It’s that time of year when we want to be outdoors enjoying all the fun activities that spring and summer have to offer. Unfortunately, all that outdoor fun usually comes along with bug bites, including mosquitoes. With concerns about the mosquito-borne Zika virus becoming more serious, today we’re sharing a way to fight back naturally with this clever mosquito-repelling bracelet you can make yourself.
Kaitlyn writes……. A couple of weeks ago I saw a sale on some mosquito repelling bracelets that were infused with citronella essential oil. My first thought was, “I bet I could totally DIY those!” And I was right! My version combines a paracord bracelet with a simple essential oil mixture. So much better than the nasty smelling store-bought bug sprays!
One quick note on the effectiveness of these bracelets – I found really mixed reviews on the store-bought ones. Some people swear by them and others say they still get lots of mosquito bites while wearing them. I found a particularly great review on Brian’s Backbacking Blog. Brian’s family tested them for a week in the Traverse City area of Michigan and said they worked just as well as bug sprays they’ve used in the past. I also read about a test done in Texas that found the bracelets to be effective but not quite as effective as spray containing DEET.
I would recommend using these bracelets in mild mosquito conditions. But I would definitely not rely on these if you are going to an area where disease ridden mosquitos are a concern.
Paracord Bracelet
I learned how to make paracord bracelets at a church girls camp a couple of years ago. The girls had a blast making them and so did I! Once you get the hang of the weaving process they are very quick to make. Plus, the paracord material is perfect for soaking up essential oils.
Supplies
- 2 different colors of paracord
- paracord bracelet clip
- sharp scissors
- lighter or matches
Instructions
Start with two different colors of paracord. I got mine at Walmart in the craft section but you should be able to find it at most craft stores or even sporting goods stores.
You’ll need about 54″ of each color. If you don’t feel like getting out a tape measure, a really easy way to make sure you have enough cord is to measure to arm lengths of each color.
The first step is to fuse together the two pieces of cord. You can do this with fabric glue or by slightly melting the ends of the cord with a lighter and pushing them together.
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You’ll also want to slightly melt the other ends of the cords so that they don’t unravel as you make the bracelet.
Next, grab a paracord bracelet clip. You should find the clips right by the cord at Walmart or craft stores. Put the cord through one side of the clip and loop it to secure it to the clip.
Then take the other end the cord and pull it through the other side of the clip.
Put the bracelet on your wrist to decide how big it needs to be.
Unclip the bracelet. Be sure to hold the loose clip in place so you don’t end up making the bracelet too big or too small.
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Now comes the only slightly tricky part of this process. Decide which color you would like to be in the middle of the bracelet design. Take that piece of cord and loop it over the top of the cords. In the above picture the camo print cord will be in the middle. The other cord will go over, under and through the first cord. Then pull the cords tight.
Repeat that same step, but loop the first cord on the opposite side this time.
Repeat that process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of the bracelet.
Trim off the excess cord.
Use a lighter to melt the ends of the cord that you just cut so that it doesn’t unravel.
Now that the bracelet is done it’s time to make the mosquito repellent!
All Natural Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients
- 1 cup witch hazel
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions
This recipe is about as simple as it can get! Add witch hazel and the essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake to combine.
Spray the essential oil mixture onto both sides of your finished bracelet until it is thoroughly saturated. Set aside to dry.
And there you go! A fun and practical mosquito repelling bracelet. The spray should be effective for a few hours but you’ll want to respray the bracelet if you’re particularly active and sweaty or outside for an extended period of time.
One really fun thing about this project is that you can find paracord in just about any color you could want! So everyone in your family can make a bracelet to fit their personality. My husband even had me make him one in Vikings’ colors (purple and yellow).
I went for the more girly and bright summer colors! The possibilities really are endless.
What is your favorite method to repel mosquitos?
Having a daughter that has severe eczema, which means her skin is continually open and sensitive due to scratching, I’m always looking for alternatives to mosquito sprays (which burn her). I will give this a try…on my other kids. For her, I think I will try the spray on a visor or all cap or something else that doesn’t touch her skin. I love the idea, thx so much for sharing.
I hope your daughter likes it!!
Can it be used on dogs?
I don’t think heavy mosquito conditions are exclusive of “third world countries”. I’m sure lucky first world countries also have areas with heavy mosquito conditions.
Im wondering also if you can apply directly to skin and clothes.
Absolutely!
Can you spray this mixture directly on your skin and clothes?
Sure!
Thanks for the recipe. We have a lot of no see ums in Florida. Can you add Tea Tree oil to the recipe?
You can definitely add tea tree!
Great idea! I’m not one of those crafty moms but I can see doing this. Plus, it would be great for gifts.
I will be posting this to my facebook biz page since I promote living less toxic. This repellent idea certainly beats the toxic store bought kind.
I have all the ingredients except for the lemongrass. What other essential oil could I use that would be as effective?
You could replace it with lemon, in a pinch. You could probably even leave it out if you have the other 3 oils. :-)
These are going to be perfect for our camping trips this summer! Thanks for sharing this!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
This is great, I will love to make me my own bracelet, thank you for showing how to make them
Could you use this formula to spray on your dogs? This could be excellent for protecting them. I suppose you could even make collars for them and spray before they go outside. I’m just wondering if anyone has used this on their furry friends.
You could definitely spray the dogs, and spraying the collars would last quite a bit longer. :-)
Could you just soak the bracelet on the oils, instead of spraying?
Sure!
THANKS! :)
I’m so glad my friend shared this on Facebook! It’s almost time for them to come out up here in MN & they are BAD. I have a question though, do you have to use the Lavendar for this to be effective? I’m allergic. Thank you!!
You can leave it out!
To help with keeping the cord taunt, anchor the starting cords with “T” pins (pins that look like a capital T) pushed into cork board or some other material that will anchor the pins. I still have my T pins from my macrame days………………………Not only will this keeep the cords taunt, but will make the knotting go faster and smoother and your knots will be more consistent…………………………….TO KNOT OR NOT, THAT IS THE QUESTION…………..
Thanks for the recipe to scare away mosquitos. I live in Texas and the mosquitos are terrible. I would like to just use this as a spray on exposed skin. Do you know of a reason not to use as a spray?
That will work just fine! :-) It will last longer if you spray your clothes instead of your skin, though. Sweat will wash away the spray pretty easily!
I probably won’t make a bracelet but am wondering since the ingredients are all natural can I just spray my exposed body parts such as arms and legs? I never can go out in my yard even in daytime without some repellent on but am always looking for the most natural products. Thanks.
I have used this combination for years as mosquito repellent. No skin irritation, and you don’t get that sticky feeling that Off gives.
Yes you can! :-) It will last longer if you spray your clothes instead of your skin, though. Sweat will wash away the spray pretty easily!
I LOVE this blog. This particular post is just in time, too; the little buggers will be out in force in no time. Couple of questions, do you have any idea if this spray is safe for pets, horses, etc? Can it be used as a yard spray, like around the picnic table? Have you heard of any skin sensitivities?
I can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
It is safe for pets, I haven’t tried it around the yard – I don’t think it would be the best solution for your picnic table. Try this instead: http://ogtbj.com/1JQAYJX
Some people are allergic to lavender, but most people (even those with sensitive skin) have no problems with essential oils on their skin. :-)
I am perplexed as to why some feel compelled to post negative comments. It’s not like you’re holding them hostage and forcing them to read your blog. I’m glad you continue to post in spite of these type comments.oof
I’ve read those mixed reviews too. My guess is that it depends upon the type of mosquito you have.
I have one tall fan and one table fan I put on the ground to blow across where people sit. I run both fans on low and allow them to oscillate. That takes care of Chicago mosquitoes around the table outside. It does not do a thing for biting flies as they are stronger flyers.
There are no effective mosquito traps. Just spill out any standing water that gets to be a week old. My gutters drip and I like that as no long standing puddles form for breeding.
There is a DIY mosquito repellent I found online that is supposed to work if you spray your property outside. You can google it. This spray is not for people.
There is a property mosquito repellent that sells for $20 on Amazon for property. It even says it is garlic water.
Thanks so much for this tip! I’m going on an adventure and traveling around New Zealand while writing songs so this bracelet will be really handy for my travels. http://jessjournal.live
where do you get the oils?
This is where I buy mine: http://sparknaturals.com/?id=5
Here in Texas, a bracelet on the wrist would not be enough. I make something similar but with coconut oil instead of witch hazel. I rub that onto sll exposed skin. It repels mosquitos, fleas, gnats and flies.
I’ve used it on my infant grandson with no adverse effects. The one I use most often is coconut oil, mint and lavender which works like a charm.
Can this this be used on clothing and/or your skin? I have some paracord, and a bracelet. Love it! Now to get some more paracord and make more bracelets.
Yes it can!
This is such a great idea. Can you buy these already made?
I got my first one at an Ace Hardware Store.
Yes! http://amzn.to/1SzJwuF
In the comments in the original post, people were asking about using this with babies and not wanting to get this in their mouths. And some people are uncomfortable with spraying stuff on a small child’s skin – due to possible allergenic reaction.
Easy-peasy solution – spray the back of their little shirt/onsie/dress. Personally, I think I’d let it dry before putting it on, but it probably wouldn’t hurt them if it was still damp. It would work like bracelet, but baby/child wouldn’t be able to neither suck on it nor rub their eye’s with it they can with a bracelet.
Just an idea.
Great idea!
This is a great idea as we already have multiple paracord bracelets for awareness we wear. Now we can wear them for a dual purpose.
Thank you for sharing your great ideas!