This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Natural DIY Mosquito Repellent Recipes
Mosquitoes can quickly ruin time outdoors, but many store-bought sprays contain harsh chemicals that people prefer to avoid. That’s where homemade mosquito repellents come in.
Using simple ingredients like essential oils, vinegar, and witch hazel, you can create effective, natural repellents at home. While DIY options may need to be reapplied more often than commercial products, they’re a popular alternative for families looking for a more natural solution.
In this guide, you’ll find easy homemade mosquito repellent recipes, plus tips to help you get the best results.
Why Use Homemade Mosquito Repellent?
Homemade repellents are gaining popularity—and for good reason:
- Made with natural ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint
- Budget-friendly compared to store-bought sprays
- Customizable scents you actually enjoy
- Free from harsh chemicals like DEET
Many natural ingredients—especially essential oils—are known to help repel insects, though effectiveness can vary and may require more frequent application.
Homemade Mosquito Repellent Recipes:
Witch Hazel Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ⅓ cup witch hazel
- ⅓ cup water
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
- In a small spray bottle, combine the witch hazel and water. Witch hazel doesn’t have its own odor so it pairs well with any type of essential oil. Add 40 drops of essential oil, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Shake well before each use.
SaleBestseller No. 1
T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Moisturizing Astringent | 100% Natural Witch Hazel | Calms, Nourishes, Hydrates Skin | for Face & Body | 16 Fl Oz
- ALCOHOL-FREE, GENTLE FORMULA: Enjoy the trusted cleansing power of T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel with an extra-gentle, alcohol-free formula that won’t sting or dry out your skin.
- HYDRATING & SOOTHING INGREDIENTS: Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe, this moisturizing astringent helps hydrate, soothe, and nourish dry, sensitive skin, while effectively removing impurities.
- CLINICAL GRADE WITCH HAZEL: Made with 100% natural, clinical-grade Witch Hazel, this dermatologist-tested formula cleanses and refreshes while maintaining skin’s natural balance.
- #1 PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED WITCH HAZEL BRAND & #1 FIRST AID ASTRINGENT BRAND: Trusted by medical professionals worldwide since 1866, T.N. Dickinson’s is known for its unmatched purity and effectiveness in skincare from head to toe.
- COMMITTED TO PURITY: Free from fragrances, dyes, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, this non-irritating, no-sting astringent is dermatologist-tested and perfect for everyday use.
−$1.02
$5.97
Buy on Amazon
Apple Cider Vinegar Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider vinegar and water in a small spray bottle. Add 40 drops of essential oil. Rosemary, lavender, and peppermint complement the strong scent of the vinegar. Shake well to combine the ingredients. Shake well before each use.
Amazon Grocery, Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 5)
- The information below is per-pack only
- One 16 fluid ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 5% acidity
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Do not freeze
$6.75
Buy on Amazon
Coconut Oil Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ⅔ cup coconut oil (warmed to a liquid state or use fractionated)
- 30 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Add the coconut oil to a small, lidded jar (Coconut oil will clog a spray bottle). Add 30 drops of essential oil. Mix or shake and apply the mixture by hand.
Bestseller No. 1
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil - 16 Fl Oz - 100% Pure and Natural - Premium Grade Carrier Oil for Skin, Hair and Body - Massage - Hair Tonic
- 100% PURE & NATURAL FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL - A versatile carrier oil used for aromatherapy, essential oils mixing, massage, for dogs and pets, and as a hair and skin moisturizer. It is Fragrance Free, Hexane Free, Preservative Free, Chemical Free, and 100% Vegan.
- COCONUT OIL FOR SKIN – Pure coconut oil is light weight and provides a silky-smooth feeling for all skin types without clogging pores. It is a dry skin moisturizer with awesome nourishing properties.
- COCONUT OIL FOR HAIR GROWTH AND HAIR TONIC – Coconut hair oil is rich in antioxidants with powerful properties. It may help improve scalp health and may support hair growth, while adding volume and shine.
- DILUTING ESSENTIAL OILS – Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to skin. Fractionated Coconut Oil is the best carrier oil for essential oils mixing since it absorbs into the skin quickly.
- IMPORTED FROM INDONESIA – Our pure and natural Fractionated Coconut Oil is paraben free, sulfate free, alcohol free and cruelty free.
Rubbing Alcohol Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ½ cup water
- 4 Tbsp rubbing alcohol
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Combine water, rubbing alcohol and essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients. Shake well before each use.
Amazon Basics 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol First Aid Antiseptic for Cuts, Scrapes and Burns, Unscented, 16 fl oz (Previously Solimo)
- One 16 fluid ounce bottle of 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol first aid antiseptic
- Packaging is transitioning and may vary from picture
- Contains 70% ethyl alcohol for treatment of minor cuts, scrapes and burns
- For external use only
- DANGER: DO NOT USE AS FUEL SOURCE. If exposed to a heat source, vapors may ignite and cause the bottle to explode, resulting in severe burns, serious injury, or death
$8.54
Buy on Amazon
Tips for Making DIY Mosquito Repellent Work Better
To get the most out of your homemade sprays:
- Reapply often – Natural repellents wear off faster than commercial ones
- Shake before use – Oils separate from liquids
- Store in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life
- Patch test first to avoid skin irritation
- Use distilled water to prevent bacterial growth
- Glass Bottles – Essential oils are highly concentrated and can degrade plastic over time. Always prepare and store homemade repellent in a glass container.
Best Natural Ingredients for Repelling Mosquitoes
If you want to experiment with your own blends, these ingredients are commonly used:
- Citronella oil – One of the most widely used natural repellents
- Lemon eucalyptus oil – Known for longer-lasting protection
- Peppermint oil – Strong scent that insects dislike
- Lavender oil – Pleasant for humans, unpleasant for mosquitoes
- Apple cider vinegar – Common DIY base
- Witch hazel – Popular carrier for sprays
These ingredients work by masking scents mosquitoes use to find humans, such as carbon dioxide and body odors.
How Long Does Homemade Mosquito Repellent Last?
Most DIY repellents last:
- On skin: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- In a bottle: Up to 1–2 weeks (depending on ingredients)
Because they don’t contain synthetic stabilizers, you’ll need to reapply more frequently than with store-bought options.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Even natural ingredients need to be used carefully:
- Avoid applying essential oils directly to the skin without dilution
- Keep away from the eyes and mouth
- Use caution with children and pets
- Consult a doctor if you have sensitive skin or allergies
FAQs About Homemade Mosquito Repellent
Do homemade mosquito repellents really work?
They can help deter mosquitoes, especially with ingredients like citronella or lemon eucalyptus—but they’re generally less long-lasting than commercial sprays.
What scent do mosquitoes hate the most?
Mosquitoes tend to dislike scents like citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, and garlic.
Can I use homemade repellent on kids?
Some recipes are safe when properly diluted, but always check ingredients and consult a pediatrician for young children.
What’s the best base for DIY bug spray?
Popular options include witch hazel, vinegar, or water combined with essential oils.
Homemade mosquito repellents are an easy, affordable way to help keep bugs away without relying on chemical-heavy products. While they may require more frequent use, they’re a great option for anyone looking for a natural alternative.
Bestseller No. 1
Lagunamoon Essential Oils Mothers Day Gifts Set- 6 Oils for Diffusers, Aromatherapy, Home Care, Candle Making Scents, Fragrance, Humidifiers - Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Orange (10mL)
- Top selling essential oils set: We create our essential oils using rigorously tested ingredients. Top blends, make pampering a luxurious experience with our set of 6 10ml oils. Perfect for blending to make candle making scents, making DIY soap scents or a unique aromatherapy experience. Join 170,000+ customers who love our essential oils for diy crafts, aromatherapy and candle making!
- Plant-powered ingredients from around the world: Our team brings you the purest tea tree essential oil from Australia, eucalyptus from China, lavender from France, orange oil from Brazil, and peppermint and lemongrass from India.
- Extra Potent: Some essential oils can go rancid quickly once exposed to heat, light and oxygen. Our FrostProtect bottle keeps oil stable for 24+ months, so you can enjoy the benefits of your oils for longer.
- Steam-distilled and cold pressed for longer lasting aroma: LagunaMoon never uses nasty solvents like hexane or other toxic chemicals. We carefully distill our potent oils to preserve their fragrance for longer.
- Perfect Gift: Comes in a beautiful gift box, this essential oil set is the perfect gift for your loved ones: Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Birthday, Mother’s Day, Anniversary, Wedding gift, etc. Make any occasion memorable with our 6pc Essential Oil Set.
Bestseller No. 2
Wtrcsv Essential Oils Set - Top 15 Scents for Diffuser, Humidifier, Skin Care, Aromatherapy, Massage, Candle & Soap Making - Fragrance Gift Set (5ml)
- Premium Essential Oils Set with Top 15 Blends for Diffusers: Crafted with rigorously tested ingredients, our Wtrcsv set includes 15 versatile 5ml organic essential oils—Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Lavender, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Rose, Tea tree, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang—ideal for aromatherapy, home care, or creating custom candle&Soap&perfume making scents. Elevate your space with vibrant fragrance blends for humidifiers, massage oils, or DIY bath bombs. Join countless customers who trust our oils for wellness and creativity!
- Global Plant-Powered Ingredients: Source nature’s finest with oils like Bergamot from Italy, Jasmine from Egypt, and Tea Tree from Australia. Wtrcsv’s Essential Oils Set harnesses pure, ethically sourced botanicals to deliver potent, authentic aromas for diffusers, skincare, and holistic home care rituals.
- Extra Potent & Long-Lasting: Heat and light can degrade ordinary oils, but our FrostProtect bottles ensure stability for 24+ months. Enjoy vibrant, rancid-free fragrance for aromatherapy, room sprays, or linen mists—perfect for maintaining a fresh, calming ambiance in any space.
- Steam-Distilled & Chemical-Free: Wtrcsv never uses harsh solvents like hexane. Our oils are steam-distilled or cold-pressed to preserve their natural fragrance, making them safe for humidifiers, skincare, and creating long-lasting candle making scents. Breathe deeply and indulge in pure, clean aromas.
- Thoughtful Gifts for Every Occasion: Presented in a luxurious gift box, this 15pc Essential Oils Set is ideal for birthdays, Mother’s Day, weddings, or holidays. Surprise loved ones with a versatile collection perfect for aromatherapy, DIY projects, or enhancing home care routines—a gift that keeps on giving!
SaleBestseller No. 3
MAYJAM Tea Tree 20 Pcs Pure Essential Oil Gift Set, for Diffuser, Humidifiers, Skin Care, Massage, Fragrance Oil Scent for DIY Candle and Soap Making, Gift for Friend (5ML)
- Wonderful Scent: Our essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that are derived from flowers, leaves, and other plant parts, providing you with a pure and enjoyable aroma. The scents of essential oils are extremely rich, complex and long lasting
- Diversified Choices: Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Frankincense, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Bergamot, Tea Tree, Cinnamon, Geranium, Patchouli, Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Chamomile
- Widely Use: Our essential oils can be used in a diffuser to fill your space with a pleasant aroma, incorporated into DIY projects such as soap, candles, bath bombs and more, or used for massage, aromatherapy to relax
- Elevate Every Room in Your Home: Whether it's the cozy corner of your living room, the quiet solitude of your bedroom, or the refreshing ambiance of your bathroom. Essential oils bring balance, tranquility, and well-being wherever you need them most
- Essential Oil Starter Kit: Ideal for beginners who are just starting their essential oil journey, this essential oil set introduce you to a variety of essential oils, allowing you to experience their unique properties and find the one that belongs to you
Bestseller No. 4
Lagunamoon Essential Oils Set, Top 20 Gift Set Oils for Diffusers, Humidifiers, Aromatherapy, Candle Making Scents, Cars & Home Products, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass (10mL)
- Top selling essential oils set: We create our essential oils using rigorously tested ingredients. Make pampering a luxurious experience with our set of 20 10ml oils. Join 170,000+ customers who love our essential oils for aromatherapy, and candle making!
- Plant-powered ingredients from around the world: Our team brings you the purest tea tree essential oil from Australia, eucalyptus from China, lavender from France, orange oil from Brazil, and peppermint and lemongrass from India.
- Extra Potent: Some essential oils can go rancid quickly once exposed to heat, light and oxygen. Our FrostProtect bottle keeps oil stable for 24+ months, so you can enjoy the benefits of your oils for longer.
- Steam-distilled and cold pressed for longer lasting aroma: LagunaMoon never uses nasty solvents like hexane or other toxic chemicals. We carefully distill our potent oils to preserve their fragrance for longer.
- 100% Pure: We never dilute our oils, which preserves their uplifting and invigorating properties. Escape the everyday—create a new self-care ritual with LagunaMoon!
Growing certain plants in your garden or in pots around your yard may also help repel mosquitoes. You may be interested in reading about 6 Plants that Repel Pests.
