The Best Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites

We all love summer; longer days at the beach, in the garden and out with friends and family. What isn’t so welcoming during the warmer months is a mosquito bite; yes, those annoying flying and biting terrors which we just can’t seem to avoid. Mosquito bites can leave us feeling itchy and irritated, and for those who may be allergic, seeking urgent medical treatment.

Here we discover the best essential oils for treating mosquito bites, how to make homemade insect repellent, our favourite blends and finally, how best to use essential oils to keep the bites at bay.

What is a mosquito?

Belonging to the fly family, mosquitos are found in most parts of the world, and there are astonishingly 3,500 different types. Not all mosquitos bite; however, those that do can be split into two categories; a ‘vector’ mosquito which can spread germs, viruses and parasites and ‘nuisance’ mosquitos that bite yet do not spread germs. Here in the UK, we are most familiar with these nuisance mosquitos.

Even more fascinating is that only the female mosquito will bite you; they require blood to produce eggs. Whilst the female mosquito will live for around six weeks, a male will survive for only two to four weeks. Mosquitos can also spread diseases between animals and humans and cause severe illness. Every year, mosquitos are responsible for millions of deaths worldwide, most commonly in tropical climates, so those travelling to exotic destinations should take extra care.

Where do you most likely find mosquitos?

You will find mosquitos in tall grass, bushes and shrubbery, often very close to where humans live. When it comes to breeding, their chosen place will always be close to standing water, so they will most likely gather around ponds, pools and lakes as well as gutters, birdbaths and drains. Summer is the peak season for mosquitos; the warmer temperatures mean they pass through their life span much faster, with more egg laying and hatching.

Symptoms of a mosquito bite

The mosquito uses its mouthparts to pierce your skin and then suck on your blood. When this happens, you will most likely feel a soft pinprick sensation on the skin. Those who experience a mosquito bite may find:

Common symptoms

A white puffy, and red bump that appears minutes after the initial bite
A hard itchy red-brown bump or multiple bumps a day after the initial bite
Small blisters in the absence of bumps
Dark bruise-like spots

Children and adults not previously exposed to many or if any at all, mosquito bites and those with immune system disorders may find they have more severe symptoms such as:

Swelling and redness
Low-grade fever
Hives
Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment and prevention

Mosquito bites can be treated by washing the area with soap and water, applying an ice pack and using over the counter medications for pain relief and itching. For more severe symptoms, seek medical advice.

There are many ways to reduce your chances of getting bitten by a mosquito. These include:

Having a cover over pools and ponds at the times of non-use
Changing your birdbath water regularly
Making sure gutters are clear of blockages to avoid standing water
Emptying or covering paddling pools at the end of the day
Trimming back grass and bushes as much as you can
Wearing full-length clothing when outside in woodland or grassy areas
Applying insect repellent before heading outside
The use of essential oils both outside and in your home for extra protection

The best essential oils for mosquito bites

You have tried all you can to avoid a mosquito bite, yet there it is; that itchy sensation is back again with a vengeance. Many who experience a mosquito bite often say the itchiness is the worst symptom of all. Essential oils can be super effective for insect bites if used correctly and in a timely manner. Due to the uncontrollable scratching of the area, your bite may become infected and cause a mild reaction to your skin. The good news is that there are particular essential oils for bites which have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Peppermint Essential Oil – this cooling essential oil will soothe the skin, reduce itching and is also known to help prevent infections.
Tea Tree Essential Oil – known to act as a natural antihistamine and prevent bacteria and further itching.
Lavender Essential Oil – this calming and relaxing essential oil will aid in the relief of pain caused by the bite and ensure a better night’s rest, free of itching and irritation.
Lemongrass Essential Oil – with its antimicrobial properties, this essential oil is known to help prevent the spread of insect-borne diseases and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – used for centuries, chamomile is great for soothing itchy skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.

So whether it’s making a body spray to keep with you, popping a few drops into your bath or creating your own soaps and shower gels, these essential oils are perfect for helping to relieve the annoying symptoms.

Important!

Always dilute your essential oils with carrier oils before applying them to the skin. Seek advice if unsure, and always read the label.
Those suffering from an allergic reaction from a bite should avoid essential oils and seek medical advice.
Keep your essential oils safe from children and pets.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek advice from a doctor before using essential oils.

Homemade insect repellent with essential oils

If you have managed to stay bite free, there is no harm in doubling up on your efforts to prevent one by creating your own homemade essential oil mosquito repellent – a quick and easy way to fight off unwanted guests.

So, what essential oils do bugs hate? Here are some of our favourite and most popular blends to use (use five parts of each essential oil)

Bye-bye buggy!

Move aside mozzie!

See ya stinger!

Bog off bitey!

Candles, flowers and lanterns on window sill

As well as room sprays, using essential oils in your homemade candles and in your diffusers is an excellent way of fighting off unwanted insects in your home. If, like us, you love to experiment with different aromas in the home, here are some of our favourite essential aromatherapy blends for keeping mosquitos and bugs away.

Strong and spicy

A burst of energy

A woodland wonderland

Simply sweet

Floaty florals

Say goodbye to the itch that won’t budge with practical tips and the use of carefully chosen essential oils. Here is to a bite-free summer!

Keen to try out some essential oil blending and crafting for yourself? Learn more with our Essential Oils Blending Guide.