This is the simplest and easiest natural mosquito repellent recipe I’ve ever used – and it actually works.
I’ve tried all the store bought repellents and while those do work, this homemade concoction that only uses 2 ingredients is the only thing I use on myself and my children when I’m focused on mosquito protection.
It smells delicious and – I can’t stress this enough – it actually works.
Quick note though, it’s not 100% effective. But for a natural remedy when you want protection without all the harsh chemicals – this is what I use and will continue to use moving forward.
What is the 2 Ingredient Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe (Quick Answer)
A simple homemade mosquito repellent made with vanilla extract and water can help repel mosquitoes naturally. We use it while gardening and working outdoors, and while it’s not perfect, it works surprisingly well for short periods outside.
Why We Started Looking For A Natural Mosquito Repellent
In 2013, back in the days of the dinosaurs, I started becoming somewhat allergic to mosquito bites. About 75% of the time I get a bite, the bite area will swell up and it look pretty bad. It doesn’t hurt and no doctor I saw was ever concerned, it’s just that my body now reacts to the bite area, it goes away in a few days.
Now that you know a bit about me, you’ll understand why for the last decade I’ve been using all types of mosquito repellent. Over that time, I’ve come to accept that nothing truly repellents mosquitos 100% of the time – not even the 100% DEET protection.
But since having children, I’ve been determined not to subject them to more chemicals than necessary. So when I learned about this remedy and began using it, I haven’t stopped sharing it.
Each evening when I go outside to check on the garden around dusk, I spray this natural, fragrant mixture on me and come back inside with little to no bites!
How To Make It
It’s truly as easy to make as it sounds. We use very simple steps and this is my recipe:
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon of real vanilla extract
- pour both into a spray bottle
- done
How We Use It Around The Garden
This is my go-to method around the house, I spray it on clothes, skin, hats, shoes, boots, the swing set, the deck, anywhere!
The goal is to keep mosquitos away especially in the early morning hours and in the evening.
When I go outside to check on the garden around 9:00 AM, I’ll spray myself and go in.
This is also my go-to in mid-spring during the day, the mosquitos are bad this time of year and it works great to keep them off me as I weed or just want to get some fresh air and sun.
In the evening as the sun sets, I’ll go outside the garden and the mosquitos are at their peak. I’ll spray myself thoroughly around my legs and arms, and it manages to keep them away for that short time.
Does Vanilla Extract Really Repel Mosquitoes?
Yes it does! Something about the strong scent and compounds in natural vanilla work to keep the mosquitos away.
To add even more resistance to it, I would add some essential oils or finely chopped herbs (mint or lemon balm, etc). But it’s not needed.
We have used artificial vanilla extract in the past and that also worked fine. However, I’ve found that the real stuff is stronger and keeps more mosquitos off.
As I’ve noted above, it’s important to remember this isn’t an invincible recipe.
Nothing in nature is. But it works pretty well for someone that works hard to stay away from those pesky bugs.
What This Natural Mosquito Repellent Does NOT Do
This will never completely eliminate bites.
Especially in strong mosquito areas – truly, nothing will. You could layer on this with some deep woods sprays that are 100% DEET and thick pants/shirt, covered headband and you might walk away unscathed.
When in water, or sweating, the spray needs more application. Which isn’t a problem, because it is all natural. Spray as much and as often as needed.
I will also say, sometimes bees and other pollinators might be more curious of you when wearing a vanilla scented spray, but that’s more for mid-day use. I’d rather see a friendly bee than deal with mosquito bites.
Other Natural Ways We Reduce Mosquitoes Around Our Property
Since I’m weary of mosquitos and other harmful bugs, we’re diligent about planting other herbs around our property so we can try to reduce an eliminate them on all fronts.
Herbs like: basil, lavender, lemon balm, mint, thyme, citronella are planted around the property in various locations to benefit us.
- How to Grow Thyme (Complete Growing Guide)
- How to Grow Basil From Seed (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
- Is Mint Invasive or a Powerful Medicinal and Culinary Herb?
Additionally we do other things like ensure lots of airflow in our main play space (ie. open grass), as well as ensure we have no standing water areas where they like to breed.
FAQ Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe
Yes, it’s just normal vanilla extract that you use while you bake.
I’ve never tested it’s lasting strength, but I would say reapply as needed. Because it’s so easy to make more and completely natural, I reapply frequently.
Yes, 100%!
I find the pure, real vanilla extract works best as it’s not artificial. However, I’ve used the artificial in the past and it still works fine, just not as well.
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To Conclude On My Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe
This simple, 2 ingredient homemade natural mosquito repellent has been my game-changer for being outside day-to-day. You can make it in minutes and it works to keep you and your family safe from the pesky mosquitos.
If you’re into natural homemade remedies, you can explore all of our hands-on advice in our Natural Remedy Guides, based on what actually works here on our homestead.
We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about natural mosquito repellent or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below. Happy Gardening!
