Top 12 DIY Mosquito Repellents: TikTokers are Sharing Actually Really Helpful Tips, Tricks, and Hacks to Keep the Skeeters Away This Summer

Do you actually know what's in the commercial can of mosquito repellent you are spraying all over yourself and your kids? Have you ever read the terrifying effects of DEET, the active ingredient in most commercial mosquito repellents? These are some pretty scary questions. Summer is basically here and so are the skeeters. These insects are truly the bane of humanity's existence. Their bites create itchy bumps that last weeks, and if you scratch them too much they can scar. And they are also very well known for spreading disease. Basically, we friggin' hate mosquitos.

This hatred for these tiny flying nuisances is wildly shared amongst us humans and thus has a community has blossomed discussing how to avoid them. TikTok is a beautiful place for communities and this mosquito-hating one has found a great home here. Many people, professionals and just fellow people who just want to enjoy the outdoors without being attacked, have been posting their DIY tips, tricks, and hacks that help keep the mosquitos away from them. All DEET free and completely transparent on the ingredients. Plus, they're all super easy and cheap to do yourself! So let's not become the three course meal for these evil tiny winged monsters this summer and learn from these TikToks below. We ain't messing around this year!

Posted by Elna McHilderson

1
Irish Spring Soap

Endorsed by a federally licensed pesticides applicator/ pest control technician! "100% true." He also suggest using rosemary and peppermint oil.

Via u/big.boi.red
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2
Orange Peel Mosquito Repellent Incense

You will need dried orange peels, bamboo charcoal, dried mugwort, and water. If you already have a mosquito repellent incense, you can also use that to help shape your DIY one! (And yes, this is a TikTok account that has their cat making everything…)

Via u/gaoqipuz6d6
3
DIY "Skeeter" Repellent Used By the Marine Corps

All you will need is Avon 'Skin So Soft,' hydrogen peroxide, and a spray bottle.

Via u/alicia.chickenlady
4
Mosquito Dunks

You can buy them in most gardening sections or online for cheap. You simply plop the dunk in standing water and it prevents the mosquitos from maturing. It's completely safe for other pond and land critters too! "Girl didn't just kill a mosquito, she ended the mosquitos lineage," one viewer commented

Via u/afinchmerely
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5
Dove Pampering Body Lotion - Shea Butter

There was a problem rendering this video - it may have been deleted.

"Seriously, I've never gotten bit by a mosquito since I started using this."

Via u/Katskfit
6
Coffee & Clove Incense Hack

Basically, mosquitos don't like the smell of coffee or cloves, so put some coffee and cloves in a glass with a candle wick, light that wick and see them stay away!

Via u/mahoney305_reposts
7
Mosquito Repellent Chandelier

You will need some strips of cotton fabric soaked in citronella and lavender essential oils and some sort of ring to tie the strips too. Then you hang it up where you are outside and when the wind blows it should help repel the insects. You can tie some fake foliage to the ring to look pretty, or tie some citronella, lemon grass, lavender, mint, or other plants known to repel insects as well (just make sure to give them a good rub down to release the oils first).

Via u/thediymommy
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8
American Beauty Berry Plant DIY Repellent

You just need leaves from the American Beauty Berry plant, rubbing alcohol (or witch hazel), and a container. You can also add essential oils like lemon grass for fragrance.

Via u/sow_viable
9
Mosquito Repellent Planter

Basically, keep plants in your garden or in pots around you that are known to repel mosquitos away. Plants like, citronella, lemon grass, lemon balm, basil, lavender, and mint.

Via u/sarah_reddmk6
10
DIY Can Mosquito Repellent Candle

Take an old can, put some mint or sage leaves at the bottom, take a roll of toilet paper without the cardboard inside, stuff it into the can, douse it in olive oil, and then light it up, baby!! Should last you several hours and help keep the skeeters away.

Via u/creative_explained
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11
Citronella Oil

Literally, just get some citronella essential oil and spray it on you to keep the mosquitos away. If you haven't caught on yet, mosquitos really don't like citronella apparently.

Via u/maddiethompson2121
12
Kid-Friendly DIY Bug Spray

There was a problem rendering this video - it may have been deleted.

Just fill a spray bottle with half water and half witch hazel and then your choice of essential oils for fragrance (peppermint not suggested for kids under 6). Add a pinch of epsom salt as well to help everything emulsify. Then just give it a good shake and spray it on every time you go outside.

Via u/ecoconsciouschristina