We have all experienced the redness, swelling, and uncontrollable itching that comes with a mosquito bite at some time – or many times. It’s enough to ruin any barbecue or picnic.

Many people resort to buying insect repellants to keep mosquitoes away, but these insect repellants often contain a toxic pesticide that is dangerous to human health. This pesticide is known as DEET. Heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors, and shortness of breath in humans and is particularly toxic to children.

With that being said, it goes without saying that this is one of the many pesticides we don’t want to use – especially when there are so many more effective ways to keep mosquitoes away using natural remedies and ingredients.

11 natural remedies to ward off mosquitoes

This article will reveal the best ways to repel mosquitoes so you can enjoy a summer out of bites.

Homemade citronella candles

Homemade citronella essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellants in the world and one of the best ways to take advantage of this wonderful oil is in citronella candles. These candles are easy to make, all natural, and will release a scent that keeps mosquitoes away. Put some candles around your patio or garden and create a mosquito-proof barrier.

A few drops of lavender

Lavender is loved by humans around the world, but mosquitoes hate it. To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to a ribbon and place it on the open windows around it. Mosquitoes will definitely think twice before entering.

Lavender body oil

Mix 30 drops of lavender essential oil with two tablespoons of vegetable oil – such as olive or almond oil – and rub onto exposed skin. Not only will you smell beautiful, but you will stop mosquitoes from landing on you.

Mosquito repellent spray

This mosquito repellent recipe includes essential oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Spray this on your skin before going out.

Throw rosemary on the roast

Mosquitoes usually arrive while we are barbecuing or roasting, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent, in addition to giving your food delicious flavor.

Throw some rosemary stalks on the coals for a mosquito repellent scent.

Plant mosquito repellent plants

There are a number of mosquito repellent herbs that have great properties for that – for example, feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender are four of the most effective. Plant them in flower beds or containers and place them around your garden and keep mosquitoes away.

Eat more garlic

Note: While this can repel mosquitoes, it can also repel other humans.

After eating garlic in large quantities, the garlic oil is gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost as a barrier between the skin and the mosquitoes.

Apply neem oil

Neem oil is a vegetable extracted from the neem tree native to the Indian subcontinent – it is sometimes referred to as “the tree of life.”

Neem oil is a natural insecticide used on plants to keep harmful insects at bay, and it works the same way on humans. Apply neem oil to the skin and keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquito repellent drink

There are a number of anecdotes that suggest that consuming apple cider vinegar is an effective mosquito repellent. Add a tablespoon or two of organic apple cider vinegar to 16 oz of water and consume. Sweeten with a tablespoon of honey to counteract the bitterness if desired.

Eliminate standing water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Eliminating standing water will reduce the number of mosquitoes in the vicinity. Stagnant water can include bird baths, puddles, and pet water bowls. Make sure the gutters are draining well and empty any items in your garden that collects water.

Make a mosquito trap

A homemade mosquito trap is another way to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. This trap uses CO2 to attract mosquitoes into a soda bottle that they cannot escape from.