There’s a lot to relish about sitting outside on a summer evening, sipping a cocktail or enjoying a cool beer. But, while everything around you seems calm, there’s a swarm of mosquitoes about to interrupt your peace.
While you might be enjoying a snack with your drink, mosquitoes are also looking for a tasty morsel, and you could be just what takes their fancy. However, the last thing you want is your evening disturbed by an irritating mosquito bite or two.
While you might resort to store-bought insect sprays to repel the pests, there’s another way to keep mosquitoes at bay that’s completely natural and you can make yourself.
A sweet mosquito repellent
The humble orange is a refreshing fruit that doubles up as a mosquito repellent. What’s more, while you enjoy the sweet-tasting flesh, the peel will repel the pests. So, rather than discarding the orange peel into your compost or garbage, hold on to it to stop mosquitoes in their tracks.
Orange peel contains the compound limonene, which is a naturally occurring substance found in citrus fruits. However, oranges contain the highest concentration of limonene over other citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Limonene, a naturally occurring chemical, which is used in many food products, soaps, and perfumes for its lemon-like flavor and odor.”
What’s more, the U.S. EPA also adds that it’s used in pesticide products, including insecticides, insect repellents, and dog and cat repellents.
So, instead of reaching for an off-the-shelf product, why not make your own natural pest repellent with orange peel? While the mosquitoes will turn their noses up at the scent, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweet citrus fragrance.
How to make a mosquito repellent with orange peel
Making a mosquito repellent with leftover orange peel couldn’t be easier. All you need is a few oranges, some water, a pan, a funnel, and a spray bottle.
Amen Adamjen, on his TikTok channel at @creative_explained, energetically demonstrates what you need to do.
He says add your orange peels to a pan of water and boil for 15 minutes. Then, once complete, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down.
Once the orange-peel liquid has cooled, grab a spray bottle and a funnel, then pour the solution into the bottle.
It's now ready to use as a mosquito repellent.
Apart from spraying the orange-peel solution on yourself, Adamjen also suggests it can be used on your plants as an natural insecticide and on wooden furniture to give it a shine.
Other ways to prevent mosquitoes ruining your summer
Apart from making your own homemade mosquito repellent, you can deter mosquitoes by understanding what attracts mosquitoes to your yard in the first place. You'll discover certain plants, long grass, stagnant water and garbage are among many things that mosquitoes love.
Plus, apart from citrus scents, there are other fragrances that repel the mosquitoes, including eucalyptus oil.
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