Here is a list of 7 natural methods to protect yourself from mosquitoes, these insects that can ruin your trip with their bites.
There is already a more general article on mosquitoes, presenting classic and natural protection methods here:
Mosquito guide: everything you need to know to protect yourself
But here, I present to you the natural anti-mosquito methods, without DEET, a chemical compound found in many anti-mosquito products and which is not without danger, particularly not recommended for pregnant women and children.
You should also know that you are not required to use body protection permanently, in general, unless you are really in a mosquito-infested area, they only bite at certain times of the day, and mainly at the beginning of the evening.
Yes, fortunately, they, or rather they, because only female mosquitoes bite, have working hours that vary according to the species.
If you decide to use an essential oil, you should know that it's better to dilute it in an oil or cream before applying it to the skin, and its effect will be longer.
Warning: essential oils are not without danger, before using them I advise you to read this article: Precautions for using essential oils
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1. Natural anti-mosquito remedies: mosquito net
It's still the simplest and most effective natural solution for sleeping peacefully, and it also protects you from other flying or crawling insects.
It even saved my life, indeed, one day, I discovered that I had spent the night with a cobra, without the mosquito net, I could have been done for!
2. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The results of field and laboratory studies show that lemon eucalyptus oil can effectively protect against several species of mosquitoes that carry malaria as well as the mosquito that carries yellow fever.
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that a formula containing 32% lemon eucalyptus oil provided at least 95% protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.
However, its protection duration is shorter than that of DEET, as it evaporates more quickly.
Terra Nostra: Natural Anti-Mosquito for Pregnant Women
I highlight this new spray made from anti-mosquito components of lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
Effective for up to 6 hours in infested, tropical and temperate areas.
It is recommended for pregnant women/breastfeeding women/children over 6 months, so it is recommended for everyone!
3. Natural mosquito remedies: geranium EO
Geranium (pelargonium, rosat or bourbon), is traditionally placed in pots at windows in Europe to repel insects and its essential oil is also very effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Find it on Amazon
4. Lemongrass essential oil, a scam?
There are many products based on lemongrass essential oil, it's really the oil put forward in all shops to keep mosquitoes away, but it's still one of the least effective!
Most lemongrass essential oil products that I've used on my skin have been effective for less than 15 minutes, I think it's not the smell that makes them flee, but the concentration.
And, for example, I use a spray bottle filled with water at home, in which I put a few drops of essential oil to avoid mosquitoes.
I tried with java lemongrass and then geranium pelargonium, and geranium essential oil is the only one that is really effective.
As mentioned above, geranium is traditionally placed on windowsills to ward off insects and I thought lemongrass could do the same, so I bought a pot of lemongrass and had just put it in the ground, I was surprised to see a mosquito come to land on one of the leaves!
See our article: Lemon grass, the herb with a lemon scent
5. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by eating raw garlic
No, it's not a legend, garlic doesn't just protect against vampires, small bloodsuckers like mosquitoes don't like the smell of your body if you've eaten some.
But you should know that it's raw garlic that has an effect and it's not 100% effective protection.
Indeed, if I'm the only one at home and I eat garlic, I'll still get bitten.
On the other hand, if I'm with other people who don't eat raw garlic, I'd be considered the least appetizing in the group and there, I'd be completely spared.
It was something that used to annoy my Laotian ex-girlfriend a lot, she had asked me why, when we were together, she was the only one bitten, I had explained it to her, but fortunately for me, she didn't like garlic!
6. Protect yourself from mosquitoes with soap
You should know that the smell of many commercial soaps attracts mosquitoes, and so after a good shower, you will not only be more attractive to your human entourage.
Not only will this soap protect you from mosquitoes, but it is also very practical to carry while traveling, can last up to 6 months, and treats skin problems:
The Incognito soap with tamarind, turmeric and honey cleans deeply, conditions and naturally softens the skin, stimulating blood circulation at the skin level while simultaneously releasing pores from impurities.
Luffa soaps are also effective in reducing cellulite, eliminating calluses on the ankles, palms and feet, and helping to control ingrown hairs, body and foot odor.
On the French version, they do not highlight its anti-mosquito properties, but you can see in the English comments or on the photo, the first sentence in green, which translated means: natural protection against insect bites.
7. Protect yourself from mosquitoes with a room freshener
Another great product for travel, a small box to put in your bag and which, in addition to pleasantly scenting your hotel room, will protect you from insects!
Product description:
The Incognito room freshener will keep mosquitoes away from the room for up to 3 weeks after opening, and up to 6 weeks if the lid is put back in place when not in use.
With its aroma of pine and citrus full of freshness, it is the ideal discreet means to protect your home from insects during the summer.
Bonus: soothe mosquito bites
If it's your first trip to Thailand then you may not know about the menthol and eucalyptus inhalers like Poy Sian, the best-known brand.
You will find it everywhere, in almost all shops and for a few baht.
If you remove the first cap, you can use it as an inhaler, to unclog your nose or clear your lungs.
As it helps to breathe better, it is also used to combat stress.
If you remove the second part, you have access to the oil, to soothe aches, muscle pains or calm mosquito bites.
It's a product that practically all Thais have in their pocket or handbag, a good habit to imitate!
You can also share your methods to protect yourself from mosquitoes in the comments.
See also:
The mosquito and how to protect yourself
Dengue fever can be treated with papaya leaf juice!
Malaria in Thailand, should you take antimalarial treatment?
Source: kohsamuisunset.com; consoglobe.com; Photos: lemon eucalyptus: Bidgee
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9 comments
Hello Pierreto,
Anti-mosquito loofah? Can you explain why?
If it's about adding lemongrass, you say above that lemongrass essential oil is the least effective as an anti-mosquito.
I'd like to understand what justifies the anti-mosquito indication for this soap, which is otherwise very nice.
Hi Catherine,
I don't exactly know if it's the lemongrass that has the anti-mosquito effect for this soap, or if it's the other components, or the mixture, or also the fact of removing dead skin…
What is certain is that it has many customer reviews that are satisfied with its anti-mosquito effect.
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, a local advised us to apply fresh turmeric on mosquito bites to relieve itching.
And well, it works wonders!
It slightly stains the skin but easily washes off in the shower, so don't worry.
In any case, we're glad to know this solution that really helped us.
Hi So,
Thanks for this tip that I didn't know.
Indeed, turmeric really has a lot of properties:
Curcuma Longa or saffron of the Indies, everything you need to know about the health spice
Medicinal plants in Thailand: Thai names and properties
Hello, for my travels as well as for my home, I prefer a mosquito net. You can find them at all prices and the TRek mosquito net is really practical.
Hi Fanny,
Yes, it can be useful to buy a travel mosquito net, easy to transport, otherwise you can find simple and inexpensive mosquito nets everywhere in the country.
Hello,
You talk about sleeping with a cobra all night ????? but where were you ????? because I'm leaving for Bangkok and Phuket at the end of January for 10 days and that's not reassuring me…… 🙁
Thank you for your feedback!
Hello Johan,
It was in a monthly rental in Trat, but there can be snakes everywhere.
Then in hotels, with the passage of clients, it's quite rare, snakes feel the vibrations.
Don't worry about it, there are many snakes in all hot countries, the most dangerous are in Australia I think, you just have to be on your guard.
To reassure you, you can read these two articles 😉 :
A 3-meter python bites his genitals while he's in the bathroom
Video: a Thai man attacked by a snake (harmless) in a police station
The real problem for the 'farangs' frankly landed in Thailand is their diet.
They sweat like oxen with more or less odorous effluvia that attract mosquitoes.
It is therefore advisable to drink plenty of water, eat locally and take frequent showers to remain anonymous during this period and the rest of the stay, there are practical elements to put in place: natural sage deodorant (Weleda), local "Lemon grass" soap, dark clothing that stores heat, avoid drinking alcohol as much as possible, which includes beer; application of a few drops of lemon eucalyptus HE (Aroma Zone) on exposed areas if you go out after 7 p.m.
If we prefer to read on the balcony, we use natural coils that we burn in a cup placed on the ground (available at local pharmacies).
With that, you're pretty much safe in tourist areas.
In the rainforest (preventive anti-malarial treatment, military-grade DEET and mosquito net are essential).
In case of a bite, bring the incandescent end of a cigarette closer to neutralize the irritating venom and then apply red tiger balm.