Mosquito season is here! With so many repellent options to choose from, I am often asked which ones are safe and can be made at home, without any harmful chemicals. Here is a list of 6 essential oils that are excellent for fighting mosquitoes and other insects:

1. Peppermint Oil: It has countless health benefits: it helps with stomach aches, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, indigestion, heartburn, sinus problems, but spiders and insects scorn this oil.

Recipe: Mix 1 part peppermint oil with 10 parts alcohol and place in a plastic spray bottle. Spray on your skin, clothing, around the house, etc. It can be mixed with other oils, such as citronella, eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme oils. Do you want to keep your skin smooth and soft? Try adding a few vitamin E capsules to your peppermint oil solution.

2. Citronella: Health benefits include: it can help with wounds, it is antibacterial, and it can help with bladder and stomach problems. It can also help with the colon, stomach, prostate, and kidneys. It can inhibit fungal growth and is an excellent deodorant.

Recipe: Mix 2 cups of water with 5 drops of geranium essential oil, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 20 drops of citronella essential oil.

3. Basil: Health benefits include: kidney support, maintaining normal cholesterol levels, treating mouth infections, and may help treat ringworm and insect bites.

Recipe: Mix 2 cups of water, 5 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of basil essential oil, and 20 drops of citronella essential oil, and place in a BPA-free spray bottle.

4. Sage: Health benefits include: Contains high levels of vitamin K, which is not found in many foods. Vitamin K helps with bone density and certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also used for type II diabetes, which can help regulate glucose stores in the liver, preventing large fluctuations in blood sugar. Throw a bunch on the fire when you’re outside to protect yourself from bugs.

Recipe: Mix 20 drops of Salvia essential oil in a glass jar. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera. Mix contents and blend onto skin and clothing.

5. Thyme: A fabulous cleansing and antifungal agent, try rubbing thyme leaves between your fingers to release their oil. It has been shown to improve mood and well-being.

Recipe: Mix 4 drops of thyme oil for every teaspoon of olive oil, or mix 5 drops for every 2 ounces of water. Add a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to the mixture.

6. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: Great to add topically to the skin to prevent mosquito and deer tick bites and can help treat toenail fungus and joint pain. Do not ingest this oil.

Recipe: Mix 50 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 1 tablespoon of real vanilla extract, 4 ounces total of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, and 4 ounces of soybean oil or coconut oil. Add rosemary. Use in adults or children over three years of age.

According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus may be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Children with DEET toxicity may experience lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures, and convulsions. There are hundreds of natural recipes for warding off mosquitoes and other insects, and with many people choosing to stay away from man-made chemicals like DEET, many essential oils work just as effectively or even better!