4. Citronella
Oil of citronella is produced from the distilled oils of different varieties of grasses and is an all-natural insect and animal repellent. Its primary ingredients (citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol) have even been labeled as low-risk pesticides by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Citronella works by disguising the scents and odors most attractive to mosquitoes, namely carbon dioxide and lactic acid in humans. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario into the effectiveness of citronella candles as a mosquito deterrent, candles infused with only a three percent concentration of citronella resulted in a whopping 42 percent fewer mosquito landings.
But while citronella candles are commercially available, for obvious reasons, their usefulness only extends to indoor environments. For those looking to benefit from citronella insect repelling capabilities while outdoors, there’s the option of purchasing citronella spots, collars, and bands. Alternatively, like the other suggestions mentioned so far, citronella oil can also be applied directly on the skin to serve as a non-toxic mosquito deterrent.