capacity: 3.4 fluid ounces
Diffuse up to 270 square feet
Continuous operation: Adapter-powered, up to five hours; battery-powered, up to four hours
Intermittent operation (five minutes on and off): Adapter-powered, up to ten hours; battery-powered, up to eight hours
Cord-free and battery-powered with a charging dock
Responsible creation from eco-friendly, post consumer recycled resin
Ambient white, warm, and cyan light options
Automatic safety shut off
BITE RELIEF >> ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES
Instead of reaching for cortisone to relieve the itch from a bug bite I reach for a few basic essential oils. In the summer months I never leave the house without a bottle of peppermint or lavender. These are two amazing oils to help the sting and itch. Lavender has natural antihistamines to help stop itching sensation, while Peppermint offers a cooling effect that feels so good on a bite. These two are certainly going to help, but you could go the extra mile and make a bug bite roller to offer extra support. The best part about these solutions is that they not only help the bite recover quickly, but they also keep the mosquitoes from returning for more.
Bug Bite Relief Roller Recipe:
10 drops Purify
5 drops Peppermint
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Copaiba
Fractionated Coconut Oil or MCT Oil
10 mL. glass roller bottle with metal roller top (avoid plastic rollers as they are not very functional)
Once you full the bottle with all the oils, carefully fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. Apply to bug bites for quick relief. Safe on babies and children.
Peppermint Spray
This is such a simple and effective option for summer months. Peppermint is extremely cooling and an effective bug repellent, making it an easy choice for tackling hot and buggy summer events.
2 ounce glass spray bottle
20 drops Peppermint
splash of fractionated coconut oil
water
Combine all ingredients in the bottle and spray over your body. I made this for my mailwoman and she enjoys spraying the back of her neck to keep her cool as she walks her route.
LASTLY >> NATURAL ALTERNATIVES & TIPS
Buzz Patch
Murphy’s Naturals
Wear light colored clothing
Eliminate standing water. Walk your property making sure there isn’t standing water in buckets. Store all extra garden pots, watering cans and buckets in dry areas or upside down.
Use outdoor fans
Scatter cedar chips or use as mulch
