How to Use Eucalyptus Oil as Mosquito Repellent

Introduction

For years, people have been aware of the eucalyptus oil’s strong properties, in case there was doubt its strong aroma provides an impressive mosquito repellent and insect repellent, so. With its natural repellant properties it has been commonly used instead of chemical based repellents since it is much safer and reliable. Not only this, the eucalyptus has also been found to be quite effective in relieving flu symptoms as well; how about that?

There are several issues I will be resolving and explaining while taking care of your lovely pets dogs, as well as learning how to use it as a repellent oil, plus several hints to improve its action when mixed with other oils.

How eucalyptus oil works as a mosquito repellent?

eucalyptis oil does not only have a healing property but is also known to provide a strong repelling force against many Insects, pests and a variety of other things. Eucalyptus doesn’t just prevent ailments – it is antifungal and antimicrobial in nature, making it effective in treating infections. So, the scientific basis to apply eucalyptus oil for the mosquito’s bite is that it contains various compounds, including: α-terpineol, γ-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, p-cymene, eucamalol, linalool, limonene, α-pinene, carvacrol and terpineol.

Citronellal is the main component of citronella oil, thousands of people use and apply it for the purpose of repelling mosquitoes. That said, according to a study published in the Journal of Insect Science, its works extremely well as one is protected for up to 3 hours from the pesky mosquito. In particular it attacks mosquitoes with following actions:

Citronellal acts as an efficient mosquito repellent by blocking the mosquito’s sense of smell and locating the host, so to speak, the body temperature and body scents emitted by humans are concealed or covered against the mosquitoes.
Another interesting feature about citronellal is its smell as it is heavily pungent, which in turn drives away mosquitoes and pushes them out of that region.
If not the worst, another interesting feature about mosquitoes is disorientation caused due to the presence of citronellal in surrounding territories, that makes it very difficult to navigate around.

From the above mentioned actions of citronellal, it goes to the extent that mosquitoes simply bypass the human and animal hosts.

Preparing to use eucalyptus oil as mosquito repellent

The first step in the preparation of eucalyptus oil for use as a mosquito repellent is dilution which helps to mix it well along with other health and skin related advantages offered by carrier oil. One should dilute it properly using a carrier oil that will help in proper mixing along with other health and skin benefits.

Find below necessary steps to prepare eucalyptus oil for use:

1. Select a carrier oil

Eucalyptus oil is very strong in its action and in its concentrated form may cause skin irritations so, it should be applied only after diluting with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil. It also provides additional health benefits and a base for proper mixing.

2. Proper dilution

The eucalyptus oil should be properly diluted in a ratio around:
10 to 15 drops of eucalyptus oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.

If you are using 2 ounces of coconut oil you should add 20 to 30 drops of eucalyptus oil and mix it thoroughly. For kids, you must dilute it further as they will be having more sensitive skin.

3. Combining with other essential oils

In order to enhance the outcome, there are several natural substitutes for eucalyptus oil that can be mixed with other natural repellents for mosquitoes like citronella oil, tea tree oil or lavender oil. The mixing ratio is as follows:

2 parts of Eucalyptus oil,
1 part of Citronella oil,
1 part of Lavender oil,
2 parts of carrier oil

This boosts the overall mosquito repelling action of the combination along with a pleasant smell.

3 ways to Use eucalyptus oil as mosquito repellent

Eucalyptus oil can be easily used in different ways as given below:

1. Direct to skin application

The oil can be used directly after dilution. The diluted eucalyptus oil can be applied on skin around arms, legs and neck areas, because of which mosquitoes will refrain from landing on you or even from coming near you. This creates a protective barrier or shield around your body.

2. In diffusers

The eucalyptus oil can be used in diffusers in your bedroom which will create a mist of air dispersed throughout the room. By adding just few hours of eucalyptus oil in a diffuser, it will form a vapor of active mosquito repelling compounds, and will be spread in every corner of the room. Due to its volatile nature, it can be efficiently used in diffusers.

3. In form of sprays

Eucalyptus oil spray solutions can be made at home using:

20 to 30 drops of eucalyptus oil
2 ounces of water
1 table spoon of witch hazel or alcohol to get it mixed evenly

Mix all together and transfer it into a spray bottle. Shake well before every use. Don’t store for a long time as its effectiveness may not lasts long on storage. This homemade eucalyptus oil spray can be used directly on skin or sprayed around the room corners, beds and curtains, clothing, etc.

You can also spray these solution around your sitting areas in backyard, garden, lawn on patio furniture, etc. for protection at outdoors.

4. In form of candles

Eucalyptus oil candles are also available or you can prepare one at home. These candles are effective for outdoor gatherings. You can also add few drops of eucalyptus oil on a citronella candle or a torch, that will slowly release the active compounds of the oil in the air.

Benefits of using eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent

There are several benefits of using eucalyptus oil as mosquito repellent as given below:

It is a natural alternative against chemical based mosquito repellents.
It is bio-degradable, and does not causes pollution and therefore eco friendly.
It’s manageable, it adds to the environment of the surroundings by emitting a scent which has a pleasant smell.
It does quite a number of functions, Besides functioning as an insect repellent, This has also antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory action and can be used in small cuts and insect bites.
It also has strong repelling action against other insects. Also used for cleaning purposes due to its anti microbial properties. Have also got applications in aromatherapy.
Its a cost effective natural alternative.

Safety considerations while using eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent

It should be kept away from children. It should never be ingested or consumed, It may cause toxic reactions internally.
While using for pets, specially cats; you must take extra care as it may be safe for humans but not for pets. Do not apply eucalyptus oil directly on pets or their fur. If using as a spray in air, make sure the space or room is well ventilated.
Due to your skin’s sensitivity, eucalyptus oil should be mixed with adequate diluents. A patch test should be applied on your skin before applying it all over. Look for symptoms like rashes, itching and other forms of discomfort.
If you are using around infants and pregnant women, you need to be careful and probably even consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Eucalyptus oil sprays are one of the strongest natural mosquito repellents out there and serve as the perfect alternative to all shop offered mosquito repellents. The benefits are numerous and its easier to prepare and apply. People are more focused on homemade mosquito repellent products like candles, eucalyptus oil spray and other similar things due to their health consciousness or simply due to the hippy in them Surprisingly, there is a certain appeal that naturalists and the ecologically concerned would find in these products.

The step of dilution should be given maximum care and attention. Of course, care should be taken when using near pets, children or pregnant women..

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make mosquito repellent with eucalyptus oil?

The portion of eucalyptus oil added to the formulation must be blended with a carrier oil, usually coconut or almond oil as dilution is essential. This ensures that the content in the mixture is less harsh to the skin. Water should be mixed, and a little amount of alcohol or witch hazel added, to ensure proper mixing of oils and water. The solution can either be turned into a spray or preserved in lotion form so as to act as an anti mosquito shield.

How to use lemon eucalyptus oil as mosquito repellent?

Well-known as oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) this is a type of oil not to be confused with the eucalyptus oil. The name changes does not change the basic ingredient for which the composition is to be prepared, in this case to form an oil the lemons are to be used for mosquito repelling. To prepare mixture of lemon eucalyptus oil one can add coconut or jojoba oil economically or dilute it with alcohol or witch hazel or some water. It can be put in a spray bottle and the combination as mosquito repellent is utilized.