Easy DIY Lavender Mosquito Lotion

Mosquito lotion is a must-have for everyone. Although it’s a year-round essential, it’s especially useful during summer when most insects are out and about. While insect repellents are available just about anywhere, I like mine more natural so I make my own lavender mosquito lotion!

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Not only is it effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay, but the smell is so relaxing, too. The best part? It’s easy to make! So if you’re tired of pesky insects getting in the way of your summer fun, I’m happy to teach you how to make an easy DIY lavender mosquito lotion at home.

Let’s also explore lavender as an insect repellent, plus other natural ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes. This way, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without worry!

A Brief History of Lavender: Traditional Uses and Remedies

Lavender is one of my all-time favorite scents. I use lavender essential oil in many of my personal care products, including my bubble bath powder, DIY bath confetti, homemade soap, and lavender sugar scrub. I use it a lot for aromatherapy too – it’s a main ingredient for many of my essential oil blends for relaxation.

Lavandula Angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized the plant’s healing powers and used it in various forms to treat a wide range of ailments. Lavender was also used as a perfume, a flavoring agent, and a natural insect repellent.

In medieval Europe, lavender plants were cultivated for their essential oil, which was used to treat everything from headaches and stomach aches to skin infections and respiratory problems. The oil was also used to disinfect wounds and prevent infection. 

Today, lavender is still used in many traditional remedies and natural therapies. Its calming and relaxing properties make it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy, where it is believed to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Lavender oil is also used topically to relieve pain, soothe skin problems and treat minor burns, cuts, and insect bites.

Whether you’re using lavender in an insect repellent lotion or incorporating lavender essential oil into your self-care routine, you’re tapping into a long history of traditional uses and remedies that have stood the test of time.

Lavender: A Natural Insecticide?

Lavender sure is great, but when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, what does the scientific evidence say? Several scientific studies have suggested that lavender essential oil may indeed repel mosquitoes, making it a promising alternative to chemical insecticides.

One study conducted in Thailand found that a combination of lavender and citronella pure essential oils was more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the most commonly used mosquito repellent in the world.

What Makes Lavender An Effective Mosquito Repellant?

It turns out that the lavender plant has natural insecticidal properties that make it unappealing to mosquitoes. The main compounds responsible for this effect are linalool and linalyl acetate, which are found in high concentrations in lavender essential oil.

These compounds interfere with the mosquitoes’ sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate their human targets. Other insects that lavender can repel include flies, black flies, gnats, and ticks, making it an effective protections against pesky insects.

Overall, the evidence suggests that lavender may indeed be an effective natural insecticide and mosquito repellent. However, it’s good to keep in mind there could be some limitations to the studies. Additionally, depending on the formulation, it’s possible some people may be allergic to lavender or experience sensitive skin irritation when using lavender-based products. It’s always a good idea to test a new personal care product on a small patch of skin first, before applying it to a larger area.

Lavender Mosquito Lotion: A Step-By-Step Guide

Prevention is your best defense against mosquitoes. Now that we’ve established that lavender provides effective protection against these insects, it’s time to make lavender mosquito lotion! Not only does this bug lotion smell amazing, but it also uses only natural ingredients, making it generally safe to use in children and those with sensitive skin.

Lavender Bug Repellant Ingredients

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil provides a natural layer of skin protection and helps lock in moisture, that’s why I love this carrier oil.
• Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It offers many skin benefits, including protection from sunburn (perfect for summer!), making it a great addition to this recipe.
• Shea Butter: Shea butter is amazing for the skin! I use it to make whipped sugar scrub that leaves my skin soft and supple.
• Lavender Essential Oil: Need I say more? Not only will lavender oil give this lotion a pleasant smell, but it’s also a great skin refresher.
• Beeswax: This ingredient is optional, but I like adding it in because of its benefits which include calming, conditioning, soothing, and hydrating the skin. I also use beeswax to make unscented beard balm, which my husband is obsessed with!

Plus, here are the tools you need to make your DIY lavender mosquito lotion:

• Microwave
• Microwave-safe large glass bowl 
• Small glass bowl
• Small Mason jar or any glass jar
• Whisk

Bug Repellant Lotion Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your lavender mosquito lotion. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing while you’re making it!

Step 1: Break your shea butter into smaller pieces to make it easier to melt and stir. Add it to your large glass bowl, followed by the coconut oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax (if using). 

Step 2: Place the bowl inside your microwave. Heat for 30-second increments, stirring the mixture in between, until the ingredients melt together. Alternatively, you can fill a large saucepan halfway with water, heat it to a gentle boil, then place the bowl with the ingredients on top until they’re melted.

Step 3: Using pot holders, remove the bowl from the microwave. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and no chunks are left. 

Step 4: Pour the mixture into a smaller glass bowl and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Transferring the mixture will allow it to cool more quickly.

Step 5: Add your lavender essential oil. I recommend starting with 25 drops, especially if you plan to use this lotion on young children. Gradually add more drops until you achieve your desired scent. How much essential oil to use for your lotion entirely depends on you and how strong you want the lavender scent to be.

Step 6: Store your lavender lotion in a small mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Use as a mosquito repellant or part of your regular skincare routine.

I just scoop some into one of my travel silicone cream containers so that I can use the lotion when I’m outside or traveling. 

Note: Please wash hands properly after every use of this lotion, especially the hands of young children as it may cause some moderate eye irritation when rubbed into the eyes. Also, it’s important not to dispose of any unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain to avoid any temporary eye injury.

Label properly when transferring to a container. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, sparks, or any open flame.

Beyond Lotion: Other Natural Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

While lavender lotion may be a promising mosquito repellent, it’s not the only option for those seeking protection from mosquitoes. Try these other natural ways to prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear Protective Clothing: Covering up with long sleeves and pants can help prevent mosquito bites. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool and comfortable in hot weather.
• Use Mosquito Nets: Mosquito nets can be a great option for protecting yourself while you sleep. Look for nets that are treated with insecticide for added protection.
• Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity Times: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to avoid being outside during these times if possible.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so getting rid of standing water around your home can help reduce the mosquito population. This includes emptying out bird baths, cleaning gutters, and covering trash cans.
• Use Other Natural Repellents: While lavender may be the most well-known natural mosquito repellent, there are other options to consider. Lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella, and neem oil are all natural repellents that have been shown to be effective against mosquitoes. Mix a few drops of these essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your skin and clothing for added protection.
• Diy Mosquito Traps: You can make your own mosquito trap using a plastic bottle, brown sugar, and yeast. The carbon dioxide produced by the yeast will attract mosquitoes, who will then become trapped in the bottle.
• Herbs And Plants: Certain herbs and plants, such as catnip, basil, and marigolds, have natural mosquito-repelling properties. Planting these around your yard, in an herb garden, or keeping them inside can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
• DIY Citronella Candles: You can make your own citronella candles using beeswax, citronella oil, and wicks. Burning these candles outside can help repel mosquitoes.

In A Nutshell

Lavender mosquito lotion will help keep mosquitoes away while making your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. The scent will also relax you and lift your mood. Experiment with different natural repellents and preventative measures to find what works best for you.

Homemade lavender mosquito lotion also makes a thoughtful gift for your loved ones, whether it’s for mom, grandma, your teen or for family members on Christmas. Ready to make lavender mosquito lotion? Print out the recipe card below and use it as a guide. Let me know how it turns out!