Are you annoyed by the buzzing sound of mosquitos? Are you afraid to use insect repellants because of the toxic chemicals used to make them? Are you conscious of your environment and your overall health?

Then you may need to make your very own natural mosquito repellant.

As Jamaica experiences increased rainfalls, it is only normal to expect increased mosquitos buzzing around in the air. However, the buzzing sounds of mosquitos are not as dangerous as their infectious bites which increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever and a host of others.

Mosquitos are attracted to humans and can quickly pick up on our body heat, perspiration, our body odour and are attracted to dark-coloured clothing.

With the right information and products at your fingertips, you can say goodbye to painful mosquito bites.

Castor oil

Castor oil is a popular household treatment product used for the skin and hair. It is a vegetable oil that is made from castor bean seeds known for its lubricating and medicinal properties.

Combine two tablespoons of castor oil with 10 to 12 drops of essential oil of your choice (neem oil, lavender oil or lemongrass oil). Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well before use, then spray it on the exposed areas of your skin.

Lemon grass oil

Lemongrass otherwise known as citronella is a plant that is known for its medicinal properties that is widely used to make teas.

If you have lemongrass at home you can easily make a DIY mosquito repellant with these simple steps.

Firstly, harvest a few lemongrass leaves, wash them thoroughly then grind them in a container until they becomes a smooth paste. Add an essential oil of your choice to achieve the best results then add the paste to the desired areas of your skin that are mostly exposed to mosquitoes.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another common plant used in the Jamaican household to make teas to treat indigestion and also used to make essential oil.

Peppermint oil can be used to repel mosquitos when applied directly to the skin. Here are some steps to make your very own peppermint mosquito repellant.

Fill a spray bottle with 8 ounces of water, then add six drops of pepper oil to the water. Shake well until the mixture is combined. Spray the liquid onto the skin that is exposed to mosquitoes. Store the remainder of the mixture in a cool area or refrigerate.

Thyme

Thyme is a popular herb used in Jamaican households in meal preparation. The fragrant leaves of the herb add flavour to Jamaican dishes and can also be used to make teas.

Grind a few thyme leaves in a container until it becomes a smooth paste. You can add an essential oil of your choice but this step is optional.

Rub the paste onto the desired areas of your skin.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is obtained from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and is widely used to treat colds and coughs. It can also be used as an effective insect repellant that lasts up to 7 to 8 hours.

Fill a spray bottle with 8 ounces of water, then add six drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.

Shake well before use. Spray the mixture onto the desired areas of the skin. Store the remainder of the mixture in a cool area or refrigerate.

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