We’re not free of warm weather yet, and that means fending off more mosquitoes. If DEET isn’t your cup of tea (and it shouldn’t be), but you’re tired of battling a tiny bloodsucking army every time you set foot outdoors, don’t hesitate to turn to natural homemade mosquito repellent. Try these natural mosquito repellents to keep the bugs at bay.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent – 5 Natural Solutions

Eat B Vitamins and Garlic

The Mayo Clinic says taking 75 to 150 mg of vitamin B-1 may change your scent into one mosquitoes don’t like. Although not much research has been done for humans, neither vitamin B nor garlic will have adverse effects, but may be extremely helpful.

Conifer Bark

For this homemade mosquito repellent, slide a knife under the bark of a living conifer and pour on a few drops of natural oil. Rub it into the bark and then on the body. It’ll smell good and ward off bugs.

Yarrow

Also recommended as a diuretic and acne treatment, rubbing yarrow between your hands and then onto your body will keep away mosquitoes.

Eucalyptus Oil

At 40 percent concentration, lemon eucalyptus oil should ward off mosquitoes and ticks, although it isn’t recommended for children under 3.

Catnip

You might attract cats while you ward away mosquitoes, but one study says catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET. To make your own catnip homemade mosquito repellant, collect 2 cups of catnip and 1 cup of rosemary leaves. Crush them and put them into a jar; pour in some natural oil and leave, cover on, in a cool and dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily. Use as needed and refrigerate.

—

Lastly, what many would view as bad news, alcohol is the only food or beverage consistently researched and proven to attract mosquitoes. If you’re imbibing on an afternoon picnic, though, keep these remedies handy as well as some long sleeves to cover up exposed skin. It won’t hurt to burn a candle, either, since mosquitoes don’t like smoke.

If not one homemade mosquito repellent seems to work for you, you’ll definitely want to check out some effective home remedies for mosquito bites, although one of the above solutions should prove successful. Also helpful, you’ll want to know of some home remedies for itching if you do get bitten.

Additional Sources:

Huffington Post