How to Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Repellent Spray

Baltimore, MD, is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and scenic waterfronts. However, as any Baltimorean can attest, the city’s warm and humid summers bring along an unwelcome guest—mosquitoes. These pesky insects can turn your peaceful evening in your Canton backyard or a stroll through Patterson Park into a bothersome affair. While there are plenty of store-bought options available, making your own DIY mosquito repellent spray is a natural, cost-effective alternative that can help keep these bloodsuckers at bay.

In this guide, we'll walk you through creating your very own mosquito repellent spray using ingredients that are safe for you, your family, and the environment.

Why Use Natural Mosquito Repellent?

Baltimore’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and its many waterways means that standing water is often nearby, providing prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While commercial repellents can be effective, they often contain chemicals like DEET, which some people prefer to avoid due to potential health concerns. By crafting your own mosquito repellent, you can ensure that you’re using natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the environment while still keeping those persistent mosquitoes at bay.

For other types of natural mosquito repellents, check out 12 plants that keep mosquitoes away.

Making Your DIY Mosquito Repellent Spray

Step 1. Gather Your Supplies

For our mosquito repellent spray, we’ll focus on ingredients that are readily available in local stores or even in your own kitchen:

• Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that soothes the skin and helps repel mosquitoes.
• Essential Oils: These are the active ingredients that mosquitoes find repellent. We’ll be using oils that are particularly effective and easy to find in Baltimore:
  • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Peppermint Oil
• Distilled Water: This dilutes the mixture to a skin-friendly level.
• Vegetable Glycerin (Optional): This helps the mixture adhere to your skin longer.

Before you start mixing, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. You’ll also need a small spray bottle, which you can easily find at local stores like Ace Hardware or Target, a clean container for making the mixture, and a measuring cup.

Step 2. Mix Your Base

In the container, mix ½ cup of witch hazel with ½ cup of distilled water. This will be the base of your mosquito repellent spray. Witch hazel is readily available at places like Walgreens or CVS, and it’s a natural skin soother, making it an ideal ingredient for a spray you’ll be using on your skin.

Step 3. Add Essential Oils

Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to the base mixture. Here’s a suggested blend for the Baltimore climate:

• 15 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This oil is particularly effective against mosquitoes. You can find it at natural food stores like MOM’s Organic Market in Hampden.
• 10 drops of Lavender Oil: Available at health stores such as Whole Foods in Harbor East, lavender oil not only smells wonderful but also repels mosquitoes.
• 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil: Found in stores like The Vitamin Shoppe in Federal Hill, tea tree oil adds an extra layer of defense.
• 5 drops of Peppermint Oil: This oil gives the spray a refreshing scent and keeps bugs at bay.

Step 4. Shake Well

Once you’ve added your essential oils, give the mixture a good shake. If you’re using a glass container, be gentle but thorough. If you’re using vegetable glycerin, add a teaspoon at this point and shake again to ensure it’s well incorporated.

Step 5. Transfer to a Spray Bottle

Carefully pour your mixture into a spray bottle using a funnel to avoid spills. Label your bottle with the contents and date so you know when it’s time to make a fresh batch.

Step 6. Apply as Needed

Spray the mixture on exposed skin before heading out into your Baltimore garden or when taking an evening walk through Fells Point. Reapply every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or if you’ve been swimming.

Tips for Storing and Using Your DIY Mosquito Repellent

• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: To keep your spray effective, store it in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or a drawer. Essential oils can degrade in sunlight, reducing their potency.
• Patch Test First: Before applying the spray all over your skin, do a patch test on a small area to ensure you don’t have any sensitivities to the essential oils.
• Treat the Area: For added protection, spray the DIY mosquito repellent around your patio or outdoor seating area, focusing on doorways, windows, and any plants nearby to help keep mosquitoes at bay in the entire space.
• Reapply Regularly: Since this is a natural repellent, it may not last as long as chemical alternatives. Reapply every 2-3 hours for the best protection, especially if you’re in mosquito-heavy areas like the Inner Harbor or near Druid Hill Park.

The Limitations of Natural Mosquito Repellents

While DIY natural mosquito repellents can help reduce mosquito bites, their effectiveness has limits, especially in mosquito-heavy areas like Baltimore. The city's humid climate and proximity to water make it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and natural solutions often require frequent reapplication, which might not offer enough protection during peak mosquito season.

Consider Professional Mosquito Control with Maryland Mosquito

For a more comprehensive solution, Maryland Mosquito offers highly effective mosquito services designed for Baltimore's unique challenges. We use family-friendly products that are safe for your loved ones. 

When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Customized Treatments: Tailored to your specific property needs, whether you're in Roland Park, Federal Hill, or other neighborhoods.
• Barrier Sprays: Creating a protective zone around your yard to keep mosquitoes out.
• Larvicide Treatments: Targeting mosquito larvae to stop them before they hatch.
• Helpful Tips: Based on our inspection of the property, we will communicate recommendations to help you get rid of mosquitoes for good.

Natural repellents can help, but partnering with Maryland Mosquito for targeted mosquito control in Baltimore ensures lasting protection. Enjoy your summer in Baltimore without the constant buzz and bite of mosquitoes.