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Keep Mosquitoes Away with Essential Oils

11.09.2024

Do mosquitoes have a favorite blood type? Interesting experiments in this area have shown that mosquitoes have a particular fondness for people with type O negative blood. If that’s unavailable, they’ll happily settle for type O positive.


If neither is an option, they might agree to type A. But type B and AB? Those they’re not particularly interested in.

Beyond blood type, mosquitoes are also drawn to the scent of sweat and carbon dioxide – but that’s more like a built-in radar for detecting their next meal.

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites – Safely

Essential oils are a natural and pleasant way to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can use basil, citronella, geranium, thyme, litsea, clove, rosemary, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil. Pick whichever scent you love the most.

How to Apply Essential Oils

With the exception of pure tea tree oil, never apply essential oils directly to your skin!

Instead, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like almond, macadamia, or rice bran oil, then apply it to exposed skin. Another option? Dab a couple of drops onto your clothing.

Popular Ways to Use Essential Oils as Insect Repellents

There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your routine to keep mosquitoes away. Here are some of the best:

1. Aromatherapy Diffuser or Oil Burner

A classic method for filling a room with mosquito-repelling aromas. You can use a traditional ceramic burner or an electric diffuser. Simply prepare your essential oil blend, follow your device’s instructions, and let the fragrance take over.

Once the scent saturates the space, mosquitoes will want to flee. And since these aromas linger, one session is often enough to keep them away all day or night. Bonus: the soothing fragrance can also promote deeper, more restful sleep.

2. Spritzing Clothes with Essential Oils

If you're heading outdoors whether for a nature walk, a picnic, or some gardening mosquitoes will definitely be around. One of the best ways to keep them off is by spraying a light mist of essential oils onto your clothing or skin. This creates a sort of "invisible shield" that repels flying biters.

But be cautious! Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause allergic reactions or even skin burns if applied undiluted. Always mix them with a neutral base, such as coconut or jojoba oil, or use ready-made natural gels and creams. Or, for convenience, go for the beloved CREAMLY Oil Blend, which is already perfectly balanced and ready to use.

3. DIY Essential Oil Spray

A homemade essential oil spray is another versatile option. You can mist it into the air when indoors, spray it onto clothes before heading out, or even apply a light layer to your skin.

To make one yourself, grab an empty spray bottle and mix:

  • 100 ml of pure water
  • A couple of teaspoons of medical alcohol
  • 2–3 drops of your chosen essential oil(s)

Shake well, and you’ve got an all-natural insect repellent!

For oil burners, stick to 5 drops per 15 square meters of space. For homemade repellent creams, mix 20 drops of essential oil with 50 g of a neutral carrier oil. If using store-bought natural creams, reduce the ratio to 15 drops per 50 g, since many already contain essential oil extracts.

The Best Essential Oils for Repelling Mosquitoes

Some oils work better than others when it comes to keeping bugs away. Here are the all-stars:

  • Tea Tree Oil – Used since ancient times for its strong insect-repelling properties. It’s a common ingredient in both DIY and store-bought repellents.
  • Citronella Oil – Considered one of the most effective mosquito deterrents, with a fresh lemony aroma.
  • Vanilla Oil – A soft, sweet scent that’s gentle on the skin and less likely to cause allergic reactions, making it ideal for children and sensitive individuals.
  • Clove Oil – Potent and powerful, clove oil’s strong fragrance is a natural mosquito repellent. However, it can also be a strong allergen, so patch test before use.
  • Lemongrass Oil – With its sharp, citrusy scent, lemongrass oil provides long-lasting protection against pesky insects.
Soothing Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites

Essential oils don’t just repel mosquitoes – they can also help soothe bites. If you've already been bitten, try these calming oils:

  • Chamomile
  • Lemon balm
  • Peppermint
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Tea tree
  • Thyme
  • Eucalyptus

These oils can reduce swelling, ease itching, and speed up the healing process.

When making your own bite-soothing remedy, follow the same safety rules as with repellents – never apply pure essential oils directly to your skin! Always dilute them with a carrier like lotion, alcohol-based solutions, or plant-based oils.

For kids, lavender oil is the gentlest and least likely to cause irritation, making it the best choice for soothing mosquito bites.

Essential Oils Mosquito Protection for Kids

Be extra careful with little ones. Before using any essential oil, always do a patch test to check for allergies.

For babies under 6 months, it's best to avoid essential oils altogether unless they're already a regular part of your household routine. After 6 months, you can slowly introduce tea tree and eucalyptus oils as natural mosquito repellents.

A diffuser is a great way to safely spread mosquito-repelling scents in the air just remember to follow safety guidelines when using it around infants.

If your child does get bitten and you’re open to homeopathy, here are some remedies that might help:

  • Apis 6 – For insect bites that are red, swollen, and feel hot.
  • Ledum 6 – For bites that cause a cold, puffy reaction.
The Magic of the CREAMLY Oils

The CREAMLY Oil Blend is a mix of essential oils, CO2 extracts, and vitamins – a powerful, plant-based formula suitable for all skin types. Customers swear by its magic!

We often say that skin’s elasticity and youthfulness depend on the right balance of fatty acids. Over time, and due to external factors like pollution, UV exposure, and improper skincare, skin can become dry and flaky. That’s why we created THE OILS – to keep your skin fresh and nourished with the power of botanical extracts.

And since this blend is all-natural, it doubles as an effective mosquito repellent. Its delicate aroma is pleasant for humans but unbearable for mosquitoes and gnats.

If you missed the chance to apply it before a bite, don’t worry – this same blend, or our legendary CREAMLY The Body Cream. For Recovery, can help with the aftermath. Just dab a few drops on the affected area to reduce swelling, itchiness, and irritation.

And the best part? The well-balanced formula makes this oil blend hypoallergenic and safe when used correctly.

Overview
The Oil. For Normalising.
The Oil.
For Normalising.
30 ml | € 45
Tackling oily shine with, surprise surprise, a lovely normalising oil. This bottle will help bring the balance back to your skin whilst helping with skin tone, acne and sensitivity.
The Oil. For Nourishing.
The Oil.
For Nourishing.
30 ml | € 45
Adding an extra protective layer to the skin and saying a big farewell to any inkling of dryness. This oil is both restorative and versatile, removing make-up before you can finish saying ‘CREAMLY.!’.
The Essential Oils Set.
The Essential Oils Set. € 55
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