Are Essential Oils Enough to Keep Mosquitoes Away? Pest Pros Share What Works—and What Doesn't

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Essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, and peppermint can repel mosquitoes, but their effects tend to be short-lived unless reapplied frequently.
The effectiveness of these oils varies by brand and formulation, so look for high-quality, pure options and always test for skin sensitivity before use.
Experts recommend using essential oils as a supplementary measure rather than your only line of defense, especially in areas with heavy mosquito presence or disease risk.Before heading outdoors this summer, layer on the insect repellent to keep yourself protected from pesky mosquitoes. Many commercial sprays contain DEET or Picaridin, two effective repellents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you're wondering about natural solutions, studies show that several plant oils can help deter mosquitoes. How do they stack up? We asked the experts.
Some essential oils can keep mosquitoes at bay, but the effectiveness and duration of time you're protected can vary, explains Trent Frazer, lead entomologist and senior director of quality assurance at Aptive, a pest control company. 'Essential oils work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes, such as carbon dioxide and body odors,' Frazer says. 'However, because natural oils are volatile and break down quickly, they tend to offer shorter-term protection unless combined with stabilizers or applied more frequently.'
The best essential oils to use include:
This is one of the more effective oils, according to Shannon Harlow-Ellis, Associate Certified Entomologist and Technical Services Manager, Mosquito Joe, a pest control company. They can repel mosquitoes for up to six hours, she says. According to Frazer, oil of lemon eucalyptus has been shown to provide protection comparable to low concentrations of DEET.
'Citronella oil is a classic option that will also last around an hour, unless formulated in a candle or lotion,' says Harlow-Ellis.
'This is a milder repellent effect, often lasting about 30 minutes to an hour,' says Frazer.
Similar to lavender, peppermint won't deter mosquitoes for more than 30 minutes, according to Frazer.
Quality can vary greatly, our experts say. 'The efficacy of essential oils can indeed vary significantly by brand,' Frazer says. 'Factors like the source of the plant, how the oil is extracted, the concentration and whether the oil is pure or diluted all impact how well it works." And oils can evaporate quickly, meaning you'll need to reapply often, so essential oils aren't practical for extended periods of time—unless you're very diligent with reapplication!
When buying oils, Frazer recommends scanning the labels to look for the botanical name of the plant used. 'For example, oil of lemon eucalyptus should list Corymbia citriodora or Eucalyptus citriodora,' he says. 'This helps confirm you're getting the correct species, as common names can be misleading.' Be sure to check that there are no synthetic additives.
And before slathering them on your body, you'll want to test for skin sensitivity, as some oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions, Frazer advises. When applying, start from your head down, dabbing oil on your neck, elbows, wrists, behind the knees, and ankles, says Harlow-Ellis. For extra protection, Frazer says you can eve apply oils to the edges of your clothing, hats, shoes, outdoor gear, and screens.
Although essential oils can be a natural tool in repelling mosquitoes, they aren't enough to keep you fully protected, our experts say. 'Essential oils are best used as part of a broader pest management strategy, not as a standalone solution, particularly in areas with high mosquito activity or risk of mosquito-borne diseases,' Frazer says.
Read the original article on Real Simple