Using Citrus Peels as a Mosquito Repellent: A Simple Method Explained
Creating a natural mosquito repellent using orange peels is a simple and effective method to deter mosquitoes. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own.
Ingredients
- Fresh and clean orange peels from several oranges
- Water
- A pan
- A spray bottle
- A funnel (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Peels: Collect the peels from several oranges and ensure they are fresh and clean.
- Boil the Peels: Place the peels in a pan and add enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. This process will release the oils and properties from the peels into the water.
- Cool Down: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Strain and Bottle: Once cooled, strain the liquid into a spray bottle using a funnel if needed. Discard the peels.
- Use as Repellent: The orange peel solution is now ready to use as a natural mosquito repellent. You can spray it on your skin, clothes, plants, or around your outdoor spaces to keep mosquitoes away.
Additional Tips
- The citrus oils in orange peels are what mosquitoes dislike, making this solution effective.
- If desired, you can mix the orange peel liquid with other natural repellents like baking soda or essential oils for enhanced effects.
- Always perform a skin patch test before applying any new repellent to ensure you don't have any sensitivity issues.
This homemade repellent not only keeps mosquitoes at bay but also leaves a pleasant citrus scent, making it a great alternative to chemical-based products. The process involves boiling orange peels in water for 15 minutes, letting it cool, and then pouring the solution into a spray bottle.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, limonene, a naturally occurring substance found in citrus fruits, is used in many food products, soaps, and perfumes for its lemon-like flavor and odor. It is also used in pesticide products, including insecticides, insect repellents, and dog and cat repellents.
Oranges contain the highest concentration of limonene over other citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes. Apart from using the orange-peel solution as a personal mosquito repellent, it can be used on plants as a natural insecticide and on wooden furniture to give it a shine.
Eucalyptus oil is another fragrance that repels mosquitoes. The humble orange doubles as a mosquito repellent. Adam Jen, a TikTok user, demonstrates a method for making a mosquito repellent using orange peels, water, a pan, a funnel, and a spray bottle on his TikTok channel @creative_explained.
For those looking for a suitable spray bottle to store their homemade insect sprays, Sally's Organics Amber Glass Spray Bottles, 2-pack are available at Amazon for $19.98, each holding 16oz of liquid. Tom's Guide provides up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews on various topics, including ways to prevent mosquito bites and stay safe during the summer.
After creating a natural mosquito repellent using orange peels and following a step-by-step guide, you can enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by using the orange peel solution as a natural insecticide for plants or a shine for wooden furniture. Additionally, outdoor-living enthusiasts can benefit from this repellent by spraying it on skin, clothes, plants, or around their outdoor spaces to deter mosquitoes, leaving a pleasant citrus scent in their outdoor living spaces.
