Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOil of Lemon EucalyptusRose Geranium OilCitronellaOther Natural ProductsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Rose Geranium Oil
Citronella
Other Natural Products
Frequently Asked Questions
A number of essential oils can be used as natural insect repellents and help you avoid those pesky and potentially dangerousmosquito bites. These can make good alternatives to the popular sprays that contain synthetic and toxic chemicals, like DEET. Plus, they almost always smell better.
From lemoneucalyptus oilto clove oil, you do have some options, though some have been found to be more effective than others. Quite often, products that contain these oils need to be applied often—at least once every hour.
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Note: Oil of lemon eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus oil arenotthe same thing. They come from different plants and lemon eucalyptus oil has far less of the ingredient that repels mosquitoes, which is called PMD. Make sure any product you use as a repellent contains oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Mosquito repellents that contain this combination of essential oils, such asRepel Lemon Eucalyptus, are effective.
Early studiesconcluded that the Repel product provided 120 minutes of protection from mosquitoes.
The one problem that some people have with these products is the odor. However, the fresh smell of lemon and eucalyptus is probably not as obtrusive as many non-natural repellents.
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Geranium oil is not included in theEPA’s registered repellent ingredients, so it is not included in their studies for effectiveness. However, it is one of the more common essential oils in natural repellents.
One of the best-known brands to use geranium is Bite Blocker. Thestudies on this organic repellentvary greatly in effectiveness, from just over one hour to as much as seven hours. It’s thought that the combination of rose geranium oil and coconut oil contributes to its success, though neither one alone is as effective as DEET.
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Citronella is a well-known natural mosquito repellent. The oils from the plant are used to make lotions, sprays, and candles.
Other Natural Mosquito Repellents
Other natural ingredients are being explored, however, scientific support for the claim that they can effectively repel mosquitoes is limited.
Patchouli Oil
Concentrated patchouli is one of the most effective essential oils. According to one Chinese study, it can offer complete protection for two hours.Many people will agree that it has a very potent aroma, which is why some people have an aversion to it. There are no noted hazards in applying it to your skin. Nonetheless, it’s best touse a carrier oilwith any essential oil.
Thyme Oil
Carvacrol and alpha-terpinene, two compounds derived from the essential oil of thyme, have been found to have significant repellency characteristics.Certain concentrations are more effective against particular mosquito species, but most topical applications offer at least 89% efficacy for about an hour. Thyme oil must be diluted because it can cause skin irritation. One study found that burning thyme leaves offers 85% protection for at least an hour.
Clove Oil
Studies have found that undiluted topicalclove oilis active against mosquitoes.The studies concluded that it’s effective for nearly four hours. However, like thyme oil, clove oil should not be applied undiluted to skin as it can be absorbed and result in adverse effects.
Peppermint Oil
Numerous studies have found peppermint oil to be very effective as well. The undiluted essential oil was shown to be an effective repellent for 45 minutes. No skin irritations were noted for peppermint.
Cedar Oil
Cedar is part of the Pinaceae family which includes other pine trees. These have long been used as insect repellents. Theessential oil of cedarhas also been shown to be among the most effective oils. However, there are allergy concerns for some people.
Neem Oil
An extract from the tropical neem tree,neem oilhas insecticidal compounds called azadirachtins. A 2% concentration of neem oil has been shown to be 56% effective for up to four hours.
Garlic
When rubbed on the skin, garlic oil appears to be effective protection against mosquitoes. It’s a common belief that eating garlic can repel mosquitoes as well, but research hasn’t confirmed this.
A Word From Verywell
Before you use any natural mosquito repellent, it is wise to talk to your healthcare provider to discuss your options. As mentioned, some of the oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Just because they’re “natural” doesn’t mean you can just use them without proper knowledge and advice.
In fact, in one study that measured the effectiveness of different mosquito repellents, oil of lemon eucalyptus ranked third after DEET and picaridin.
Incense sticks, cones, and coils marketed as mosquito repellents typically contain citronella as the main ingredients. Other active ingredients may include lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, or geranium.The smoke from burning incense may also serve as a deterrent to mosquitoes and other insects.
Incense sticks, cones, and coils marketed as mosquito repellents typically contain citronella as the main ingredients. Other active ingredients may include lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, or geranium.
The smoke from burning incense may also serve as a deterrent to mosquitoes and other insects.
Essential oils that may repel mosquitos include lavender, rose geranium, citronella, patchouli, thyme, clove, peppermint, cedar, neem, and garlic.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Patel RV, Shaeer KM, Patel P, et al.EPA-registered repellents for mosquitoes transmitting emerging viral disease.Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(12):1272–1280. doi:10.1002/phar.1854Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing West Nile.Consumer Reports.Do ‘Natural’ Insect Repellents Work?Ga’al H, Fouad H, Mao G, Tian J, Jianchu M.Larvicidal and pupicidal evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized usingAquilaria sinensisandPogostemon cablinessential oils against dengue and zika viruses vectorAedes albopictusmosquito and its histopathological analysis.Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2018;46(6):1171–1179. doi:10.1080/21691401.2017.1365723Park JH, Jeon YJ, Lee CH, Chung N, Lee HS.Insecticidal toxicities of carvacrol and thymol derived fromThymus vulgarisLin. againstPochazia shantungensisChou &Lu. newly recorded pest.Sci Rep. 2017;7:40902. Published 2017 Jan 20. doi:10.1038/srep40902Nentwig G, Frohberger S, Sonneck R.Evaluation of Clove Oil, Icaridin, and Transfluthrin for Spatial Repellent Effects in Three Tests Systems Against theAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae).J Med Entomol. 2017;54(1):150–158. doi:10.1093/jme/tjw129Lalthazuali, Mathew N.Mosquito repellent activity of volatile oils from selected aromatic plants.Parasitol Res. 2017;116(2):821–825. doi:10.1007/s00436-016-5351-4Pohlit AM, Lopes NP, Gama RA, Tadei WP, Neto VF.Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils–a review.Planta Med. 2011;77(6):598–617. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1270723Muturi EJ, Ramirez JL, Zilkowski B, Flor-Weiler LB, Rooney AP.Ovicidal and Larvicidal Effects of Garlic and Asafoetida Essential Oils Against West Nile Virus Vectors.J Insect Sci. 2018;18(2):43. doi:10.1093/jisesa/iey036Additional ReadingMaia MF, Moore SJ.Plant-Based Insect Repellents: a Review of Their Efficacy, Development and Testing.Malaria Journal. 2011; 10(Suppl 1): S11.10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Patel RV, Shaeer KM, Patel P, et al.EPA-registered repellents for mosquitoes transmitting emerging viral disease.Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(12):1272–1280. doi:10.1002/phar.1854Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing West Nile.Consumer Reports.Do ‘Natural’ Insect Repellents Work?Ga’al H, Fouad H, Mao G, Tian J, Jianchu M.Larvicidal and pupicidal evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized usingAquilaria sinensisandPogostemon cablinessential oils against dengue and zika viruses vectorAedes albopictusmosquito and its histopathological analysis.Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2018;46(6):1171–1179. doi:10.1080/21691401.2017.1365723Park JH, Jeon YJ, Lee CH, Chung N, Lee HS.Insecticidal toxicities of carvacrol and thymol derived fromThymus vulgarisLin. againstPochazia shantungensisChou &Lu. newly recorded pest.Sci Rep. 2017;7:40902. Published 2017 Jan 20. doi:10.1038/srep40902Nentwig G, Frohberger S, Sonneck R.Evaluation of Clove Oil, Icaridin, and Transfluthrin for Spatial Repellent Effects in Three Tests Systems Against theAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae).J Med Entomol. 2017;54(1):150–158. doi:10.1093/jme/tjw129Lalthazuali, Mathew N.Mosquito repellent activity of volatile oils from selected aromatic plants.Parasitol Res. 2017;116(2):821–825. doi:10.1007/s00436-016-5351-4Pohlit AM, Lopes NP, Gama RA, Tadei WP, Neto VF.Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils–a review.Planta Med. 2011;77(6):598–617. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1270723Muturi EJ, Ramirez JL, Zilkowski B, Flor-Weiler LB, Rooney AP.Ovicidal and Larvicidal Effects of Garlic and Asafoetida Essential Oils Against West Nile Virus Vectors.J Insect Sci. 2018;18(2):43. doi:10.1093/jisesa/iey036Additional ReadingMaia MF, Moore SJ.Plant-Based Insect Repellents: a Review of Their Efficacy, Development and Testing.Malaria Journal. 2011; 10(Suppl 1): S11.10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Patel RV, Shaeer KM, Patel P, et al.EPA-registered repellents for mosquitoes transmitting emerging viral disease.Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(12):1272–1280. doi:10.1002/phar.1854Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing West Nile.Consumer Reports.Do ‘Natural’ Insect Repellents Work?Ga’al H, Fouad H, Mao G, Tian J, Jianchu M.Larvicidal and pupicidal evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized usingAquilaria sinensisandPogostemon cablinessential oils against dengue and zika viruses vectorAedes albopictusmosquito and its histopathological analysis.Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2018;46(6):1171–1179. doi:10.1080/21691401.2017.1365723Park JH, Jeon YJ, Lee CH, Chung N, Lee HS.Insecticidal toxicities of carvacrol and thymol derived fromThymus vulgarisLin. againstPochazia shantungensisChou &Lu. newly recorded pest.Sci Rep. 2017;7:40902. Published 2017 Jan 20. doi:10.1038/srep40902Nentwig G, Frohberger S, Sonneck R.Evaluation of Clove Oil, Icaridin, and Transfluthrin for Spatial Repellent Effects in Three Tests Systems Against theAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae).J Med Entomol. 2017;54(1):150–158. doi:10.1093/jme/tjw129Lalthazuali, Mathew N.Mosquito repellent activity of volatile oils from selected aromatic plants.Parasitol Res. 2017;116(2):821–825. doi:10.1007/s00436-016-5351-4Pohlit AM, Lopes NP, Gama RA, Tadei WP, Neto VF.Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils–a review.Planta Med. 2011;77(6):598–617. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1270723Muturi EJ, Ramirez JL, Zilkowski B, Flor-Weiler LB, Rooney AP.Ovicidal and Larvicidal Effects of Garlic and Asafoetida Essential Oils Against West Nile Virus Vectors.J Insect Sci. 2018;18(2):43. doi:10.1093/jisesa/iey036
Patel RV, Shaeer KM, Patel P, et al.EPA-registered repellents for mosquitoes transmitting emerging viral disease.Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(12):1272–1280. doi:10.1002/phar.1854
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing West Nile.
Consumer Reports.Do ‘Natural’ Insect Repellents Work?
Ga’al H, Fouad H, Mao G, Tian J, Jianchu M.Larvicidal and pupicidal evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized usingAquilaria sinensisandPogostemon cablinessential oils against dengue and zika viruses vectorAedes albopictusmosquito and its histopathological analysis.Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol. 2018;46(6):1171–1179. doi:10.1080/21691401.2017.1365723
Park JH, Jeon YJ, Lee CH, Chung N, Lee HS.Insecticidal toxicities of carvacrol and thymol derived fromThymus vulgarisLin. againstPochazia shantungensisChou &Lu. newly recorded pest.Sci Rep. 2017;7:40902. Published 2017 Jan 20. doi:10.1038/srep40902
Nentwig G, Frohberger S, Sonneck R.Evaluation of Clove Oil, Icaridin, and Transfluthrin for Spatial Repellent Effects in Three Tests Systems Against theAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae).J Med Entomol. 2017;54(1):150–158. doi:10.1093/jme/tjw129
Lalthazuali, Mathew N.Mosquito repellent activity of volatile oils from selected aromatic plants.Parasitol Res. 2017;116(2):821–825. doi:10.1007/s00436-016-5351-4
Pohlit AM, Lopes NP, Gama RA, Tadei WP, Neto VF.Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils–a review.Planta Med. 2011;77(6):598–617. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1270723
Muturi EJ, Ramirez JL, Zilkowski B, Flor-Weiler LB, Rooney AP.Ovicidal and Larvicidal Effects of Garlic and Asafoetida Essential Oils Against West Nile Virus Vectors.J Insect Sci. 2018;18(2):43. doi:10.1093/jisesa/iey036
Maia MF, Moore SJ.Plant-Based Insect Repellents: a Review of Their Efficacy, Development and Testing.Malaria Journal. 2011; 10(Suppl 1): S11.10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
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