Olive Oil as Mosquito Repellent

Health Tip of the Day

Olive oil can repel mosquitoes for up to eight hours when used with essential oils.

A study at Colorado State University showed that essential oils can be equal to DEET and picaridin in repelling mosquitoes. Studies showed that when a solution of essential oil and 20 percent olive is used, the mixture can repel mosquitoes for up to 8 hours as the olive oil slows the evaporation of the essential oil.

Lemongrass essential oil alone repelled mosquitoes for 2 to 2.5 hours. Mixed with olive oil results showed 98.8 percent protection for 3 hours.

Citronella essential oil is as effective as DEET, but protection lasts for only 20 minutes. When applied with olive oil it can repel mosquitoes for several hours.

Rosemary oil, in a 20 percent olive oil solution, protected against mosquito bites at a level of 100 percent for 8 hours.

Scientists say it is the natural chemicals in the essential oils which interfere with the mosquitoes’ ability to smell human blood that prevents them from biting.

Cinnamon essential oil is another excellent mosquito repellent that can actually kill mosquito eggs.

A study conducted by the Departmental Ethics Committee at the Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Pakistan, showed that 6 ounces of olive oil combined with 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel repelled mosquitoes for an eight-hour night in which subjects slept outdoors.

For more information on oils as repellents read:

Soybean Oil as a Mosquito Repellent
Control Mosquitoes With Oil
Cinnamon for Insect Bites