How do you get rid of mosquitoes?

For natural mosquito repellent, essential oils are a great ally. Both effective and easy to use, they can act as a local repellent to keep mosquitoes away from the skin, or as an ambient repellent to keep them out of the bedroom, for example. Follow our advice on choosing the right essential oils to repel mosquitoes, and on using essential oils to repel mosquitoes.

Essential oils to repel mosquitoes

A number of essential oils have proved effective in keeping mosquitoes away, and thus avoiding all the inconvenience caused by their bites. These oils act in different ways from one another, and their action is based on certain molecules, present in different concentrations. Essential oils based on citronellalandlegeraniol act as direct repellents for mosquitoes, but also for other insects. These molecules, which disrupt insects' nervous systems, give the oils in question an odor that repels mosquitoes. Lementholis an indirect repellent. This molecule cools the skin, preventing it from generating heat that attracts mosquitoes.

• Citronella essential oil --> citronellal and geraniol
• Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil --> citronellal
• Geranium essential oil --> geraniol
• Peppermint or Fieldmint essential oil --> menthol
• Palmarosa essential oil --> geraniol
• Petitgrain combava essential oil --> citronellal

These oils are used in combination to relieve the pain and itching associated with insect bites, should they occur despite repellent treatment. In fact, the anti-inflammatory properties of lecitronellaland legéranioletwill reduce the swelling associated with the sting and limit the itching. In addition,Legeraniolahas healing properties that will help the effects of the sting to disappear more quickly.

Using essential oils properly

To be fully effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects, repellent essential oils must be used correctly.

They can be used alone or in blends, pure or diluted as required.

As Citronella essential oil is quite complete and effective, it can easily be used on its own. However, there is a tendency to blend certain oils, as they may have complementary effects due to their different modes of action.

The recipes and oils used should be adapted according to whether they are to be used locally or in the environment.

To keep mosquitoes away from the skin, an oil mixture can be sprayed directly on uncovered areas or on clothing.

If you prefer to prevent mosquitoes from entering a room, essential oils should be sprayed into the air or diffused using a diffuser (--> see our diffusers)

For application to the skin, you can use neutral bases (e.g. Lait Elémentaire or Crème Elémentaire) or aloe vera gel to dilute them beforehand. Count 8-10 drops of essential oil for 50 g of milk or cream base.

In both cases, the efficacy of the oils is limited in time, and it's essential to reapply them frequently (within a few hours).

Proper use of essential oils to repel mosquitoes also means observing certain precautions. It is recommended that essential oils not be used by young children, or by pregnant or breast-feeding women. It is also very important to respect the recommended dosage.