A combination of half apple cider vinegar (although normal vinegar works just as well) and half water in a spray bottle works perfectly to repel those pests. This concoction can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on the legs of tables that have food served on them or even around a screen house or tent.

Small bugs usually hate citrus, so citrus oil sprays are common in homemade repellents. Mix equal parts water with witch hazel (a half cup of each works well). Witch hazel is an alcohol-based astringent that is commonly used in DIY repellents.

Witch hazel is an alcohol extract of the shrub Hamamelis. This astringent has been used on the skin for centuries to relieve bruises, sprains, minor injuries and irritations, including insect bites. This is the first we’ve heard that witch hazel might discourage mosquitoes.

“Other chemicals that you use — a hairspray, shampoo or deodorant — can attract mosquitoes,” Dill said. “We’re the final and probably best line of defense against mosquitoes,” Conlon said. “Mosquito control practices have their place in it but personal protective control measures are certainly important.”

Plant mosquito-repelling plants.

• Citronella (and other scented geraniums)
• Lemongrass.
• Rosemary.
• Catnip.
• Bee balm.
• Ageratum.
• Peppermint.
• Basil.

How it works: Apple cider vinegar has been a commonly used natural mosquito repellent for many years. Like most of the other ingredients on this list, apple cider works by altering your scent. This makes you less appealing to those pesky mosquitoes. Don’t worry – it won’t affect the way you smell to other people!

Mix together a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, a quarter cup of witch hazel, and around 20 drops of a combination of any the following essential oils: rosemary, citronella, tea tree, cedar, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, and shake before each use.

Vinegar as a bug repellent. Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to make a pest control spray. Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to make a pest control spray. It is effective in repelling ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and many others.

Vitamin B is often recommended in the popular media as a systemic repellent against mosquitoes.