Van life, camping, travelling, weekend trips, road trips, bon fires, ahhh… there’s so many ways to enjoy the outdoors. That is, until tiny, buzzing, blood-sucking insects start attacking. Mosquitos are pretty evil, and may carry serious diseases.
For years I’ve refused to wear any mosquito repellent. Mainly because I was more scared of the intense chemicals in the repellent, than being bit by mosquitos. However, I now know that’s not a way to live life. Especially whilst in tropical areas where mosquitos carry serious and dangerous diseases.
So, in a matter of preferring repellents over non-curable, life-long ailments, I began seeking out the most natural mosquito repellent alternatives. From living in a van and spending loads of time outdoors I’ve tried and found a good bunch of options.
This list is filled with the most natural and sustainable mosquito repellent options. Most take action of natural scents and oils the deter mosquitos, instead of strong chemicals. It’s always great to add more natural options to your life, and mosquito defence is a perfect opportunity for this.
Mosquito Repellent Incense
I was very skeptical of incense sticks as a mosquito repellent. It just sounded too good to be true, plant-based ingredients, DEET-free and it smells good. After trying them out, though, I found they do work.
For the products, there’s different burning options. Murphy’s Naturals has sticks available. Or, for a long-lasting version there’s WaxWorks natural coils. They’re definitely a tad more expensive than the chemical-based coils, but it’s better than breathing in poison. Be sure to get a coil holder, it’s good for the coils and sticks—especially broken pieces of each.
The only downsides to these sticks or coils is weather-associated problems, so if it’s too windy the smoke may blow it away and not act as a mosquito repellent. To make the most out of these sticks, I put them under my chair or lower to avoid mosquitos biting my feet and ankles. The smoke obviously goes up, so it becomes a full-body mosquito repellent. If the mosquitos are bad, consider using multiple sticks or coils.
Natural Mosquito Repellent Sprays and Creams
The most convenient and useful insect repellent for on the go is one that can be applied to the body. As such, this All Terrain Natural Insect Repellent spray, which does exactly that. It’s made with a DEET-free and GMO-free formula, focused on herbal, natural ingredients.
Spray’s often get a bad reputation because the spray can go many different places and pollute water systems and the planet. To avoid this, spray onto your hand if it’s windy to avoid these problems. However this non-aerosol can doesn’t have much off spray.
Or, for non-spray options, Nature’s Botanical has a lovely Rosemary and Cedarwood creme and lotion. And this is sold in many camping stores across Australia.
Insect and Mosquito Nets
The most natural form of mosquito repellent would be to ensure the insects never make it to you in the first place. There’s tons of different options for nets too, and they’re readily available for order online. From a sustainable standpoint, they’re great if the quality is good and if they’re well-maintained. I mean, don’t be too rough with them, they just nets after all.
And, to make the most out of them, sew to fix small holes rather than throwing the entire thing out. From a sustainability standpoint it’s important to make what you have last longer instead of buying news things often.
Now for the products, the MEKKAPRO Ultra Light Mosquito Net can be used outdoors or indoors, with a hammock or without. Hang it in trees, hang it on a vehicle, go crazy.
If like me, you purchased a hammock prior to thinking about mosquitos and other dangers, Amazon sells hammock bug nets that go around a hammock. It’s the perfect combination for sleeping in a hammock, or taking naps without waking up to bugs.
Or for an awning addition, check out ARB’s Awning Room with a mosquito net. It makes the days and nights insect free, as long as you can master entering and exiting without bringing too many inside.
To make a DIY mosquito net for your front windows, check out my tutorial.
For more outdoor tips and guides check out tips for free camping in Australia, where to shower while travelling and how to survive Australia’s deadly creatures.
