Natural Mosquito Repellent Gel

This is a really fun and easy recipe for natural mosquito repellent gel that’s perfect for both adults and children. Learn how to make natural mosquito repellent with essential oils.

As a kid, I grew up in Southeast Minnesota – and let me tell you one thing I remember clearly about my childhood: mosquitos.

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes – and with the lakes come a ton of mosquitos. It’s really crazy, because the weather is fairly nice to be outside, and when you are, you get eaten alive. I remember going to the parades and fireworks at night and having to slather on mosquito repellent almost constantly. 

Yeeee-uck.  That’s exactly what my smaller kids would say. Yucky Yucky!

Back then, I knew very little about non-toxic living – imagine what would have been possible if I did? MIND blowing.

After serving in the military, we ended up in Arizona. Arizona has mosquitos too ..but not nearly as many. If you have a pool at your home in Arizona, they tend to come out in droves. Yuck and yuck! I love spending time outside, but I just can’t stand the mosquitos.  

Around the 4th of July, Arizona enters into Monsoon season, where rain shows up sporadically for a 3 month period, bringing every mosquito and their relative out to bother us.

They are literally everywhere when the moisture hits, and it’s no fun at all.

Thankfully there are many essential oils you can use to fight the onslaught of critters, and even more that you can use to help support your time in the sun.  This simple DIY is just another one to have in your back pocket. 

Unfortunately, here in the United States, the most popular mosquito repellent is DEET – and while it might be popular, it sure isn’t anything safe for anyone to slather or spray on their body.  

DEET has been identified as yet another neurotoxin that can affect the enzyme in the nervous system in mammals. When used in rat studies, it had severe effects on muscle movement, behavioral changes and physical and mental capacity of our brain to remember items both short and long term, as well as focus on the tasks at hand.

How to Make Natural Mosquito Repellent Gel

Making your own natural mosquito repellent is not only easier, it’s better for your long term.

Lavender, Peppermint and Lemongrass essential oils work well when it comes to spending time outside with mosquitos.   

Aloe Vera is a wonderful, skin-safe, natural repellent.  This natural mosquito repellent works fabulous when I’m working outside in the garden. Bonus – it is very cooling, especially when our temps are soaring above 110 degrees!

Natural Mosquito Repellent Gel

• 4 oz Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Glycerin 
• Lavender, Peppermint, & Lemongrass essential oil 
• Silicone Travel Containers (see HERE, or HERE for lesser price)

If you are making less than 4 oz, you will need to scale down – we did slightly more than 4 oz, and used a BPA-FREE, PETE plastic container. Provided we diluted the oils generously we felt comfortable using a high quality plastic.

• Mix all the ingredients in a clean glass dish. 
• Carefully pour into your container and place on lid.

Keep refrigerated when not in use. Apply frequently as needed. Remember, that since Aloe Vera is water based, it can easily grow bacteria at room temperature – so play it safe, and after applying, place back in the fridge (or, a cooler). Not only will it feel incredible as you apply, it will keep for much longer.

I would make a new batch every 4-5 weeks, but keep a careful eye to ensure that it smells and looks okay, as bacteria can grow relatively quickly in homemade items.

What is your favorite way to fight mosquitos when you are outside?