Mosquitoes can be annoying and depending on where you live, they attack left, right, and center, making it almost impossible to enjoy activities outdoors.
Aside from being annoying, most of us are concerned that mosquitoes could be spreading diseases like West Nile or Zika.
With that concern and annoyance, most of us are reaching for bug sprays these days, but how safe are they?
Commercial bug sprays usually include a chemical known as DEET, which although approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is linked to skin blisters, soreness, and eye irritation.
So although DEET may be in products that doesn't mean it is safe for children and I believe it's always best to find effective less toxic alternatives when possible.
What Can You Use Instead Of Deet?
The answer lies in using naturally occurring essential oils either in natural products you purchase or make yourself.
According to studies, Eucalyptus oil-based repellants are just as effective as DEET and is recommended by the CDC.
Why Use Essential Oils To Repel Bugs?
By choosing essential oils to repel insects you not only protect yourself from pesky bugs but also gain additional benefits.
It's a holistic approach to insect control that aligns with a healthier and more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.
Here's why you should consider using them:
1. Essential Oils Are Natural and Environmentally-Friendly
Unlike commercial bug repellents that often contain synthetic chemicals, essential oils are derived from plants and are considered a natural and environmentally-friendly option.
They do not pose the same risks to human health or the environment as chemical-based repellents.
2. Essential Oils Smell Good
Essential oils have pleasing scents that can uplift your mood and create a pleasant atmosphere.
Instead of the harsh, chemical smell of conventional insect repellents, essential oils provide a refreshing and natural fragrance that can enhance your overall well-being.
3. Essential Oils Benefit Your Skin
Many essential oils have nourishing properties that can benefit your skin.
When applied topically, they can leave your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and refreshed.
This is a bonus compared to commercial repellents that may leave a sticky or greasy residue on the skin.
4. Essential Oils Are Versatile
Essential oils offer a wide range of uses beyond insect repellency.
They have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties, including relieving headaches, soothing burns, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
5. Essential Oils Are Customizable
Essential oils come in a variety of scents, allowing you to choose the ones that resonate with you the most.
You can experiment with different oils and create personalized blends to suit your preferences and needs.
Which Oils Can You Use For Bug Repellent?
Types Of Bugs And The Essential Oils That Repel Them
Below I've listed the bugs and what oils you can use to repel them.
Different types of essential oils are effective in repelling different kinds of bugs.
*click the links to purchase on Amazon or learn more about the oils.
Gnats
For repelling gnats, you can use Rose Geranium (get it here) or Eucalyptus (get it here).
Horse Flies
Thyme, Tea Tree (get it here), and Lavender (get it here) are effective in repelling horse flies.
Spiders
Peppermint essential oil can help deter spiders from your living spaces. Its strong scent is known to be unpleasant to spiders, making it a natural option for keeping them away.
Ticks
To repel ticks, you can try, Sweet Myrrh, Eucalyptus (get it here), Rose Geranium (get it here), and Tansy (get it here).
Mosquitoes
Some oils effective in repelling mosquitoes are Sage(get it here), Cinnamon (get it here), Blue Cyprus, Lemon Eucalyptus (get it here), and Tansy (get it here)
Those oils can be used individually or in combination to create a potent natural mosquito repellent.
Geranium Essential Oil
Blue Tansy Essential OilMyrrh Egyptian Essential OilGlass Spray Bottles
Easy DIY Bug Repellent Candles
These pretty DIY repellent candles will look super cute on your patio the next time you have a party plus they will keep the bugs away.
Make these and make one of the DIY bug sprays below and you will be ready for your next summer party.
This recipe calls for citronella essential oil (get it here) plus fresh lemons, limes, and rosemary.
Easy Homemade Bug Repellent Sprays
There are many ways to create natural bug-repellent sprays using different combinations of essential oils and carrier liquids.
You may have to experiment a little to find which combination works best for you.
Lavender Vanilla Mosquito Repellent
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake before using.
- 15 drops lavender Essential Oil
- 3-4 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp lemon juice
- Distilled water
Simply Earth Mosquito Repellant Diffuser Recipe
Add these essential oils to your diffuser.
- 3 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 3 drops citronella essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops spearmint essential oil
Scratch Mommy's Homemade Bug Spray
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake before using.
- 30 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops geranium Essential oil
- 1 T vegetable glycerin
- 3 oz glass spray bottle
- Distilled Water
Homemade Bug Spray with Peppermint
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake before using.
- 4 oz distilled water (or boiled water; leave to cool)
- 1 tablespoon liquid organic castile soap (get it here)
- Witch hazel (get it here)
- 20 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 20 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- 8 oz Spray bottle
One Essential Community
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake before using.
- 10 drops Geranium Essential Oil
- 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
- 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 10 drops Citronella Essential Oil
- 4 oz spray bottle
- Distilled Water
Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent Spray
Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake before using.
- 1 Tbs Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- ½ cup Witch hazel
- 4 oz Spray bottle
Relieve Bug Bites Naturally
Not only can you repel bugs naturally but you can get relief with essential oils, too.
Here's a recipe from Simply Earth using their Bug Fighter Essential Oil (find it here) to make your own DIY bug bite relief lotion sticks.
75 Nontoxic RecipesNature ShieldBug FighterShoo FlyRepel Spray
The Essential Oil Blends That I Use To Repel Bugs
I have a drawer full of essential oils and I've whipped up a batch of spray for the summer bug season.
If you don't have the time nor want to mess with it you can try some of these premade natural repellents I've used.
All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent (get it here) or California Baby (get it here)
Kids love these waterproof repellent bracelets (get here).
DEET-Free SprayInsect RepellentRepellent BraceletsGlass Spray BottlesLiquid Castile Soap
Tell Me What You Use.
Leave me a comment and tell me what you use for bug repellent.
Sources:
https://geekprepper.com/natural-insect-repellents/
https://reset.me/study/study-lemon-eucalyptus-oil-more-effective-than-deet-mosquito-repellent/
You might also like:
100 Clever Uses For Your Essential Oils
5 Essential Oils For Stress and Anxiety
7 Awesome Smelling Candy Blends
Sources:
https://www.naturalnews.com/029136_deet_toxic.html
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/05/25/natural-insect-repellents.aspx
