The 9 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents

You might be on the hunt for a natural mosquito repellent for many reasons. Maybe your sensitive skin doesn’t react well to synthetic repellents, or you want to use products that are more environmentally friendly. Or maybe you just want your mosquito repellent to smell good. 

Whatever the reason, you have options. Studies on the mosquito-repelling qualities of various essential oils have shown some promising results. But not all of the products that market themselves as natural mosquito repellents live up to the hype.

If you’re traveling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) generally recommends synthetic repellents. But where the risk of catching a mosquito-borne disease is low, here are some natural options to consider.

1. Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is registered with the EPA as an approved insect repellent ingredient. OLE provides up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. That makes it comparable to many synthetic repellents on the market. 

Avoid using products made with pure OLE. These products can cause skin irritation and aren’t registered with the EPA. 

Good to know: Para-menthane-diol (PMD) is a synthetic version of OLE. Don’t use PMD or highly concentrated OLE on children under 3 years old. You can use OLE at concentrations of 30% or less on children of any age.

2. Neem oil

Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide that is sometimes used to help prevent the spread of disease. A review of several studies found that neem oil may be moderately to highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Researchers likely tested different neem oil mixtures in these studies, which may explain the varying results. 

3. Lemongrass oil

You might know lemongrass as a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. But this herb’s uses go beyond the kitchen. One study found that lemongrass oil combined with olive oil provided around 99% protection against southern house mosquitoes for almost 3 hours. 

Southern house mosquitoes can be found in the tropics and the southern third of the continental U.S., from Southern California to Virginia. 

4. Clove oil

Clove oil is a spice with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It may also repel mosquitoes. One study found that clove oil kept Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes away for over 2 hours. These mosquitoes live in tropical and subtropical climates, and they can also be found in some temperate areas. 

Many essential oils evaporate quickly, so their effects may not last as long lasting as chemical repellents. But one study found that mixing clove oil with vanillin (a chemical in vanilla beans), could prevent evaporation and help the repellent effect last longer. 

5. Patchouli oil

Patchouli is one of those smells that people tend to either love or hate. And just as opinions of the oil are mixed, so is the research on how well it works at keeping mosquitos away. Patchouli alone may not be a good mosquito repellent. 

But one study found that combining patchouli oil with an alcohol base provided some protection against mosquitoes. Another study showed that combining patchouli with sage oil prolonged the protection time to over 4 hours against various mosquito species found in the southern and eastern parts of the U.S. 

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

The Top 10 Essential Oils to Soothe Sore, Painful Muscles

Are Essential Oils Good for Eczema? A Look at 5 of the Most Popular Ones

The 3 Best and Worst Oils for Cooking

Are Seed Oils Really Bad for Your Health?

View more

6. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has many uses, from relieving upset stomachs and headaches to soothing sore muscles. And it’s been shown to repel mosquitoes found across the U.S. Some research suggests that it may work for up to 3 hours. 

7. Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon oil might keep mosquitoes and ticks away. Researchers found that an organic lotion containing cinnamon oil repelled mosquitoes that live in many parts of the U.S. for 2 hours. This mixture was also found to be successful in warding off ticks.

8. Catnip oil

While cats love Nepeta cataria (catnip), insects certainly don’t. Studies show that oil from this herb works as a natural mosquito repellent. Researchers think mosquitoes and other insects avoid catnip oil because it activates their pain receptors. 

9. Citronella oil

You’ve probably come across citronella candles and fragrances while looking for a natural mosquito repellent. These products may provide some protection, but the evidence is mixed.

One study found that a body cream made with citronella repelled mosquitoes. Researchers also found that a cream with citronella, lemongrass, and clove oil worked even better. 

But other studies show that citronella alone may not be the best option because it tends to evaporate quickly, leaving you exposed to mosquitoes. 

How to use natural mosquito repellents

Ready to give natural mosquito repellents a try? Here are a few tips before you get started: 

• Buy your essential oils from a reputable source. The FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils, so there are many faulty products on the market. Look for reputable sources that sell quality products. And read the labels to make sure you’re getting the essential oil you want. 

• Test the repellent in low-risk areas first. There’s a need for more research on natural insect repellents. And the proper formulations still need to be worked out. Only test repellents in areas with a very low risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Use carrier oils. If you’re applying an essential oil to your skin, always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or argan. You can start with 6 to 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

• Patch test new products. You might be allergic to certain essential oils. So it's best to test essential oil on a small section of your skin and see how your skin reacts. 

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Autumn Dewey

Autumn Dewey, BA, has experience in nonprofit communications, multimedia storytelling, and public relations.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts