From transforming ordinary baths into spa-like experiences to becoming celebrity-favorite skin care secrets, essential oils are nature’s fragrant gift to health. They can boost your mood, nourish your skin, improve sleep quality, and even help relieve pain and stress. Interestingly, many people have also turned to using essential oils as a natural way to keep mosquitoes away.

When it comes to mosquito prevention, you can think of products like sprays, coils or mosquito-repellent creams. Turns out, essential oils are also good at their job and serve as a chemical-free alternative.

For your information, essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are known for their powerful aroma and therapeutic properties.

These aromatic compounds act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, disrupting their sensory signals and making it harder for them to locate human hosts. But can essential oils become a reliable shield in your fight against mosquito bites?

Essential oils to prevent mosquito bites

“Essential oils have always been a natural and effective remedy to repel mosquitoes and for many purposes. Their aromatic properties not only create a pleasant ambiance but also act as a natural deterrent to mosquitoes. Unlike chemical-based repellents, essential oils provide a safe, skin-friendly and eco-conscious alternative,” says Dr. Blossom Kochhar, a pioneer in aromatherapy and skin care expert.

Citronella essential oil is commonly used as a mosquito repellent. It is extracted from lemongrass. “Its sour smell confuses mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to locate their human targets. Citronella is one of the most widely researched and trusted oils to repel mosquitoes, says Dr. Kochhar.

Many mosquito-repellent creams and sprays also use citronella in their formulations.

Dr Vijay Singhal, senior consultant, dermatology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, New Delhi, says, “Apart from citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, tea tree and lavender oils contain compounds like limonene and citronellol which help in keeping mosquitoes away. Known for.” ,

Some essential oils also help treat mosquito bites.

“Some essential oils like tea tree and lavender have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe and heal mosquito bites. Tea tree oil can reduce itching, swelling, and redness, says Dr. Singhal, while lavender oil is known to have a calming effect on irritated skin.

Peppermint oil, due to its cooling effect, can provide relief from itching.

Application matters

If you want these essential oils to work and not harm you, you need to be extremely careful when using them.

“Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin in their pure form as they can cause irritation. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before applying,” says Dr Blossom Kochhar.

“For protection from mosquitoes, apply the diluted mixture on exposed skin, especially on pulse points like wrists and ankles. Another effective way is to add essential oils to a diffuser for indoor protection or mix them with water to make a spray for clothes and surroundings,” says Dr. Singhal.

You should also keep undiluted essential oils away from open wounds. Patch testing is also important! It is also important to note that some oils may be unsafe for pregnant women and children. Therefore, it is better to talk to a medical expert first.

Here are some more ways to use essential oils to prevent mosquito bites, suggested by Dr. Blossom Kochhar:

• make a spray: Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil with water and a splash of witch hazel or vodka in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and spray on exposed skin and clothing.
• use in diffuser: Adding essential oils to a diffuser can help keep mosquitoes away from your home. The continuous fragrance of the oil acts as a barrier against mosquitoes.
• cotton balls: To keep mosquitoes away, put a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls and place them near windows, doors or outdoor seating areas.

But wait…

While essential oils are natural and safe to use mosquito repellents, they cannot completely replace clinically tested products. Therefore, when you are in an area where mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or malaria are prevalent, essential oils should only be used as supplemental protection.

“Repellent creams and sprays are generally more effective than essential oils at preventing mosquito bites, especially in high-risk areas. “Products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 provide longer-lasting and more reliable protection than essential oils, which require frequent reapplication and may not repel all mosquito species,” Dr. Singhal says.

They create a barrier that is less likely to be penetrated by mosquitoes and often contain soothing, skin-friendly ingredients.

Even when using any repellent, remember to follow the usage instructions, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and reapply according to product guidelines for better efficacy.