How to Make a DIY Mosquito Repellent

Natural ways to keep biting bugs at bay

If you love spending time in your garden as much as I do, then you’ll know there’s one thing that can really ruin a peaceful evening outdoors – mosquitoes.

The minute the sun starts to set, they swarm in like they’ve been waiting all day just for you.

But you don’t need to drench yourself in chemical sprays to keep them away. I’ve been experimenting with homemade alternatives over the years, and I’ve found a few DIY mosquito repellents that genuinely work – and smell a lot nicer too!

Why Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent?

Let’s be honest, most shop-bought insect repellents are full of harsh chemicals like DEET. They might do the job, but they’re not something I feel great about spraying on my skin – especially when kids or pets are around.

Making your own mosquito repellent is quick, cost-effective, and you know exactly what’s in it. Plus, you can tweak the scent to suit your own preferences. I like something light and citrusy – it feels refreshing and does the trick.

What You’ll Need

You can make a basic mosquito repellent at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s what I typically use:

Essential Oils
The active ingredient in any natural mosquito repellent is essential oil. Some of the best options include:

• Lemongrass oil

• Citronella oil

• Eucalyptus oil

• Lavender oil

• Tea tree oil

• Peppermint oil

You can mix and match based on what you’ve got or what scent you prefer.

A Carrier Liquid
Essential oils need to be diluted. You’ve got two main options:

• Witch hazel – gentle on skin and helps the oils mix

• Apple cider vinegar – great for repelling insects but has a stronger smell

You’ll also need a bit of water to dilute the mix.

Spray Bottle
A small glass spray bottle works best – essential oils can break down plastic over time. I tend to reuse a 100ml amber glass bottle that’s easy to throw in a bag or leave by the door.

How to Make It

Here’s my go-to recipe that strikes the right balance between strength and scent:

Ingredients:

• 10 drops citronella oil

• 10 drops lemongrass oil

• 10 drops lavender oil

• 1 tablespoon witch hazel or apple cider vinegar

• 60ml water (boiled and cooled)

Method:

1. Add the essential oils to your spray bottle.

2. Pour in the witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.

3. Add the water.

4. Shake well before each use – oil and water naturally separate.

That’s it! You’re ready to go.

How to Use It

Spray it directly on your skin and clothes before heading outside. Don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.

Avoid spraying near your eyes or mouth, and if you’ve got sensitive skin, test it on a small patch first.

Other Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away

In my experience, repellent spray works best when used alongside a few smart garden habits. Here are a few things I’ve done in my own space:

• Remove standing water – Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so keep gutters, buckets, and plant trays empty.

• Grow mosquito-repelling plants – I’ve planted citronella, basil, and lavender around my patio. They smell great and act as a natural deterrent.

• Burn citronella candles – Ideal for evenings outdoors, and they add a lovely glow.

• Install a fan – Mosquitoes aren’t strong flyers. A small outdoor fan makes a big difference if you’re sitting still.

Clive’s Tips

• I like to keep a bottle of this spray in the greenhouse and another near the back door – that way I’m never caught off guard.

• If I’m planning a garden party, I’ll mix a batch the night before and pop it in the fridge. It feels brilliant when you spray it on cold.

• You can also make a mosquito-repellent body oil using the same essential oils mixed with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba. Great if you’re out for a longer stretch and want longer-lasting coverage.

There’s nothing worse than having your time in the garden ruined by mozzies. But with a homemade repellent that’s natural, effective, and smells much nicer than shop-bought sprays, you can enjoy those warm evenings bite-free. Once you’ve made your first batch, I promise you’ll never go back.