4 natural mosquito repellents you can make yourself for easy, non-toxic protection from your pantry in a pinch

It seems 2025 is the year of prioritizing natural mosquito repellents you can make yourself, and I can see the appeal, because who wants toxic substances on their skin or around their home?

To keep these biting, annoying and disease-carrying pests at bay without harsh chemicals our entomologists have some top DIY repellent tips for getting rid of mosquitoes inside the house naturally.

4 natural mosquito repellents you can make yourself

1. Lemon eucalyptus spray

As lemon and eucalyptus are both scents that mosquitoes hate, combine both in your natural mosquito repellent and you'll have an effective solution to keep mosquitoes away from windows and off your skin, says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company.

'It’s a natural, plant-based repellent,' she advises. 'In a spray bottle [such as the Zep Professional Plastic Spray Bottle available at Walmart] combine ¼ cup of coconut oil and one teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil.'

We recommend the HIQILI Lemon Eucalyptus Oil available at Amazon for this as it's 100% pure.

'Mix and apply directly to the skin,' Shannon continues. 'It works great as coconut oil is an efficient carrier due to its unique molecular structure, and the lemon eucalyptus oil is largely citronella.'

In fact, says Tony King, pest expert and founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, this is one of the most potent do-it-yourself mosquito repellents, as lemon eucalyptus oil has an active ingredient called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which is as effective as low concentrations of DEET in repelling mosquitoes.

For a natural mosquito repellent spray that you can use around the house, Tony recommends mixing 10 drops of the oil with two tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka, as an emulsifier, and then topping the remaining amount in the spray bottle with two ounces of distilled water.

'Shake well before each use,' he says. 'This blend works because mosquitoes are highly sensitive to the scent and chemical composition of the oil, which interferes with their sense of finding people.'

2. Lavender oil spray

'Another homemade favorite is a lavender oil-based spray,' says Tony. 'Lavender is an insect-repelling natural essential oil and gentle on the skin, so a favorite of families with children.'

To make this spray to get rid of mosquitoes, combine around 15 drops of lavender essential oil, such as the bestselling Handcraft Blends Lavender Essential Oil available at Walmart, with two tablespoons of distilled water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a staple in a number of homemade bug sprays, in a spray bottle and shake.

'Linalool in lavender is the active ingredient responsible for repelling mosquitoes since it interferes with their sensory perception,' explains Tony, and it smells beautiful, too.

You can also dry lavender and enhance its fragrance to hang in areas where you typically see many mosquitoes, like your kitchen or patio to complement your lavender natural mosquito repellent.

3. Garlic spray

While a garlic mosquito repellent spray for natural pest control isn't pleasantly fragrant like the others, it is very effective.

'Garlic works because of the sulfur compounds released by it that are repulsive to mosquitoes,' Tony explains. 'It does not linger on the skin, but can be a nice perimeter defense.'

He advises mincing four to five cloves of garlic and boiling them in two cups of water for 10 minutes.

'Cool, then strain out the garlic and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray near doors, windows, and patio seating,' he adds.

4. Apple cider vinegar and herbs

Finally, says Shannon, you can use an apple cider vinegar and herb natural repellent to keep mosquitoes away from the front door.

'Fill a jar with equal parts dried herbs: rosemary, lavender, mint, and thyme,' advises Shannon. 'Cover completely with apple cider vinegar and seal and steep in a dark cabinet for a couple of weeks. Strain and dilute with water in a one-to-one ratio in a spray bottle.'

As she explains, vinegar works to mask body odors, while the herbs contain natural oils that help repel insects.

You can also use oil instead of fresh herbs, such as the number one bestselling 100% Pure & Natural Rosemary Oil available at Amazon, or Plant Therapy Thyme Thymol Essential Oil available at Walmart.

Mosquito repelling essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Shannon Harlow-Ellis

Mosquito Joe was founded in 2010, providing mosquito and pest control services for residential and commercial customers nationwide.

Tony King

Tony founded The Pied Piper Pest Control in 1992, mainly dealing with rodent control, bedbugs, insect control and bird control.

You can also use orange peels to deter pests, which works particularly well in outdoor areas like patios, or turn to fly fans, which throw weak-flying mosquitoes off their flight path.