Affordable Citrus-Scented Hack Repels Mosquitoes: DIY Guide for Home Use
In the pursuit of a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution to combat mosquitoes, a unique hack has emerged. This innovative method, which doubles as an attractive centerpiece for outdoor gatherings, utilizes the power of nature's mosquito deterrents: herbs, citrus essential oils, and frozen water.
To get started, gather a wide-mouth glass jar, such as the Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar available at Walmart. Combine water with natural citrus essential oils, such as lemon eucalyptus or citronella, and herbs known to repel mosquitoes, like rosemary, mint, or lavender.
Pour the mixture into a jar or ice cube tray and freeze it to make solid frozen lemon and herb blocks. Once frozen, place the block in the jar and light a small candle on top. The gentle warmth of the candle will slowly melt and warm the frozen mixture, releasing the volatiles from the lemon, herbs, and oils into the air, creating a scent barrier that repels mosquitoes.
Lemon eucalyptus oil, in particular, is highlighted as particularly effective and recognized by the CDC as a mosquito repellent. However, you can experiment with which herbs and essential oils work best for your area.
As the frozen lemon, oils, and herbs warm, they release volatile compounds like limonene, citronella, linalool, and menthol into the air, which interfere with mosquitoes' ability to detect humans and discourage them from approaching.
For a longer burn time, larger candles like the Stonebriar Unscented White Tall Pillar Candles (available at Amazon) can be used, offering an impressive 65-hour burn time. Alternatively, a pack of 50 tealights offers a burn-time of between six and seven hours, with 100% cotton lead-free wicks and 100% hand-poured sustainable palm wax.
The Lagunamoon Essential Oils Set available at Amazon is recommended for this hack, as it includes a mixed assortment of six different scents. If a sweeter scent is preferred, vanilla extract can also repel mosquitoes.
This hack is an alternative to sprays or balms and leverages the slow release of natural mosquito-repelling aromas by warming frozen mixtures. It is best used in compact, contained outdoor areas with little wind.
Tony King, founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, explains that this hack works by gently warming the herbs and water, which releases the essential oils into the air, creating a scent barrier repulsive to mosquitoes. King emphasizes the importance of using 100% pure essential oil for this hack, as it is effective, good quality, reasonably priced, USDA-certified organic, and undiluted.
Eliminating standing water is the single most effective mosquito prevention strategy, according to the pros. By combining this strategy with the natural mosquito repellent hack, you can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes in your outdoor space.
Incorporate the essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus or citronella, along with herbs like rosemary, mint, or lavender, into your home-and-garden collection for effective mosquito repellent purposes.
To enhance your outdoor-living experience and reduce mosquito presence, consider implementing a lifestyle that incorporates this eco-friendly approach by warming frozen lemon and herb blocks with candles.
