Did You Know -- Natural Mosquito Repellants?

Did you know that there are nature-made plants and plant oils that can repel mosquitoes?  

Some of the plants that repel mosquitoes are Andiroba Tree, Basil, Bee Balm, Catnip, Citronella, Citrosa Geraniums, Clove, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass, Marigolds, Mints, Nasturtium, Neem Tree, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, and Sage.  Planting any, or a mix, of these around your house will help keep you from being bugged.  

Oils within these plants are part of the plants' natural defense systems to keep pests from harming them. This is why certain essential oils and some carrier oils can be used topically to keep mosquitoes (and other insects) from bothering us.  Andiroba and Neem are two of my favorites.

Andiroba Oil and Neem Oil are cousins from different continents. (Both are from the Meliaceae plant family.) Andiroba is found in Brazil and the Amazon while Neem is native to India.  Both are amazing carrier oils to use on the skin (lots of skin-healing properties) and they repel mosquitoes, flies, and mites (like chiggers).  For me, they last for approximately three hours before any bug will come near me.   Seriously, I have lotioned-up, walked outside into a swarm of mosquitoes and/or flies, and the pests flew off in all directions as fast as they could!  I don't mind needing to reapply because I'm keeping my skin healthy every time I do.

Neem is easier to find, but smells awful by itself.  I had a more difficult time finding sources who sell Andiroba, but searching was well worth my while, because this oil has a very pleasant scent.  In my Sweet Summer Lotion, I add Neem Oil to an all natural lotion base.  I then add a pthalate-free fragrance oil that, when mixed with the Neem, smells delicious. I also make Neem Soaps with a variety of essential oils. I'm currently working on skin serums, lotion, and soap recipes using Andiroba OIl.  

If you're looking for a way to keep the mosquitoes away while you pamper your skin, try one (or both) of these oils!