My nana swears by this DIY mosquito repellent recipe. Here’s how it works.

 

🌿 My Nana’s DIY Mosquito Repellent

A time-tested natural solution for keeping mosquitoes at bay—straight from nana’s kitchen cabinet.

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🧡 Why This Recipe Matters

For as long as I can remember, every summer my nana would hand me a little glass spray bottle filled with a strong, citrusy herbal scent that, as she claimed, kept “those biting devils” away. She never used store-bought repellents—“Too many chemicals,” she’d say. Instead, she swore by her homemade blend of essential oils, passed down from her mother, and now—onto me.

And the truth? It worked. Whether we were shelling peas on the back porch or walking through the garden at dusk, those mosquitoes didn’t stand a chance. So here it is, shared in loving memory and as a practical guide for anyone looking to keep bugs away naturally.

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🧪 How It Works

The Science Behind the Oils

Mosquitoes locate us primarily by scent—particularly carbon dioxide and body odor. Many essential oils contain compounds (like citronellal, geraniol, limonene, and eucalyptol) that confuse or overwhelm mosquito receptors, making it hard for them to find or land on us.

These oils don’t kill mosquitoes, but they act as a powerful repellent for a limited time (usually 30 to 60 minutes), making them ideal for outdoor use when reapplied periodically.

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🌿 Ingredients: What Nana Used

This version is ideal for a 2 oz (60 ml) spray bottle. Double or triple the quantities for larger batches.

Base:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) witch hazel (or vodka)

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) distilled water

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil)

• 5 drops vitamin E oil (optional, as a natural preservative and skin soother)

Essential Oils Blend (Total ~60 drops):

• 15 drops lemon eucalyptus oil (key active repellent)

• 10 drops citronella oil (classic anti-mosquito)

• 10 drops lavender oil (soothing + bug-repelling)

• 10 drops geranium oil (repels ticks and mosquitoes)

• 10 drops peppermint oil (cooling + repellent)

• 5 drops tea tree oil (optional for added antimicrobial benefit)

👵 Nana’s note: “Use good oils, not cheap perfume ones. If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.”

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🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need

• A 2 oz (60 ml) glass spray bottle (amber or cobalt blue preferred)

• Small funnel (optional)

• Measuring spoons

• Dark cupboard or cool spot for storage

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🧴 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bottle

Wash your spray bottle thoroughly with warm, soapy water and rinse well. If reusing, you can sterilize it by filling with boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes (then empty and dry).

Step 2: Add the Liquids

Using your funnel:

• Pour in 1 tablespoon witch hazel

• Add 1 tablespoon distilled water

• Add 1 teaspoon carrier oil

These form the base of your spray. Witch hazel helps emulsify and preserve; carrier oil helps dilute the essential oils to make them safe for skin use.

Step 3: Add the Essential Oils

Drop in:

• 15 drops lemon eucalyptus

• 10 drops citronella

• 10 drops lavender

• 10 drops geranium

• 10 drops peppermint

• (Optional) 5 drops tea tree

Be precise but don’t stress—a drop more or less is okay!

Step 4: Shake & Label

Screw the spray cap on tightly and shake the bottle well. Label it with the date and ingredients. Essential oils degrade over time, so it’s best to use within 3–6 months.

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🧼 Patch Test First!

Before using it regularly, spray a little on your wrist and wait 12–24 hours to check for any skin sensitivity. While essential oils are natural, they can be irritating to some people, especially children or those with allergies.

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🧼 How to Use It

• Shake before every use. Oils and water separate naturally.

• Spray lightly on exposed skin, clothing, and around ankles or neck.

• Reapply every 45–60 minutes, or more often if sweating.

• Avoid spraying near eyes, nose, or mouth.

• For kids: spray on clothes instead of skin, and avoid oils like peppermint and tea tree for children under 6.

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🕯️ Bonus Uses Around the House

This spray works wonders not just on skin:

• Spray around doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out

• Lightly mist screens, picnic tables, or deck chairs before guests arrive

• Spray the inside of shoes before hikes or walks in the woods

• Use on tents or sleeping bags (test first on fabric!)

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🌬️ A Few Things Nana Did That Helped

1. Placed cotton balls soaked in the mix in corners of rooms or outside on the porch

2. Hung small fabric sachets with dried herbs + oil drops near doors

3. Lit citronella candles at dusk

4. Kept basil and marigolds growing near windows

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🧠 Why Nana’s Version Still Works

Despite how many new repellents are on the market, the core idea remains sound: natural compounds like lemon eucalyptus and citronella disrupt mosquito behavior. And when combined with carrier oils and gentle alcohols, you get a safe, effective barrier that even your kids can tolerate better than chemical sprays.

💡 Bonus Tip: Use high-quality, organic essential oils. They might cost a little more up front but last longer and smell far better.

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❗ Important Safety Notes

• Do not ingest this spray—it’s for external use only.

• Avoid use on babies under 6 months. Consult a pediatrician before using on toddlers.

• Keep it out of reach of children.

• Do not spray directly on pets—some oils (like tea tree or peppermint) can be toxic to cats and dogs.

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🌱 All-Natural, All-Heart

My nana used this blend not just because it worked—but because it felt safe, clean, and connected to nature. She believed in remedies that didn’t cost much, that came from her garden or cupboard, and that were made with love.

Making her DIY mosquito repellent is more than a household hack. It’s a small rebellion against chemicals. It’s a tribute. It’s a whisper of “I got you” in every spritz.

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📝 Final Recipe Summary (Quick Reference)

Ingredient	Amount
Witch hazel or vodka	1 Tbsp (15 ml)
Distilled water	1 Tbsp (15 ml)
Carrier oil	1 tsp (5 ml)
Lemon eucalyptus oil	15 drops
Citronella oil	10 drops
Lavender oil	10 drops
Geranium oil	10 drops
Peppermint oil	10 drops
Tea tree oil (optional)	5 drops
Vitamin E (optional)	5 drops