How to Use Neem Oil as Mosquito Repellent?

Is Neem oil mosquito repellent?

Neem oil has been used since last many centuries in traditional medicines and known to be used for infections, diseases and life style conditions, like leprosy, diabetes, ulcers, gastro intestinal troubles, fever, gum diseases, liver problems, intestinal worms, etc. The bark, leaves, seeds, flower, fruit, stem and twigs of neem tree, all are being used for some or other medicinal application.

Neem oil, which is extracted from the seeds is a powerful insect repellent used against many pests, including mosquitoes. The compounds present in Neem oil are azadirachtin, nimbin and salannin, which makes neem a strong mosquito repelling agent. The primary active compound – azadirachtin, hampers the growth and reproduction in insects, by causing modifications in larval metamorphosis, and thus can be used effectively against mosquito infestations to control their population and repelling away.

How does Neem oil repel mosquitoes?

Neem oil has a very strong bitter smell which is intolerable for mosquitoes. Neem oil contains many phytochemicals, including toxins for insect protection. The primary active compound present in neem oil – “azadirachtin”, interferes with the hormone systems inside the mosquitoes and disrupts their biological growth (molting) process, thus preventing them from growing and laying eggs.

The other active compounds that are present in neem oil – nimbin and salannin, are responsible for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

When applied on skin, the bitter odor that releases from neem oil forms a barrier on skin that prevents mosquitoes from finding and locating humans, as it masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid emitted from humans. When applied through sprays, the neem oil interferes with their olfactory senses with its strong bitter odor which is highly unpleasant and intolerable for mosquitoes.

How to dilute Neem oil for mosquito repellent?

Concentrated Neem oil is always diluted before using as mosquito repellent. Neem oil can be diluted as follows:

1. Neem oil with carrier oil

Mix 5 to 10 drops of Neem oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. this is mainly used for applying directly on skin, i.e., for topical applications.

2. Neem oil with water

Mix 10 to 20 drops of Neem oil with 1 cup of water. Add few drops of liquid soap to help the oil to get mixed with water. This is mainly used for spray solutions and can be sprayed in surrounding areas to keep mosquitoes away.

How to make Neem oil mosquito repellent?

You can easily prepare your own Neem oil mosquito repellent, which is easy and quiet cost-effective. Follow the instructions below:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of Neem oil
• 1/2 cup of carrier oil (either coconut or olive oil)
• Few drops of liquid soap (for mixing it well)
• 10 drops of either Lavender or Peppermint oil for fragrance (optional)

Instructions:

• Take a small bowl and mix the Neem oil with the carrier oil, with few drops of liquid soap.
• If you want additional fragrance you can add essential oil at this stage, which is optional.
• Transfer the mixture into a small bottle, which is easy to use.
• Apply on exposed skin areas.

This homemade neem oil mosquito repellent will remain effective and mosquito protection for up to 8hrs. For outdoor visits, you may reapply as needed.

Before applying directly on skin you must check by applying a small patch on skin for any allergic reactions or discomfort.

Methods to use Neem oil as mosquito repellent

1. Direct application on skin

The Neem oil can be directly applied on skin by mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. It provides personal protection by creating a barrier and masks the scents that human body releases, which mosquitoes track as a trail to locate their hosts. Just mix the Neem oil with any carrier oil as described above to make a neem oil mosquito repellent.

2. Neem oil mosquito repellent spray

Neem oil mosquito repellent spray is mostly used for gardens, backyards, lawns or any outdoor sitting areas. Inside the house, it can be sprayed near access points like doors and windows, and around bathrooms and toilets. It can also be sprayed around, bird baths, plant pots, garage, ponds and fountains, rain barrels, dog pen, chicken coops, etc.

3. Burning Neem oil in lamps or diffusers

Neem oil on burning releases smell with smoke that is unpleasant for mosquitoes. It is excellent for deterring mosquitoes away at outdoor locations. But, it can be used indoors by using diffusers or burning over lamp, to give similar mosquito repelling action.

4. Using Neem oil with other natural repellents

Neem oil can be combined with other natural mosquito repellents like Lemongrass or Citronella oil, Eucalyptus oil, Peppermint oil, Tea Tree oil, etc. These combinations can be prepared as per need in any ratios that give desired results. It can be prepared into lotions, sprays, or solutions for diffusers, etc.

Neem oil mosquito repellent DIY recipes

1. Neem oil and Lemon Eucalyptus spray

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Neem oil
• 10 drops Lemon Eucalyptus oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon alcohol or witch hazel
• 1 empty spray bottle

Instructions:

• Take all the 3 ingredients – Neem oil, Lemon Eucalyptus oil and alcohol or witch hazel and mix them in a spray bottle
• Shake well before use.

2. Neem oil and water spray

Ingredients:

• 20 drops of Neem oil
• 1 cup of water
• few drops of liquid soap

Instructions:

• Take all the 3 ingredients – Neem oil, water, and liquid soap and mix them in a spray bottle.
• Shake well before use.

3. Neem oil and coconut oil lotion

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of Neem oil
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• few drops of lavender or rosemary oil

Instructions:

• Mix Neem oil and coconut oil in a small bowl.
• Add essential oil for fragrance, its optional.
• Store and apply directly on skin as needed.

Advantages and disadvantages of Neem oil mosquito repellent

Advantages	Disadvantages
Natural and Non-toxic	Unpleasant bitter smell
Effective against mosquitoes and many other insects and pests	Skin irritation in some individuals, if not properly diluted
Multi purpose, apart from insect repelling has many other heath and skin benefits	Need frequent reapplication as compared to commercial mosquito repellents

How to use Neem leaves as mosquito repellent?

Neem leaves cannot be directly used. However, it can be used by either burning in fire pits or extracting in some media like water to get Neem infused water solution.

• Burning Neem leaves: Burn sufficient quantity of dried Neem leaves in a fire pit or any fire proof container. The smoke released will be unpleasant for mosquitoes and will cause disorientation in them. They will fail to locate their hosts due to neem smell within the smoke. It will give a strong repelling action against mosquitoes.
• Neem leaf spray: Take some Neem leaves in a bowl, add water and boil it for 30 minutes. Cool down this Neem infused water and filter it into a spray bottle. Spray this Neem water around your surroundings or at home to keep mosquitoes away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)