Lemon Balm Mosquito Repellent Recipe That Really Works

If you’re tired of swatting away mosquitoes every time you enjoy the great outdoors or relax in your home, it’s time to try a natural, refreshing alternative. Lemon balm, a fragrant herb known for its calming lemon scent, offers more than just a delightful aroma—it’s also a fantastic mosquito repellent.

Unlike chemical-laden sprays, a lemon balm mosquito repellent harnesses the power of nature to keep those pesky insects at bay, making it a safe choice for families, pets, and the environment.

This easy-to-make, homemade repellent can be crafted with just a few ingredients and offers a gentle, pleasant scent that won’t overwhelm your senses. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up fresh lemon balm from your garden or local market.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, camping trip, or simply want to guard your home naturally, this recipe is your go-to DIY solution for mosquito-free comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon balm mosquito repellent recipe is not only simple and effective but also environmentally friendly. It’s free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for children and pets.

The natural oils in lemon balm work as a deterrent against mosquitoes, providing long-lasting protection without irritation. Additionally, this repellent is quick to prepare, affordable, and uses ingredients you might already have on hand.

Another great benefit is that this repellent doubles as a soothing skin treatment, thanks to lemon balm’s anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about mosquito bites or skin discomfort.

If you love natural remedies and DIY projects, this recipe will become a staple in your summer toolkit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup witch hazel (natural astringent base)
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 10 drops citronella essential oil (mosquito-repelling powerhouse)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (enhances repellent effect)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional, for skin hydration)

Equipment

• Glass jar with lid (for steeping lemon balm)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (to strain the infusion)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spray bottle (preferably glass or BPA-free plastic)
• Funnel (to pour liquid into spray bottle easily)
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the lemon balm infusion: Place the fresh lemon balm leaves into the glass jar and pour in the witch hazel. Seal the jar tightly and let it steep in a cool, dark place for 24 hours. This draws out the natural oils and beneficial compounds from the leaves.
2. Strain the mixture: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean mixing bowl. Press the leaves gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the used leaves.
3. Add distilled water: Stir in 1/2 cup distilled water to dilute the infusion slightly for better sprayability and comfort on skin.
4. Incorporate essential oils: Add 10 drops of citronella essential oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. These oils boost the repellent power dramatically.
5. Add vegetable glycerin (optional): For a moisturizing touch that soothes skin, stir in 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin. This step is especially helpful if you have sensitive or dry skin.
6. Transfer to spray bottle: Use a funnel to pour the mixture into your spray bottle. Secure the cap tightly and shake well to combine all ingredients.
7. Usage instructions: Shake the bottle before each use. Spray generously on exposed skin and clothing, avoiding eyes and mouth. Reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming or sweating for optimal protection.

Tips & Variations

“For a stronger repellent, increase the essential oils by 5 drops each, but test on a small skin patch first to ensure no irritation.”

• Dry lemon balm leaves: If you don’t have fresh leaves, dried lemon balm works too. Use 1/2 cup dried leaves steeped in witch hazel for 48 hours instead.
• Add lavender essential oil: For a calming scent and additional insect-repelling benefits, include 5-7 drops of lavender oil.
• Make it a room spray: Skip the distilled water and use the infusion as a natural room spray to keep mosquitoes away indoors.
• Use vodka instead of witch hazel: Vodka can act as a preservative and solvent for the oils but may be more drying to the skin.
• Store in the refrigerator: Keep the repellent chilled to extend its shelf life up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This lemon balm mosquito repellent is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those sensitive to chemical sprays. Spray it on your arms, legs, neck, and clothing before heading to the garden, park, or hiking trails.

It’s also ideal for evening backyard gatherings and camping trips.

Pair this repellent with natural skincare routines or after-sun care for a holistic approach to summer comfort. If you’re interested in other DIY natural recipes, check out our Healthy Veggie Smoothie Recipe for Easy Daily Nutrition or explore our tasty Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide to keep your meals as fresh as your lifestyle.

Conclusion

Creating your own lemon balm mosquito repellent is a rewarding way to embrace natural living while effectively protecting yourself from pesky insects. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and safe alternative to commercial repellents, packed with the soothing and refreshing scent of lemon balm combined with powerful essential oils.

By making this repellent at home, you not only reduce your exposure to synthetic chemicals but also support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using a repellent made from ingredients you trust. Plus, the recipe is versatile and customizable to fit your needs—from adding other essential oils to adjusting the concentration.

Try it out this season and experience the natural difference. For more inspiration on healthy and delicious recipes, don’t miss our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas and other wonderful plant-based dishes.

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