Because of its odor and acidic components, vinegar creates a less attractive environment for mosquitoes. We tell you how to prepare it as a natural repellent.
Last update: November 8, 2024
Vinegar, both white and apple, It can be used as a mosquito repellent due to its acidic nature. Diluted in water or combined with ingredients such as cinnamon, rosemary and essential oils, it is useful for preventing the presence of these insects in the home.
Thanks to its strong, acidic aroma, derived from its acetic acid content, this ingredient masks odors that attract mosquitoes. Furthermore, it is not only suitable for personal use, but can be sprayed in areas where they usually live and breed.
In order not to stop exploiting its properties, below We tell you how to prepare it step by step, What you can mix it with if you want to enhance its effects and what you should keep in mind for its safe use. Take note!
Mosquito repellent with vinegar
Vinegar has long been an ally in repelling mosquitoes. While it’s not known exactly why these insects hate it, speculation suggests it has to do with its acidity and pungent aroma.
Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, is a volatile compound that releases vapors with a characteristic odor. This volatility seems to interfere with the Mosquito olfactory receptors, preventing them from detecting substances in the skin and sweat that attract them.
Furthermore, since this acid is able to disperse into the air, the aroma can be perceived from a distance. This explains why it works not only by spraying it on the body, but also by placing it in strategic points of the house.
The typical way to use it for this purpose is to dilute it in equal parts with water. Its application in concentrated form is not recommended, It can cause side effects such as irritation, redness and, in severe cases, burns.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water (125 ml)
- 1/2 cup apple or white vinegar (125 ml)
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: Combine vinegar with water in equal parts. If your skin tends to be sensitive, it’s a good idea to mix it with two parts water.
- Packaging: Pour the preparation into a spray bottle for easy application.
- Run a patch test: Before spraying it on the body, perform a sensitivity test on a small area of skin. Apply some repellent and watch for any adverse reactions. Leave to act for at least 30 minutes; If there is no irritation or itching, apply it without problems.
- Shake well and apply: Before each use, shake the preparation and spray it on the areas exposed to mosquito bites (heels, legs, arms, neck, etc.). You can also spray it on clothing for added protection. Just make sure that the clothing is not made of delicate fabrics that could stain due to preparation.
- Store in a safe place: After each use, look for a cool, dark place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can alter its effectiveness.
- For home use: Place the mixture in small containers near windows or in those areas where there
Ingredients to enhance its effects
Although the diluted vinegar trick usually gives good results when it comes to scaring away mosquitoes, It is common to incorporate other ingredients into the recipe for better results.
Some essential oils and herbs have odors that alert these insects and make it more difficult for them to detect body odors. The most used are the following:
- Cinnamon: Both the branches and the essential oil of cinnamon contain cinnamaldehyde, a volatile active compound that generates a strong aroma unpleasant to mosquitoes. Add between 10 and 15 drops of essential oil or two cinnamon sticks to the water and vinegar mixture.
- Eucalyptus essential oil: They repellent properties and insecticides are attributed to its citronella content, which is also responsible for its characteristic odor. Add 10 drops to the vinegar repellent.
- Peppermint essential oil: The fresh and penetrating smell of menthol, its main component, scares mosquitoes. Add 10 to 15 drops and shake well.
- Romero: Prepared in the form of an infusion or added as an essential oil in the vinegar solution, it helps prevent mosquito bites. If you prefer the first option, pour three sprigs of rosemary into a cup of hot water and leave to infuse. When it is lukewarm, filter it and mix it with the basic preparation. If you opt for oil, pour 10 drops and shake.
- Take note: not only one of its components, azadirachtin repels mosquitoesbut it seems to interfere with its life cycle. Therefore by spraying it in spaces its reproduction decreases. Add six drops for personal use and up to 15 drops to spray areas of the house susceptible to these insects.
Recommendations for safe use
Vinegar repellent to repel mosquitoes is generally safe when used correctly. It involves diluting the product in one or two equal parts of water, as well as doing a small test on the skin before applying it in its entirety.
Be careful when spraying the repellent, especially on parts close to sensitive areas such as the eyes and nose, where it should not come into contact. Also avoid using it if you have open wounds. To ensure maximum protection, reapply every two hours or sooner, especially if you are outdoors or sweating.
Don’t forget other preventive measures
If you plan to do outdoor activities, or have problems with mosquitoes in your home, you can try repelling them with the acidic aroma of vinegar. Whether you prefer to use it alone in water or combined with herbs or oils, It is a good option if you want to prevent possible bites and illnesses associated with them.
Suffice it to consider that in itself it is not an infallible solution, nor the most appropriate in all cases. Be sure to supplement this with other prevention strategies, such as wearing clothing that covers much of the body, eliminating sources of standing water, installing mosquito nets, and regularly cleaning areas where these insects tend to breed easily.
S=”sc-1d9c7da-0 eSWZsm”>To ensure safety and effectiveness when using vinegar-based mosquito repellents, consider the following recommendations:
- Perform a patch test: Always conduct a patch test before the first full application. Apply a small amount to a limited skin area and observe for any allergic reactions or irritations.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Keep the spray away from sensitive areas to avoid irritation. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Reapply as needed: The effectiveness of the repellent may diminish over time due to sweating or environmental factors. Reapply every few hours, especially if active outdoors.
- Store properly: Keep your homemade repellent in a secure, cool, and dark place, out of reach of children and pets.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you have skin sensitivities or existing health conditions, seek advice before using homemade repellents.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the benefits of homemade vinegar-based mosquito repellents while minimizing potential side effects.