Answer: I would only use about three drops of oil. With peppermint you don't have to worry about it because it's chemical free and safe for even small children. This has a sharper and more cleansing effect on the skin and some people prefer it. Jody Cope (author) from Missoula, MT on December 13, 2015: You're welcome, billybuc. Can Essential Oils Help Migraines? Dab some on the temples, between the eyebrows, topmost part of the head and the indent at the base of the skull in the back. Just like you, mosquitoes find certain scents repulsive, according to Mosquito Magnet, a company that helps consumers fight the pests.Those scents include citronella, peppermint, basil, garlic, lemon balm, … Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 13, 2015: This is one of those things I have heard over the years but never from someone who actually has tried it...so thanks for the suggestion and confirmation. Which brand of peppermint essential oil do you recommend? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. I would love to hear how it works for you on your trip. It's also useful for a lot of other things. I use full strength but it's better to start out diluted with water. Baxter’s Naturals is a US based retailer providing natural, organic and environmentally friendly solutions for people with allergies or who just need to find good, hypoallergenic laundry, pest or bug sprays, essential oils and diffusers.

Question: How much vinegar, witch hazel, or alcohol should I add to the water? Of course, if this is just all too much trouble, then there are natural pre-prepared alternatives that will keep you bug-free and are not harmful to either you or the environment. TIA, How many drops of peppermint oil do you put in an 8 oz bottle of olive oil, to use as a repellent? Anonymous, I have not found any research as to why mosquitoes dislike it. You can also spray it on her clothes rather than her skin. It’s a problem for many of us each year.

I have used peppermint essential oil with both olive oil and the water-alcohol mix, and have found that I prefer to use it with the oil, as it seems to last the longest for me. I would recommend this mixture as a spray, but not something you just pat or rub on because the essential oil would not be diluted in a base oil and could irritate the skin. Jody Cope (author) from Missoula, MT on February 07, 2020: You're most welcome. Thanks a bunch and I am now a happy follower!

Wait a day to see if you experience any burning or redness in that spot; if not, you can use peppermint oil safely. Your method seems quite simple and I love essential oils and natural products!! If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute peppermint oil with something like shea butter or coconut oil before application on bug bites.

This is at no additional cost to our readers.

I use essential oils as often as I can, I hate chemical filled products. Question: Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of witch hazel to make mosquito repellent? I was having problems with mosquitoes one day and I didn't have any repellant. This is a big plus for me since my daughter ends up with welts the size of quarters whenever she gets bit by mosquitos. Peppermint and Olive Oil Repellant Recipe. Thank you for your support! At Baxter’s Naturals we believe in a chemical-free, non-toxic world. TheListLady from New York City on August 26, 2012: Love the idea of peppermint lotion - and I've also had some peppermint liquid soap. You can get it here. I'm planning another hub on the different uses of peppermint since it can be used for so many things. This was when I remembered the abundance of wild peppermint and mysterious lack of mosquitos at the ranch from my childhood, but it was a very busy week, and the knowledge got pushed to the back of my mind. Thanks a million! Just don't forget to dilute them before using them unless you are just diffusing them. It can be applied topically on the forehead and temples to relieve head pains. And it was then that it came back to me—mosquitoes don’t like peppermint and spearmint! Here are are some bugs you should keep around. On intuition I grabbed a bottle of peppermint extract used for cooking, opened it and set it on the table next to me. Again, with 1.69 ounces (50 milliliters) of distilled water. Mosquitoes have always been a problem throughout the centuries, biting and causing, nasty hot lumps that are insanely itchy and can become infected. Dispense from a simple plant spray and apply several times a day. If you aren't sure if she might have a reaction, test it on a small area 24-hours in advance of when you will need it.

Question: After I put 3 drops of peppermint in an 8oz spray bottle and shake it up, do I then spray it on arms, legs etc to work as a mosquito repellent? At a minimum I would do a 1-10 vinegar/alcohol/witch hazel to water mixture. Another amazing use of the peppermint oil is for treating headaches. The following recipes both use peppermint (or spearmint) essential oil and are both effective in deterring mosquitos. Coconut oil contains fatty acids and these slow down the evaporation of the peppermint oil meaning it will stay effective for longer. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. Some witch hazel will contain alcohol. So I took a chance and made my own mosquito repellent. This fusion is perfect for people who dislike the oily feeling and texture of repellents that work with a base oil like coconut oil. USA, Chigger bites: How to get rid of chiggers and treat their bites, Natural Ways to Fight Bugs and Pests without Pesticides in Your Garden, Essential oil combinations for deep muscle relief massage, Mouse Oust: Peppermint Oil Spray for Mice, Anjou 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser and Cool Mist Humidifier, Tick removal tool: HomeSake Tick Remover (Pack of 3), Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot and Toenail Kit, Bug Banish: Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray. You would want to check the ingredients of what you plan to use. InsectCop is a website dedicated to helping people fight mosquitoes in their backyard. I felt like I was being eaten alive. Stink bugs: what are they and how do you get rid of them? Robert H. Mohlenbrock, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS.

Jody Cope (author) from Missoula, MT on August 20, 2012: You're welcome! I never really noticed it as a child, but even though there was a lot of water around the ranch, we never had problems with mosquitoes. It was a little (okay, a lot) strong, but when I went outside and went for a walk, I came back with almost zero mosquito bites. For the remainder of the time only 1 – 2 bites were recorded on the arm. Ah, jacope, nature does work if we just know what to do with it. If the mosquitoes do get you, here are some tricks to getting rid of itchy mosquito bites as quickly as possible. Peppermint soothes the digestive system, helps with bloating and gas. What's the recipe for the peppermint bug repellent please. I heard about using peppermint oil to keep cockroaches and mice away and was so happy to see you confirming success with repelling mosquitos. I no longer take Tylenol. Oh boy, did I reek of peppermint! Our own bottled formula contains Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pure Essential Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Cedarwood Atlas and Soy Bean oil blended in Distilled water. If you prefer, you can use vinegar or witch hazel in place of the water-and-alcohol mix. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The main constituents of peppermint oil include: The components in peppermint oil supply it with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, to mention but a few. As long as she isn't allergic to any of the ingredients, yes you can use it on her. Peppermint oil is a cheaper and more natural alternative. The World Health Organisation lists them as one of the deadliest species of animal and insects on the planet. Apple Cider Vinegar has long been a staple of the store cupboard amongst those in the know for decades. Question: Can I use baby lotion with peppermint oil? These are all super quick and easy to make and best of all, you know exactly what’s in them. Apply to exposed skin areas with either a sponge or mist from a plant spray. Great and useful article. No more mosquitoes! I'm glad it was able to give you confirmation. Oregon 97217 Happily, there’s always a natural solution. We take a look at some of the best home remedies that you can cook up in your own kitchen and which should keep you mosquito-free without containing anything harmful to human health or the environment.