How to enjoy a mozzie free summer. Without the mosquito repellant.

Mozzies. They give everyone the irrits. Even the most dedicated animal lover you won’t think twice about squashing one of those suckers when they get too close.

And I’m positive everyone reading this has experienced the redness, the swelling and the uncontrollable itching that comes with a mosquito bite. Also, let’s not forget that beyond being irritating, they can also be very dangerous, spreading diseases such as Malaria and Ross River Fever.

In Australia, we have learnt to do two things when it comes to repelling mosquitos: either smother ourselves in store bought, chemical laden repellents, or do our best to ignore them.

Or you could do like Homer Simpson and swat them with your head. Post continues after video.

Both methods aren’t exactly optimal are they?

So what if you could keep them away and do it without harsh chemicals?

In this article, we will reveal 11 of the best ways to repel mosquitoes so you can enjoy a mosquito free summer!

1. Simple Lavender Body Oil

Add 30 drops of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of olive oil and rub onto exposed skin. Added bonus: you’ll smell great and keep the mozzies away.

2. Citronella Candles

Citronella essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents in the world and one of the best ways to take advantage of this wonderful oil is in citronella candles. You can find these in your local supermarkets or hardware stores. Light them when at dusk when mosquitos come out to play.

3. Throw Rosemary On The Barbecue

Mosquitoes often strike when you’re cooking on the BBQ at dinner, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent.
Throw a few stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give off a mosquito repelling aroma.

4. A Few Drops Of Lavender

Lavender is loved by humans all over the world, but mosquitoes hate it! To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to ribbon and place around open windows.

5. Mosquito Repellent Spray

To create your own natural mosquito repelling spray, simply add essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus with some warm water and spray this on your skin before heading outside.

6. Make your own Bug Repellent Sunscreen

This sunblock is all natural, made with the finest ingredients and is actually beneficial to your skin. The Sunblock has about an SPF 24-30 and is semi waterproof too.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup almond oil
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax (add less if you want it creamier)
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide
2 Tablespoons of Neem Powder
2 Tablespoons of Jojoba Oil
20 drops of Essential Oil (Optional)

7. Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants

This will take a bit of forward planning. So in anticipation of their onslaught, be sure to plant the following varieties: feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender are four of the most effective. Plant these in flower beds or containers placed around your garden.

8. Eat More Garlic

Warning: while this may repel mosquitoes, it may also repel your friends and family! After eating lots of garlic, garlic oil is gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes.

9. Apply Neem Oil

Neem oil is a vegetable extracted from the Neem tree which is sometimes referred to as “the tree of life”. Neem oil is a natural insecticide used on plants to keep harmful insects away, and it works the same way on humans. Apply neem oil to the skin and keep mosquitoes away.

10. Mosquito Repellent Drink

The magic of Apple Cider Vinegar strikes again. Add one or two tablespoons of ACV to 450ml of water and consume. Sweeten with one tablespoon of honey to counteract the bitterness if you wish.

11. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay eggs in water so removing standing water will cut down the number of mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity. Standing water can include bird baths, puddles and pet water bowls. Make sure gutters are draining well and empty any garden items that collect water.

And there you have it - 11 natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your home, your garden, and away from you this summer – and most importantly, you can do it without the use of any harmful chemicals!

How do you naturally repel mosquitoes? Let us know in the comments...