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Citronella -

Citronella is an effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from the Cymbopogon nardus plant, it's an ingredient in many mosquito repellents.

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Citronella -

When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50% extra protection from mosquitoes. 

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Cloves -

A 2021 report suggested that cloves may be a moderate repellant against mosquitoes in the Anopheles genus.

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Cloves -

Some research also suggests that clove oil may repel mosquitoes for up to two to three hours after application. 

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Peppermint -

Peppermint has been shown to be an effective insect repellent, with one 2022 study finding that peppermint oil may provide complete protection from Anopheles dirus mosquito species for 180 minutes.

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Peppermint -

Another 2020 study suggested that peppermint oil acts as a strong Aedes aegypti mosquito repellent for 30 minutes, after which it weakens.

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Cinnamon oil -

Cinnamon is a common food spice, which is also used in processing, medicine, and agriculture. People may use it in various forms, including as an oil.

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Cinnamon oil -

Studies have shown that cinnamon, particularly in oil form, works as an insect repellant. In higher doses, it can also kill some insects and prevent them from laying eggs. 

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Thyme oil -

Thyme is a Mediterranean plant that has been shown to repel some Anopheles mosquito species.

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Thyme oil -

You can also throw thyme leaves into a campfire, as research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85% protection for 60 to 90 minutes.

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Tea tree oil -

Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil from Australia, which is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Tea tree oil -

Tests have shown that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.

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Lavender -

Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes.

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Lavender -

Since lavender has antifungal properties and reduces inflammation, it can also soothe and calm the skin. 

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Castor oil -

Castor oil comes from castor bean seeds. It has lubricating and medicinal uses, but may also be used as a pesticide. 

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Castor oil -

Insects that castor oil can repel include the bruchid beetle and the dengue fever-carrying mosquito Aedes aegypti.

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Rosemary -

Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen shrub that many people use as an ingredient in food.

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Rosemary -

Research suggests that essential oils from rosemary may effectively repel mosquitoes.

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Garlic -

A flavorful food ingredient, garlic essential oil can also act as a repellent against insects, such as beetles and mosquitoes.

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Garlic -

The scent of garlic may reduce mosquito attraction to human odor for the initial 30 minutes after application. However, the effect wears off. 

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Sesame oil -

Sesame oil comes from sesame seeds, which can be used as a cooking oil. It's often a natural ingredient within commercial insect repellents. 

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Sesame oil -

However, findings from 2020 suggest that sesame oil doesn't provide significant protection against Aedes aegypti mosquito bites or repel these insects.

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Spearmint -

Spearmint, including spearmint oil, contains similar chemicals to peppermint.

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Spearmint -

Research suggests that spearmint oil can act as an effective Aedes aegypti mosquito repellent for the first 30 minutes after application. The effect will then fade. 

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Soybean oil -

According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.

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Soybean oil -

Another study found that a soybean-oil-based repellent protected against mosquito bites for about one and a half hours. 

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Geraniol -

Geraniol is a type of alcohol used as a fragrance or flavor. It's from plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and rose.

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Geraniol -

As a repellent ingredient, it's known to be effective for two to four hours, depending on the species.

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Potential risks -

Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil. Before applying to the skin, a person should conduct a patch test to help prevent severe allergic reactions.

Sources: (Healthline) (Medical News Today) (Real Simple) 

See also: What is aromatherapy, and can it work for you?

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