If you are anything like me, your family loves spending time outdoors. But spending time outside can quickly become less enjoyable when you are attacked by blood-thirsty mosquitoes! That’s exactly why I came up with this DIY mosquito bracelet. It’s effective and free from any potentially harmful chemicals!
Summer is the time of year when we all enjoy outdoor time – camping, hiking, picnics, or simply relaxing in the hammock with a good book. And then, the not-so-good: those pesky mosquitoes intent on itchy bites!
But in this blog post, I’ve got an all-natural solution for those annoying pests – a DIY mosquito bracelet made with essential oils. This is a simple DIY that really works!
Why not Just Use Bug Spray?
Sure, bug sprays can be effective, and they certainly have a time and place where they can be useful. But my family spends so much time outdoors that as a mom, I personally don’t feel great about continually slathering my kids in bug spray that can cause skin irritation and other issues.
Instead, I wanted to find something that was made with natural ingredients while also offering hours of protection from mosquito bites. I also wanted to make an affordable solution That’s exactly why I came up with this simple mosquito bracelet.
If you prefer to use bug spray but want a natural solution, I highly suggest you check out my homemade essential oil mosquito repellent spray.
Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet
You may have already seen my post on how to make a diffuser bracelet for essential oils. This mosquito repellent bracelet is very similar! This time we’ll use two specific essential oils that work wonders as insect repellents: citronella and tea tree oil.
Today, I’ll show you the very simple step-by-step instructions for making a DIY Mosquito Repellent Bracelet with Essential Oils.
What You’ll Need to Make a Mosquito Repellent Bracelet:
- stretchy bracelet elastic
- Porous beads – either unbaked clay beads or Lava Beads
. I got these flat, oval beads over on Ebay.
- Other plastic or non-porous beads that you want to customize your bracelet (at any craft store, Walmart, or Amazon
)
- Citronella essential oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
Bug Repelling Essential Oils ↓
How to Make a DIY Mosquito Bracelet
These bracelets are really easy to make! If you can string beads on elastic, then you can make these all day long!
One tip I have for the elastic: =if your elastic starts to unravel at the end, just place some nail polish on the end and let it dry. It’s much easier to string your beads this way because the nail polish stops the unraveling!
String your beads and tie off your bracelet so it’s long enough for your wrist. In the middle of your bracelet, place one or two lava beads that will hold the essential oils. I liked the oval and flat beads as the oil soaked in a bit better on the flatter surface rather than round lava beads.
Drop 1-2 drops each of tea tree oil and citronella essential oil on your porous beads.
I would advise dedicating this bracelet to just citronella and tea tree oils without using any others. The scent of citronella is strong – and it will just stay with that bracelet for a really long time. I wouldn’t expect you to wear this to a Friday night cookout and be able to wash it and wear just lavender oil on your bracelet the next day.
I would recommend you set this one aside and use this bracelet as just your insect repellent bracelet.
Do mosquito bracelets actually work?
Yes, this natural solution really does help keep mosquitos away. However, I find these to be most effective when I use them in tandem with other smart solutions. When I know I’ll be in an area heavy with mosquito activity, I wear long clothing. I also stay away from standing water and try to stay indoors during sunrise and sunset when bugs are most active.
You can get creative with these too! I now have one of these bracelets attached to my iPhone armband; now each time I go running, I won’t forget to wear my all natural DIY Mosquito Repellent Bracelet! The bugs have significantly stopped “bugging” me while I’m out for a jog.
A reader also suggested making an anklet with one of these, which I think is a great idea too!
More Ways to Repel Bugs with Essential Oils
If you liked this essential oil mosquito repelling bracelet, you might like these other natural bug repelling ideas too:
Kristina says
I need to do this! I always get eaten alive.
Ellen says
I need to try this.The mosquitos have been just horrible when I walk each day.
Tammilee Tips says
I love that you can make this with essential oils! I never thought to make my own mosquito repellent what a great idea!
Crystal says
Now that’s a fantastic idea! It’s a super fun summer craft and a way to keep from going crazy all summer. The kids and I will be making batches of those!
Aubrey says
O we love essencial oils 🙂
Mosquito Patch says
Nice way of preparing natural mosquito repellent. I think this will definitely help to stop the mosquito biting.
Babs says
Makean ankle bracelet to save your legs from bug bites!
Maura says
awesome idea!!!
Susan says
This is a great idea! How often would you need to replenish the oils, roughly?
Maura says
I would put a new drop each new day you were going to wear it. Then you may need to reapply throughout the day as well depending on how crazy the mosquitoes were that day.