Homemade Remedies for Mosquitoes

Many people look to use all-natural or DIY methods to get rid of pest problems—including mosquito infestations—on their own. But are DIY mosquito treatment options as viable as professional treatment options?

Unfortunately, the truth is that trying to implement mosquito treatment on your own is, at best, effective for a short period of time. DIY or all-natural methods simply won’t work against a serious mosquito problem here in Georgia.

That said, you can try repelling mosquitoes from your home if your infestation is less severe.

If you are suffering from a severe mosquito infestation in your home, contact Active Pest Control today. 

Our expert team of professionals help manage your pest problem in Georgia!

Can I Get Rid of Mosquitoes On My Own?

If you want to get rid of mosquitoes (and do so quickly and effectively), trying to accomplish the task on your own can be difficult and unsuccessful. DIY solutions—such as using essential oils, homemade sprays, or natural repellents—are best suited for smaller-scale efforts or as preventive measures rather than as standalone solutions to eliminate a serious mosquito problem.

If your infestation is severe, we suggest hiring a professional pest company to help manage your mosquito problem as effectively as possible. This can help reduce your chances of potentially catching a mosquito-borne disease like Zika or Dengue.

At Active Pest Control, our mosquito treatment methods are both highly effective and comprehensive, ensuring your home stays protected from unwanted insects.

Understanding Homemade Mosquito Remedies

You might be wondering just how efficient DIY mosquito control is. Chances are, you have things in your pantry that may be incorporated into a DIY mosquito repellent. For example, many people stand by the idea that people claim that using essential oils diluted in a spray will repel mosquitoes. 

But do these actually work? 

While these sprays can be effective at warding off mosquitoes, they are not strong enough to eliminate a mosquito problem in your home or yard. It’s always recommended to work with a professional who can recommend the best mosquito treatment options, whether professional or DIY.

If your infestation is less severe, or you’d like to try some preventative homemade methods to keep mosquitos at bay, you can definitely do so. However, we always recommend working with a professional mosquito exterminator to get the best results out of your control process, 

However, if your infestation is less severe, or you’d like to keep mosquitoes at bay, implementing DIY methods can help deter the occasional pest – though keep in mind, the effectiveness of natural repellents isn’t 100%.

Why Choose Homemade Remedies?

Homemade mosquito remedies are appealing because they use natural ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals like DEET. Essential oils and common household items offer a cheaper alternative, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Though not as powerful as commercial products, DIY repellents provide a chemical-free option for short-term mosquito control. They’re best used when you’re away from active mosquito zones, where there’s the odd chance of getting bitten by these flying pests.

Benefits of Natural Mosquito Repellents

Natural mosquito repellents, such as those made with lavender or peppermint oil, are gentler on the skin and environment.

They alone can’t keep mosquitos at bay, but when combined with practices like removing standing water, can help repel mosquitoes and protect you that bit better.

Common Ingredients for DIY Mosquito Repellents

DIY mosquito repellents often use natural ingredients you likely already have at home. Essential oils, household items, and certain plants are common choices. While they can be effective at repelling mosquitoes in the short term, their impact varies. 

Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients.

Essential Oils (e.g., Lemon Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree)

Essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil are popular in homemade mosquito repellents. These oils can be diluted in a spray bottle and applied to skin or outdoor areas. Their effects are usually short-lived, so frequent reapplication is needed.

Household Items (e.g., Vinegar, Baking Soda, Coffee Grounds)

Household items such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coffee grounds can also be used to repel mosquitoes. Vinegar in particular, is known to disrupt mosquito breeding sites, while coffee grounds can prevent larvae from growing. These methods are simple but offer only temporary relief.

Plants and Herbs (e.g., Citronella, Basil, Rosemary)

Plants like citronella, basil, and rosemary naturally repel mosquitoes. Planting these around your yard can help reduce mosquito activity. Citronella, often used in candles, is especially effective in repelling mosquitoes, making it a great natural addition to any outdoor space.

DIY Mosquito Repellent Recipes

There are several easy-to-make DIY mosquito repellent recipes using natural ingredients. These homemade solutions can help ward off mosquitoes in your yard or home, though their effectiveness varies depending on the ingredients and the severity of the mosquito problem. Below are some popular and simple recipes to try.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Spray

Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. To make a spray, mix 10-15 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel or a carrier oil, like coconut oil, in a spray bottle. Fill the rest with water and shake well.

This spray can be applied to skin or sprayed around outdoor areas to repel mosquitoes. It’s important to reapply every couple of hours for continued protection.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Trap

This trap takes advantage of the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda to create carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. To make it, cut a plastic bottle in half. Pour a mix of 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda into the bottom half. Place the top half of the bottle, inverted like a funnel, into the bottom half. 

Mosquitoes are drawn to the CO2 produced, enter the trap, and are unable to escape. While this trap is useful for catching mosquitoes, it works best alongside other active control methods.

Coffee Grounds and Egg Carton Burner

Coffee grounds are a natural mosquito repellent, especially when burned. For this DIY method, place dry coffee grounds in the compartments of an empty egg carton. 

Light the edges of the carton and allow the coffee grounds to smolder, producing smoke that repels mosquitoes. This is a simple, low-cost way to repel mosquitoes outdoors, but make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much smoke.

Garlic Water Spray

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that mosquitoes find highly repellent and can be applied around your yard. To make garlic water spray, crush a few cloves of garlic and boil them in water. 

Tips for Using Homemade Mosquito Repellents

It’s important to understand the best ways to apply homemade mosquito repellents to ensure you’re using them safely and effectively. 

Application Methods

When using homemade mosquito repellents, applying them correctly can make all the difference. Sprays made from essential oils like lemon eucalyptus or tea tree oil can be applied to exposed skin or clothing, but should always be diluted in a carrier oil or witch hazel to prevent skin irritation. 

A spray bottle is the easiest way to distribute these mixtures evenly. You can also apply these mixtures to outdoor areas—such as patios, doorways, or garden furniture—to attempt to create a mosquito barrier.

For plant-based methods, strategically placing mosquito-repellent plants like citronella or rosemary around your outdoor seating area can help. 

If using coffee grounds as a mosquito deterrent, scatter them around stagnant water sources or burn them in an egg carton for a smoky repellent effect.

Safety Precautions

Though homemade mosquito repellents are natural, they still require careful use. Essential oils can be strong, and some—like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil—can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation if used undiluted.

Always perform a patch test on your skin before applying any new repellent. Avoid applying essential oils near sensitive areas like your eyes or mouth, and never ingest them. For sprays, make sure to avoid inhaling the mist directly, especially if using strong oils.

If you’re using smoke-based repellents, like burning coffee grounds or herbs, ensure they are used in a well-ventilated outdoor space to prevent inhaling too much smoke. Keep homemade solutions out of reach of children and pets, as certain oils and ingredients may be harmful if ingested.

Effectiveness and Reapplication

Homemade mosquito repellents tend to offer short-term protection, so frequent reapplication is key. Sprays with essential oils usually last for short periods before needing to be reapplied, especially if you’re active, sweating, or spending extended time outdoors. 

In humid environments like Georgia, mosquitoes are more persistent, meaning you may need to apply these solutions more frequently than with chemical repellents like DEET.

For smoke-based methods, like burning coffee grounds or citronella candles, their effectiveness depends on the wind and how close you are to the source of the smoke. Make sure to refresh these methods as the smoke dissipates. 

When using any natural repellent, it’s always wise to combine it with other preventive measures, such as eliminating standing water or using mosquito traps, to enhance its overall effectiveness.

Additional Natural Mosquito Control Methods

In addition to using homemade repellents, there are other effective, natural strategies to help control mosquitoes. 

These methods target the root causes of mosquito infestations and offer longer-term protection, especially when combined with DIY repellents.

Eliminating Standing Water

Standing water is one of the most common breeding grounds for mosquitoes. That’s because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and within a few days, the larvae mature into adult mosquitoes. 

To prevent this, regularly check your yard for anything that can collect water, such as birdbaths, clogged gutters, plant saucers, or old tires. Even small puddles can become mosquito breeding sites. Make it a habit to tip over containers or cover items that might accumulate rainwater

For permanent water features, like ponds, consider using larvicide or adding mosquito-eating fish to keep larvae under control.

Using Mosquito Nets and Screens

For a chemical-free way to keep mosquitoes out of your home, installing mosquito nets and screens is a practical and effective solution. Window and door screens act as a barrier, preventing mosquitoes from entering while allowing fresh air to circulate.

For outdoor areas, such as patios or camping sites, mosquito nets can protect seating areas or sleeping quarters, ensuring a bite-free environment. 

This method is particularly useful in the evenings when most vector-carrying mosquitoes are most active.

Planting Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes due to the oils they produce. Varieties like citronella, lemongrass, neem, geranium, and even catnip around your yard can help reduce mosquito activity. 

These plants can be placed in garden beds, containers, or even around your patio for added protection. 

In addition to their repellent properties, these plants often have other benefits—like attracting pollinators or providing herbs for cooking!

Need Help with Mosquito Pest Control in Your Georgia Home?

If your DIY methods have failed in controlling an ongoing mosquito problem, it’s likely time to contact a professional mosquito exterminator. An expert can help ensure mosquitoes are diverted from your home each and every year with custom treatments and inspections.

Learn more about how Active Pest Control can help.