TL;DR: Natural mosquito repellents lean on plant-based ingredients to help keep bites at bay—so you can spend more time outside and less time swatting.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a plant-based active ingredient recognized by the CDC for mosquito repellency, and it pulls double duty by helping protect against ticks, too.
- Neem oil can give you a few hours of coverage, but it usually doesn’t last as long as OLE, so it’s better for shorter stretches outside or with more frequent touch-ups.
- Citronella and other essential oils (like thyme, geraniol, peppermint, cedar, and clove) can lend a hand for brief outings but tend to fade faster and may bother sensitive skin at higher levels.
- Ingredients such as soybean oil and cinnamon oil can support your mosquito game or target larvae, but they shine most as part of a bigger natural protection lineup—not as your only player.
- You’ll feel most comfortable when you pair plant-based repellents with simple habits like ditching standing water, turning on a fan, and loading your space with insect-repelling plants.
If you’re looking for alternatives to chemical insect repellents that include DEET and other synthetic materials, consider plant-based mosquito repellents. Keep reading to learn about some of the most effective natural repellents on the market.
Types of Natural Mosquito Repellents
From oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) to neem oil, here are some popular natural repellents that can prevent mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only plant-based ingredient approved by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and is just as effective at repelling mosquitoes as products that contain DEET, providing up to six hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It’s extracted from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees and enriched with para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), an organic compound that repels insects. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), oil of lemon eucalyptus is not expected to cause harm to humans or the environment.
It can protect against mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika virus and West Nile virus, and it also protects against diseases transmitted by ticks, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Not to mention, OLE doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue and doesn’t have an overwhelming scent like some chemical bug repellents.
Neem Oil
In a 2015 study, researchers tested neem oil’s effectiveness compared to repellents that contain DEET and found that a concentration of 20% neem oil provided 70% protection against mosquitoes for three hours. If you want a natural mosquito repellent that lasts a little longer than neem oil, OLE is a great alternative.
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most widely used natural repellents available and is used at concentrations of 5%–10%, which is lower than other repellents because it can cause skin sensitivity at higher levels. According to a study by the Malaria Journal, citronella-based repellents only protect from host-seeking mosquitoes for around two hours.
Essential Oils
While some essential oils, including thyme oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, cedar oil, and clove oil, have been found to repel mosquitoes that transmit malaria, filarial, and yellow fever for around one to three hours, they aren’t tested by the EPA and have been found to irritate the skin, especially in the sun.
In addition to these types of natural mosquito repellents, here are some other natural ingredients that have been suggested for use against repelling mosquitoes:
- Cinnamon oil—According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, cinnamon oil was effective at killing mosquito larvae.
- Essential oil in catnip—A study performed by Iowa State University showed that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, was 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
- Soybean oil—Insect repellents that contain 2% soybean oil and are applied to the skin can provide a few hours of protection against mosquitoes.
Safety Tips for using Natural Mosquito Repellents
When using natural mosquito repellents, follow these tips for adequate protection against mosquitoes:
- Apply the repellent on exposed skin or clothing—don’t use the repellent under clothing.
- Don’t spray repellents in enclosed areas.
- When applying repellent to your face, put some in your hands first before gently applying it to your face. Try to avoid applying the repellent around your eyes and mouth.
- Don’t use a repellent on skin that’s broken, damaged, or irritated.
- According to the CDC, when determining whether to use sunscreen or repellent first, apply the sunscreen to your skin first, allow it to dry for a few minutes, then follow up with the repellent. Users should apply sunscreen first because it needs to be reapplied more often than insect repellent.
- After applying the repellent, wash your hands with soap and water. You’ll also want to wash your skin and clothes with soap and water after returning indoors and before going to bed.
Other natural ways to prevent mosquitos
Even with a good natural repellent, layering a few simple habits can make your outdoor space much less appealing to mosquitoes.
Yard and home tweaks
- Plant insect-repelling herbs and flowers, like lavender, marigolds, citronella grass, rosemary, basil, bee balm, mint, sage, and catnip, to help mask the scents that attract mosquitoes.
- Remove standing water in places like plant saucers, clogged gutters, birdbaths, pet bowls, and trash can lids so mosquitoes have fewer places to breed.
- Patch holes in screens, windows, and doors to keep mosquitoes from slipping into your home, and keep grass trimmed and shrubs maintained so they don’t have cool, damp hiding spots.
What to wear
- When possible, wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors to reduce the amount of exposed skin that mosquitoes can bite.
- Choose looser, lightweight fabrics in lighter colors to stay comfortable in warm weather while still adding a protective barrier.
Airflow and fans
- Use a fan on porches, decks, or patios to create a steady breeze—mosquitoes are weak flyers and have trouble navigating against moving air.
Natural predators
- Attract birds that eat insects, such as swallows and purple martins, by adding bird feeders or birdhouses to your yard.
How to treat mosquito bites naturally
Even with prevention measures in place, you may still be susceptible to mosquito bites. Here are a few ways to help relieve bites and itching:
- Put ice around the bite to reduce swelling.
- As much as the bite itches, avoid scratching the area, as this will only irritate it and make it worse.
- Apply a relief balm that contains soothing ingredients such as eucalyptus and chamomile oil.
If you notice the area around the bite starting to swell or you start to have an allergic reaction to the bite, consult your doctor right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Bug Sprays
Are plant-based repellents safe for kids?
Yes, but age guidelines depend on federal regulations, state laws, and specific product formulations
How often do I need to reapply natural bug spray?
For OLE-based sprays, reapply every 6 hours (or after swimming or heavy sweating). For basic essential oil blends, reapply every 1 to 2 hours for consistent coverage.
Looking to mix your own quick home recipe?
If you're interested in making a simple short-term spray at home using household essential oils, check out our dedicated guide on DIY Homemade Mosquito Repellents.
