If you’ve ever sat outside getting eaten alive by mozzies and thought, “How did people deal with this before bug spray existed?”, you’re not alone.
Long before chemical repellents, plug-ins, and coils, Indigenous peoples around the world — including Aboriginal Australians — had their own powerful ways to keep mosquitoes and biting insects at bay. Their knowledge of plants, smoke, and scent made them experts at protecting themselves from bites, without needing a single drop of DEET.
Traditional Smoke Methods
In Australia, Aboriginal communities burned sandalwood — not just for cultural or spiritual reasons, but because the smoke was a highly effective way to repel insects. The slow burn helped mask human scent and filled the air with compounds that mozzies couldn’t stand.
And this wasn’t unique to Australia. Across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Indigenous communities burned dried herbs, leaves, bark, and even dung to create smoke that kept insects away. This method is still relevant today for those looking for more natural insect control without relying on synthetic sprays.
Modern brands like Mozzigear have drawn inspiration from this. Their Sandalwood Mosquito Coils offer a practical, low-tox option that connects to this age-old tradition.
Plants with Natural Repelling Power
Indigenous people across many regions figured out that certain strong-smelling plants made excellent insect repellents. They would crush leaves and apply them directly to the skin, hang plants around living spaces, or burn them to release their oils into the air.
Some commonly used plants included:
-
Citronella
-
Lemon eucalyptus (often listed as OLE in modern products)
-
Tea tree
-
Native mints
-
Lavender
-
Peppermint
These ingredients still show up in many natural repellent products today. If you prefer DEET-free, non-toxic bug sprays, look for these plant-based oils on the label. For example, Mozzigear’s Natural Insect Repellent Spray uses lemon eucalyptus oil — a natural compound shown to be just as effective as synthetic options in many studies.
Vinegar, Oils, and Strong Scents
In some cultures, people even used strong-smelling natural substances like apple cider vinegar or fermented plants to keep mozzies away. It might sound odd, but the logic was sound: if it masked the human scent or irritated the insects’ senses, it worked.
Thankfully, today’s options are a bit more pleasant to wear. Products like Mozzigear’s Repellent Bands and Clip-Ons make it easy to carry around effective, plant-based protection — no vinegar smell required.
What About When Bites Still Happened?
Even with the best natural repellents, bites were sometimes unavoidable. Indigenous communities used what was available to treat the irritation:
-
Crushed medicinal leaves with anti-inflammatory properties
-
Cold compresses made from wet bark or clay
-
Herbal balms made with oils and natural resins
The approach was always about calming the skin and reducing swelling or itchiness — something we still aim for today. Modern options like Mozzigear’s Bite Relief Patches offer a clean, practical alternative for treating bites quickly and naturally.
Mozzigear: Blending Ancient Knowledge with Modern Protection
At Mozzigear, we believe natural solutions should be easy to access — and that’s why many of our products are inspired by the plant-based wisdom of Indigenous cultures. Whether it’s a sandalwood coil, a lemon eucalyptus spray, or a citronella wristband, we’re always looking for ways to make mozzie protection safer, more sustainable, and family-friendly.
Final Tips for Staying Bite-Free
-
Burn natural coils like sandalwood for outdoor spaces
-
Use lemon eucalyptus or citronella sprays instead of DEET
-
Wear protective clothing or clip-on repellents when hiking or camping
-
Grow repellent plants like basil, citronella grass, and lavender in your garden
-
Treat bites quickly with natural, anti-itch remedies
If you’re after more thoughtful, natural mozzie solutions, explore the full range at Mozzigear.com.au. Whether you’re prepping for mozzie season in Australia or planning a camping trip up north, you’ll find something that fits your lifestyle — and respects the traditions that came before us !
