🧪 Ingredients (Makes 1 Mosquito-Repelling Jar)
Apple cider vinegar
¼ cup
Water
¼ cup
Essential oils (see below for options)
20–30 drops total
Tea light or small votive candle
1–2
Best Essential Oils for Repelling Mosquitoes:
Citronella
Classic bug-repelling scent
Lemongrass
Similar to citronella — and smells amazing
Lavender
Calming to humans, repelling to insects
Peppermint
Double duty: repels mosquitoes and soothes bites
Eucalyptus (lemon eucalyptus especially)
Recommended by the CDC as a natural repellent
Mix and match for your favorite scent combo — and let nature do the work.
🕯️ Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Mason Jar Mosquito Repellent
Step 1: Mix the Repelling Solution
In a mason jar:
Add ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Add ¼ cup water
Add 20–30 drops of your favorite essential oils
Stir well — and let the jar sit for a few minutes to blend the scent.
Step 2: Place a Tea Light Inside
Carefully place 1–2 tea light candles into the jar — they’ll sit on the bottom and heat the oil mixture gently.
You can also use a small votive candle for longer burn time.
Step 3: Light and Let It Work
Light the candle and let the heat gently release the oils into the air.
The scent spreads slowly — and mosquitoes?
They just… disappear.
Place the jar on a table, hang it from a hook, or bring it along on your next outdoor adventure.
✅ Pro Tip: Use battery-operated LED candles for a flame-free version — perfect for kids, pets, or windy nights.
🧴 Bonus: Why This Method Is Better Than Store-Bought Repellents
Chemical-free
No DEET or synthetic sprays on your skin
Cost-effective
Most ingredients are already in your pantry
Customizable
Choose your favorite scent combo
Portable and stylish
Looks like decor, not a bug trap
Safe for kids and pets
No harsh ingredients or sprays
Also, the mason jar can be reused again and again — just refill the oil mixture and swap out the candle.
🧼 How to Use and Maintain Your Repellent Jar
Place near seating areas
Let the scent do the work
Keep away from wind
Helps maintain scent concentration
Use glass jars with lids
For safe storage and reuse
Reuse old jars
Mason jars, jam jars, candle jars — all work
Replace oil mixture weekly
Keeps the scent strong and effective
Also, if you’re heading to the beach or camping, bring a few jars — they work surprisingly well outdoors.
🌿 Creative Ways to Customize Your Mosquito Repellent Jar
Want to make it your own?
Try these scent combinations:
Citronella + Lavender
Calming and effective
Peppermint + Lemon Eucalyptus
Fresh, minty, and highly repelling
Lemongrass + Tea Tree
Clean scent with extra bug-fighting power
Eucalyptus + Clove
Natural bug-repelling powerhouse
Lavender + Rosemary
Beautiful scent that keeps bugs at bay
Even better — add dried lavender or lemon slices for visual charm.
🦟 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away Isn’t on Your Skin — It’s in the Air
We’ve all tried sprays, lotions, and bracelets that promise to keep mosquitoes away.
But the truth is:
The best way to repel bugs isn’t always on your skin.
Sometimes, it’s about changing the air around you — gently, naturally, and beautifully.
So next time you’re planning an outdoor dinner, a backyard movie night, or just want to sit on the porch without being eaten alive…
Make this.
Because sometimes, the best bug protection isn’t in a can.
It’s in a jar.
And once you see how well it works?
You’ll never reach for chemical sprays again.