The humidity and heat of Singapore make for an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that are found here all year long. The most common mosquito-borne illnesses in Singapore are Dengue and Chikungunya and keeping yourself and your family safe from these pesky mosquitoes is a health safety imperative.
But did you know you can protect yourself from mosquitoes without using hazardous synthetic mosquito repellents that can actually harm you? There are plenty of safe and highly effective mosquito repellents that keep mosquitoes at bay, naturally.
In this article, I help you choose the best natural mosquito-repelling products for yourself and your family that are safe for kids and your pets.
Natural Mosquito Repellent for a Pest-Free Backyard
Do you love pottering around in your backyard garden? Gardening is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and relaxing activities that is extremely popular among Singaporeans.
Unfortunately, backyards are also a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The presence of nooks and crannies, pots, stagnant water, and plants coupled with abundant rain and warmth can quickly cause a mozzie problem in your home.
Combine your love for plants with mosquito protection by growing plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Go for geranium, lemongrass, and peppermint for easy, fast-growing plants with natural mosquito-repelling properties. They smell wonderful too!
If you’re not keen on growing these plants but want their mosquito-repelling properties, you can alternatively buy their essential oils. These offer even greater levels of protection without all the effort!
● Egyptian Geranium Oil
● Kochi Lemongrass Oil
● Peppermint Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus – A Safe, Natural Mosquito Repellent for Pets
Just as you want to protect yourself from mosquitoes, your pets are equally important and deserving of protection from mosquitoes, which can transmit fatal diseases such as heartworm and tularemia to them.
Conventional mosquito repellents such as DEET and Permethrin are toxic to most animals and birds causing seizures, vomiting, and death.
Instead, opt for a natural and organic mosquito repellent such as lemon eucalyptus oil that is safe to use around pets.
Proven to be as effective as DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil is the essential oil distilled from the lemon eucalyptus tree.
It has natural mosquito-repelling properties because of compounds such as citronellal and limonene.
Ollie’s lemon eucalyptus oil is 100% organic and safe to use around pets in small quantities. Diffuse one or two drops of lemon eucalyptus oil in a ventilated room with your pet in it or add 3 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to 2 Tbsp of witch hazel and spray on your pet’s coat.
Avoid their faces, genitals, and open sores when spraying on pets. Contact an emergency vet if your pet displays any unusual behaviour after using any essential oil.
5 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents
The great thing about natural mosquito repellents is that not only are they safer than synthetic chemical repellents but you also have more varieties to choose from. Some of my personal favourite mosquito-repelling essential oils to use are:
● Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Has one of the most potent anti-mosquito properties. Lemon eucalyptus oil has a pleasant aroma and is a common ingredient in many conventional mosquito repellents. Apply 6 drops to 30 ml of witch hazel and apply on exposed areas liberally.
● Egyptian Geranium Oil
The geranium plant is often cultivated in home gardens for its mosquito-repellent properties. The essential oil from the Egyptian geranium plant has this repellent property in concentrated form. Dilute 4 drops in 30 ml of witch hazel and apply liberally.
● Kochi Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass is not only a popular culinary ingredient but it is also cultivated in South East Asia for its mosquito-repellent properties. Mosquitoes hate the smell of lemongrass, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Dilute 6 drops in 30 ml of witch hazel and spray liberally on exposed areas and clothes.
● Nilgiri Eucalyptus Oil
The eucalyptus tree emits volatile compounds which repel most insects, especially mosquitoes. The strong scent and oils from eucalyptus trees keep mosquitoes at bay. Use the same dilution as the essential oils mentioned above.
● Citronella Oil
This is a popular mosquito-repellent oil. Citronella oil blocks a mosquito from smelling the lactic acid and carbon dioxide emitted by our bodies (which is what lets mozzies know we are here). Dilute 6-8 drops of citronella oil with 30 ml of witch hazel and spray liberally on your body.
Natural Mosquito Repellent For Babies
Have a little one at home? It is double important for you to protect them from mosquitoes. You cannot use DEET or other chemical mosquito repellents on babies. Natural mosquito repellents are safer to use on babies.
With babies, it is better to avoid using essential oils directly on the skin. It can cause allergic reactions and sensitivity. Instead, dab a drop of your favourite mosquito repelling on their pram, blanket, or clothes.
I recommend lavender oil, lemon eucalyptus, or citronella oil for babies. They repel mosquitoes and offer other aromatherapeutic benefits for your baby such as better sleep and relaxation. If your little one is older than 6 months old, you can start using natural mosquito repellents directly on their skin.
I suggest Ollie’s Mosquito Repellent Spray, which is a blend of 10 mozzie-repelling essential oils and is completely safe to use on babies older than 6 months. Spray on their clothes and body, avoiding their face.
Natural Mosquito Repellents for a Safe Home
You can protect yourself and your loved ones without the use of synthetic chemical repellents. Essential oils especially have a huge variety of mosquito-repelling oils to choose from. Egyptian Geranium Oil, Citronella Oil, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, and Himalayan Lavender Oil are some of the most popular choices for mosquito-repelling oils.
If you want the best of the top mosquito-repelling essential oils, I would highly recommend you try my Mosquito Repellent Spray.
It is made from a blend of 10 different mosquito-repelling oils, is safe to use on babies, pets, and pregnant women, and effectively repels mosquitoes while keeping you safe from nasty chemicals.
Order yours online now!