Two Ingredient, Super Easy, Natural Mosquito Repellent!

Hi Mamas and Papas,

Do you see that picture of my sweet baby’s chunky leg — with 3, THREE, Tres’ mosquito bites?! We just returned from vacation and my poor boys’ body looks like he was in the midst of the ten plagues of Egypt .
I’m over it. We try to go the natural route in our home; I went to Whole Foods to purchase a natural bug repellent.

BUT — the price . . . Goodness!

Thankfully, the young lady that worked there suggested I make my own homemade repellent for half the price.

All I needed was an essential oil, a carrier oil and a dark glass bottle for storage. It’s easy and works great; here’s what you need to know.

What Essential Oils Repel Mosquitoes?

Luckily there are many essential oils that deter those nasty mosquitoes from sinking their ‘teeth’ into your babes flesh:

• citronella
• lemon eucalyptus
• peppermint
• lemon
• eucalyptus
• catnip
• basil
• clove
• thyme
• lemongrass
• geranium
• lavender

You don’t have to use ALL of these oils. If you have one of these on hand, start with that, and see how it works. The point here is to be natural and save money all at the same time.

What are Carrier Oils and Why You Need to Use One

Carrier oils are what you use to dilute Essential Oils. In this case you wouldn’t want to apply the EO “neat” or undiluted. Therapeutic Grade (which is what you should use) essential oils can/will cause skin irritation if not diluted especially on sensitive skin.

• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Grape Seed Oil

VainMommy’s Two Ingredient Recipe

1. Four table spoons Grape Seed Oil
2. 10 drops lemongrass Essential Oil

That’s it!

We used Grape Seed Oil because it’s what we use as skin moisturizer in lieu of conventional lotions.

I would suggest you use less than 10 drops to start. Test it out, see how strong it is, or if it causes any irritation. Better yet, test it on yourself before your babe.

Proper Storage

Ideally you’d want to store your mixture in a dark glass bottle; A dark glass bottle with sprayer is even better. Essential oils are corrosive and will eat away at plastic. But I was in a crunch. I needed those bugs to stop biting my baby NOW. Not tomorrow when I have the right container or extra ingredients for a more complex recipe.

I used a plastic container with a lid.

 Application

Before we go outside I rub the mixture into Ari’s skin like I would lotion. He has not had a bite since, it’s been five days! I did see a mosquito land on his leg but it didn’t bite him. Honestly, I thought it was a coincidence at first . . . I mean natural stuff actually works? I guess it does! My husband even uses it!

Recommendations and Tips

• I think that it is best to make a small-ish batch at first. Just in case it doesn’t work or for whatever reason.
• The oil could stain clothing. I apply just after diaper change or very carefully.
• If you don’t have Grape-seed oil or other recommended oil use what you have on hand. Canola… vegetable. Make a small batch and see how it works!

You can purchase Lemongrass Essential Oil here. My home-birth mid-wife Brenda Parrish swears by Young Living Oils and say’s she would use any BUT  . . . ! For this recipe I used Aura Cacia Lemongrass Essential Oil
. . . in the future I intend to purchase from Young Living as well. Their quality standards are amazing.

Try it out and let me know if it works for you!

*IN THE SPIRIT OF FULL DISCLOSURE, THIS POST HAS AN AFFILIATE LINK, WHICH MEANS THAT I MAY GET COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE. I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS THAT I USE AND LOVE MYSELF, SO KNOW YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS.*