Fight Mosquitos in Korea with This Easy Natural Spray Recipe

If you’ve spent even one summer in Korea, you know how relentless the mosquitos can be—quiet, sneaky, and oddly strategic. They seem to strike the moment you turn off the lights, and the itching? It lingers for days.

Sure, store-bought sprays are easy to find. But many are packed with harsh chemicals that don’t work for everyone—whether you have kids, pets, sensitive skin, or just prefer a more natural lifestyle.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make your own mosquito spray using simple ingredients you can find in Korea. It’s safe, budget-friendly, and smells way better than the chemical stuff.

Table of Contents :

1. Why Korean Mosquitos Are the Worst
2. Store-Bought vs. DIY: Why Go Natural?
3. What You Need & Where to Buy in Korea
4. DIY Spray Recipe (Step-by-Step)
5. Safe Use Around Kids & Pets
6. Where to Spray for Best Results
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. FAQ: What Expats Are Asking

Why Korean Mosquitos Are the Worst

Let’s be real—mosquitos are annoying anywhere. But in Korea, they seem to take things to another level. They're smaller and quieter than in many Western countries, which makes them harder to detect. No buzzing sound, no warning—just itchy bites when you wake up.

Korea’s hot, humid summers (from June to September) create the perfect environment for mosquitos to thrive. Many homes keep windows open for air circulation, especially at night, and not all apartments have good window screens. That’s how they get in.

Plus, Korean mosquitos are mostly nocturnal, so they’ll come for you as soon as you try to sleep. If you’re new in Korea and wondering why you’re waking up with bites every morning—now you know.

Store-Bought vs. DIY: Why Go Natural?

Walk into any Korean convenience store or pharmacy during summer, and you’ll find a wide variety of mosquito sprays and plug-in repellents. They definitely work—but if you take a closer look at the ingredients, many contain strong chemicals like DEET or pyrethroids.

These may be effective, but they’re not always ideal for small apartments, closed rooms, or use around babies, pets, or people with sensitive skin. Some sprays also have an intense chemical scent that can be overwhelming indoors.

That’s where DIY natural sprays come in. They’re:

• Made with simple, plant-based ingredients you can control

• Gentle enough for daily home use (when properly diluted)

• Customizable with scents you actually like

• Often cheaper in the long run, especially if you reuse the ingredients

Bonus: You’ll also have peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re spraying around your home.

What You Need & Where to Buy in Korea

You don’t need anything fancy to make your own mosquito repellent. In fact, most of these items are easy to find at common stores in Korea:

Ingredients:

• Distilled water (정제수): You can use bottled water or buy 정제수 from a pharmacy.

• Ethanol or Soju: Pharmacies sell 70% ethanol, or you can use 무향 소주 (flavorless Korean liquor) as a cheap alternative.

• Essential oils: You’ll need 2–3 oils like citronella, lavender, or peppermint.

• Spray bottle: Available at Daiso, Olive Young, or on Coupang.

Where to Buy:

DIY Spray Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Making your own mosquito repellent spray is super simple. It only takes a few minutes, and once you have the ingredients, you can make multiple batches all summer long.

🔵 Ingredients:

• 100 ml distilled water

• 20 ml ethanol (or flavorless soju)

• 15 drops of essential oils (choose 2–3 types: citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass)

• 1 spray bottle (preferably dark glass)

🔵 Instructions:

1. Add ethanol (or soju) to the spray bottle first.

2. Drop in 5 drops each of your chosen essential oils.

3. Add the distilled water.

4. Shake well before each use.

💡 Note: Essential oils don’t mix well with water, so always shake the bottle before spraying. Test on a small area of skin or fabric first to make sure there’s no irritation or staining.

Safe Use Around Kids & Pets

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe in all situations. Here’s how to use your spray wisely if you have little ones or furry friends at home.

For Babies & Children:

• Don’t spray directly on skin (especially under age 3). Instead, spray on bedding, clothes, or curtains near their bed.

• Use fewer drops of essential oil in your recipe—7 to 8 drops total is safer for kids.

• Ventilate the room after spraying. Wait at least 5–10 minutes before letting your child into the room.

For Pets:

• Lavender and citronella are generally safe for dogs.

• Avoid spraying near cats unless you confirm it’s safe—some oils can be toxic to them.

• Never spray directly on pets. Use only in the environment, not on their fur or bedding.

💡 Always store the spray out of reach of kids and pets, and label the bottle clearly.

Where to Spray for Best Results

You’ve made your spray—now where should you actually use it? Here are the most effective places to target:

🔹 Bedding

• Lightly spray pillows, sheets, and blankets (not too wet).

• Let it dry for 5–10 minutes before use.

🔹 Curtains & Window Screens

• Mosquitos often sneak in through windows, even with screens.

• Spray around windows, especially at dusk.

🔹 Clothes & Shoes

• Before heading outside, spray your shoes and outer clothes.

• This is especially helpful during evening walks or park visits.

🔹 Entryways & Balconies

• Spray around your door, balcony entrance, or near trash bins.

• A morning and evening spray can help reduce mosquitos indoors.