6 Natural Mosquito Repellent Ideas

This post about Natural Mosquito Repellent ideas was inspired by a partnership with PARA‘KITO. I received products for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Here in Tennessee the warm weather that’s arrived over the last few weeks has brought with it some unwanted visitors… mosquitoes!

It’s always tricky dealing with the pesky insects because I feel like we have to protect ourselves from them. Not only do their bites itch like crazy, but we’re learning even more diseases and sicknesses that they can pass along with what once seemed like a harmless itchy bite. Of course, there are tons of mosquito repellent sprays and creams available, but how safe are they? Most of the repellents you’ll find on store shelves contain 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. I don’t know about you, but that is something that I do NOT want to use. That’s why I’ve been looking into more natural mosquito repellent ideas for my family and today I’m sharing my plan of action with you too!

Line your flower garden with Plants that Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

Plants like Citronella Grass, Lavender, Rosemary, and Basil all give off a strong aroma and work great as a natural mosquito repellent. Not only do I have some of these herbs planted right in our flower garden, but I also love keeping a few in flower pots that we sit around our outdoor seating.

Another easy idea to keep mosquitoes at bay with Rosemary is to throw a few sprigs on your grill when you’re barbecuing outside. It’s lovely, fragrant, and protects the person who is manning the grill.

Citronella Candles

One great way to keep mosquitoes at bay when you’re spending time outside is to light a citronella candle. Just remember to be very cautious when using candles around children.

Eliminate Standing Water

Although mosquitoes can breed in a tiny amount of water, and even out of water in some cases, eliminating standing water can greatly cut down on the number of mosquitoes around your home. Be sure that your watering cans, children’s toys, and water tables are covered or emptied after each use.

Eat more garlic

Ok, so this may be a bit of a stretch, but garlic is supposed to be a great natural mosquito repellent. If you’re open to it, you may want to take a garlic supplement as it has many additional benefits as well.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are great when you’re looking for natural mosquito repellent. In fact, Essential Oils in the Summer for all sorts of things. If you don’t already have essential oils, they may seem like a big investment, especially when it comes to treating certain conditions and making certain blends like needed for repelling mosquitoes, which is why I would most often recommend products that are already made like our next natural mosquito repellent idea.

PARA‘KITO Natural Mosquito Repellent Products

This has to be one of my favorite ways to actively repel mosquitoes. Although I do use a variety of natural repellents, PARA‘KITO is one that protects my family all the time – no matter where we are. Unlike plants and candles that repel mosquitoes, these products go right on the wearer so you’re protected no matter where you are!

There are a few different ways to wear PARA‘KITO products. First is the refillable band. The bands come in both adult and children sizes and are made of a soft neoprene fabric that you don’t even remember you’re wearing because it’s so comfortable.

The refills are small bars that fit right inside the mesh pocket on the band. The refills can provide up to 15 days efficacy per refill and do NOT contain DEET, Phthalates, Parabens and are never tested on animals. They contain essential oils to naturally repel mosquitoes and are waterproof! I let the girls wear their bands anytime they’re playing outside and ever during their soccer games! I love that I can feel good about letting them wear this natural mosquito repellent.

In addition to the refillable bands, PARA‘KITO also produces a roll-on gel in a convenient applicator. Made with the same ingredients as the refills for the bands, this roll-on gel is effective in repelling mosquitoes with the use of natural ingredients like essential oils. The gel is effective for about 5 hours from the time it is applied and not only provides a barrier for mosquitoes, but also provides an aroma that will deter the mosquitoes around you. This same gel is available in small packets for a one time use.

Mosquitoes are no laughing matter at this point. With the amount of disease they can transmit and the uncomfortable itching that the bites can cause, you want to make sure you’re always armed with a natural mosquito repellent that is effective. When you’re on the go, PARA‘KITO is one of your best bets for sure!

You can purchase all the PARA‘KITO products you’ve seen above, including a few others on their website.

What do you use for natural mosquito repellent?