Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent

The recipe is simple. Use 10 - 25 drops (total) of an essential oil mixed with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol.

Some good mosquito repellent oils are lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, lavender and catnip, rosemary and peppermint.

Catnip has actually been found to be more than ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET (source).

I like to experiment with different mixes. The above oils work well with cedarwood and/or Juniper oils to create a nice earthy scent. After all, you don't have to smell like you're using a bug spray!!
    
Olive oil and avocado oil are good carrier oils. Carrier oils are used to dilute the essential oils, you should not use pure essential oils directly on your skin. I prefer Jojoba when I use an oil, it repels bugs and helps keep my skin soft. If you prefer the alcohol, vodka works best because it has no scent.

Mix the essential oils with the vodka, put it in a spray bottle, and shake well before each use. Keep it in the fridge for a nice refreshing bug-proof spray.

If you're going to use a carrier oil, mix with the essential oils and do the same, except for the refrigeration part.

Always test the spray on a small area of the skin to make sure you don't have any sensitivities to the oils. Pregnant or nursing women beware.

My favourite supplier of all things oils, click HERE