If you’re tired of mosquito bites every time you step outside, you’re not alone. Here in Arizona, warm weather can stretch mosquito season longer than we’d like. While bug sprays with DEET are common, more people are looking for natural insect repellents instead. That’s where essential oils come in.
So, can they really keep mosquitoes away? And which ones actually work? Here’s what to know.
Key Takeaways
- Some essential oils—like citronella oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and lemongrass—have mosquito repellent properties supported by research.
- Most essential oil mosquito repellents work for a few hours and need to be reapplied more often than products with DEET or picaridin.
- Oils should be diluted with a carrier oil and can also be used in a diffuser or homemade spray.
- Essential oils can help protect against mosquito bites, but for long-term mosquito control, you’ll need more than just a DIY approach.
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is one of the best-known natural mosquito repellents. A 2011 study in Tropical Medicine & International Health found that citronella oil provided full protection from mosquito bites for at least three hours in controlled settings. It doesn’t last as long as synthetic options, but it’s a good choice for short outdoor activities.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil smells great and repels mosquitoes. In one study from 2019, lavender oil had an 80% effectiveness rate and lasted for up to eight hours. That makes it a pleasant-smelling option with solid repellent action.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another effective mosquito repellent. A study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found that it has both larvicidal and repellent activity. That means it helps prevent adult bites and also affects mosquito breeding.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is closely related to citronella and has strong repellent properties. Research published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association showed it can repel stable flies, which are close relatives of mosquitoes. Its strong citrus scent helps keep mosquitoes away.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well known for skincare, but it’s also a powerful natural insect repellent. One study even showed that under certain conditions, it worked better than DEET. That’s impressive for an essential oil.
Clove Oil and Cinnamon Oil
These oils are powerful mosquito repellents. In a study comparing 38 different essential oils, clove oil gave the longest duration of 100% repellency—lasting up to four hours. Cinnamon oil also had strong repellent properties. These spicy oils do more than smell nice—they’re serious mosquito fighters.
Catnip and Cedarwood
Catnip has been shown to outperform DEET in some studies. It contains nepetalactone, which mosquitoes hate. Cedarwood is another option, especially useful in outdoor diffusers or for treating outdoor furniture and patios.
How to Use Essential Oils for Mosquito Control
If you want to use essential oils safely, always dilute them with a carrier oil before applying to your skin. Here are a few simple DIY options:
- Make a Repellent Lotion: Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or witch hazel. Apply like lotion.
- Use a Diffuser: Place a diffuser on your porch or patio to spread mosquito-repelling scents.
- Create a Spray: Add essential oils to water in a spray bottle and apply to clothes or outdoor gear.
Keep in mind that natural insect repellents don’t last as long as chemical options. You’ll likely need to reapply them more often, especially in hot weather or if you’re sweating.
What Do Experts Say?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus for long-lasting protection. But a study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that plant-based and natural products, including some essential oils, also provide effective mosquito repellent benefits.
If you’re sensitive to synthetic ingredients or just want a more natural option, using essential oils can still help reduce insect bites.
Essential Oils Work—But They’re Not a Standalone Mosquito Control Plan
Different essential oils can help you avoid mosquito bites, especially when used properly. But they’re not enough to stop a full-blown infestation.
Here’s a quick checklist for effective mosquito control at home:
- Remove standing water around your yard
- Use natural mosquito repellents or bug sprays with essential oils
- Repair or install window and door screens
- Sleep under mosquito nets when outdoors
- Plant mosquito-repelling herbs like lavender or lemongrass
- Use fans to keep mosquitoes from landing
- Treat ponds and birdbaths with mosquito dunks
- Keep grass short and trim bushes
At Green Home Pest Control, we help homeowners in Arizona protect their yards from mosquitoes using eco-friendly, effective systems that go beyond the bottle.
Ready for a mosquito-free yard? Contact us today and let’s talk about your options.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
