Midges can be a nuisance during the warm months, especially when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
While there are many commercial products available to repel these pesky insects, there are also several natural alternatives that are effective and safe for you and the environment.
From essential oils to herbs to simple DIY traps, here are some of the best ways to keep midges at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural plant extracts that have been used for centuries for their various benefits, including repelling insects like midges. Some essential oils known to be effective against midges include citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, and peppermint. These oils can be diluted with water and sprayed onto skin or clothing to keep midges at bay. Alternatively, you can use essential oil diffusers in your home or outdoor space to help deter midges from entering.
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a natural and effective way to repel midges. These candles are made with citronella oil, which is derived from the lemongrass plant. When burned, citronella oil releases a strong fragrance that is unpleasant to midges, keeping them at bay.
How to Use Citronella Candles:
To repel midges using citronella candles, simply light the candle and place it in the area where you want to repel the insects. For best results, use multiple candles spread throughout the space to create a barrier of protection against midges.
Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent that is effective against a wide range of insects, including midges. You can make your own neem oil spray by mixing neem oil with water and a small amount of dish soap. The dish soap helps the oil mix with the water and stick to the plants, making it more effective at repelling midges. To make the spray, mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap. Shake well before using and spray on plants or on your skin to keep midges away.
Peppermint Spray
If you’re looking for a natural way to repel midges, peppermint spray can be a great option. The strong scent of peppermint is known to be a deterrent for these pesky insects, keeping them at bay while you enjoy outdoor activities. To make your own peppermint spray, simply mix peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and shake well before use. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to help the oil mix better with the water. Spray the mixture on your skin and clothes before heading outdoors to help repel midges.
Peppermint Spray Recipe:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Peppermint essential oil | 10-15 drops |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Dish soap | A few drops |
Lavender Sachets
Lavender sachets are small sachets filled with dried lavender flowers. The strong scent of lavender is known to repel midges and other insects. You can hang these sachets in your home, garden, or outdoor seating area to keep midges at bay.
- To make lavender sachets, simply fill a small cloth or organza bag with dried lavender flowers. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a stronger scent.
- Place the sachets in areas where midges are likely to be present, such as near windows or doors, or hang them from plants in your garden.
- Remember to replace the dried lavender flowers or add more essential oil as needed to keep the scent strong and effective.
Eucalyptus Oil Repellent
Eucalyptus oil is known for its strong scent that can help repel midges. Simply dilute a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water and spray it on your skin or clothing to keep midges at bay. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or light a eucalyptus oil candle to create a midge-repelling environment indoors.
Lemon Balm Plant
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It is known for its calming properties and its ability to repel insects, including midges.
Planting lemon balm in your garden or keeping a pot of it indoors can help deter midges naturally. The strong citrus scent of lemon balm is believed to mask the scents that attract midges, making it less likely for them to swarm around your living spaces.
Tea Tree Oil Solution
Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellent that can be used to keep midges at bay. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to your skin before heading outdoors. The strong scent of tea tree oil will help deter midges from landing on you.
Additionally, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water to create a fragrant barrier against midges in your home or outdoor space.
Basil Plant Barrier
Planting basil around your outdoor space can act as a natural barrier to repel midges. The strong scent of basil is known to deter insects, including midges, from entering the area.
How to Use:
- Plant basil in pots or directly in the ground around your patio or garden.
- Regularly harvest and crush the leaves to release the scent and strengthen the barrier.
Garlic Mosquito Repellent Spray
One effective natural way to repel midges is by using a homemade garlic mosquito repellent spray. Garlic contains natural compounds that insects find repulsive, making it a great alternative to chemical repellents.
| Ingredients: | Tools Needed: |
| – 10 cloves of garlic | – Blender |
| – 1 cup of water | – Strainer |
| – 1 tablespoon of mineral oil or olive oil | – Spray bottle |
To make the garlic mosquito repellent spray, simply blend the garlic cloves with water until smooth. Strain the mixture to extract the garlic juice, then add the mineral or olive oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your skin or clothing before heading outdoors.
It’s important to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the spray to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Reapply the garlic mosquito repellent spray every few hours for maximum effectiveness against midges.