Forget Toxins: Natural Insect Repellents Work
Nothing puts a damper on a beautiful day in the outdoors or a nice evening out with friends than getting attacked by a swarm of gnats, mosquitos, or a whole host of other menacing insects.
There are many insect repellents out on the market that work, but when you look at the ingredients list, it’s one harsh chemical after another with Deet, Permethrin and Cyfluthrin topping the list of concerns.
The good news is that if you’re looking for a safe alternative free of harsh chemicals, there are plenty of natural ingredients that have been shown to be just as effective as the chemicals, without the potential health risks. In this post, we will explore the top 5 essential oils that are excellent choices for keeping the bugs away.
5 Essential Oils to Keep Bugs Away
Peppermint Essential Oil
While most people enjoy the smell of peppermint and find it refreshing, most bugs hate it. You can apply peppermint to the skin (diluted in a carrier oil) to keep away pests or you can mix with water and spray in and around your home.
Most effective for Fleas, Moths, Flies, Wasps, Fruit Flies, Gnats, Stink Bugs, Spiders, Ants, Beetles, Cockroaches and Bed Bugs.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Because it contains the natural oil Citronella and has a strong “lemony” scent, Lemongrass oil is a great mosquito repellent. Applying it directly to the skin (diluted in a carrier oil) will keep mosquitos away from your skin and your blood. You can also diffuse it or mix with water to make a spray.
Most Effective for Mosquitos, Gnats, Fruit Flies, Fleas, Ticks and Chiggers.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Not only do insects dislike the scent of this oil, but it also acts as a natural pesticide, that leaches moisture from insects and bugs, drying them out and eventually leaving them dead.
Most Effective for Mosquitos, Flies, Moths, Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Ants, Mites and Silverfish.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is such a versatile oil with so many benefits, including repelling insects and bugs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to heal bug bites and stop the itching.
Most Effective for Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Spiders, Ants, Fruit Flies, Lice, Gnats and Bed Bugs.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
A versatile oil that is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree oil has also been studied and shown to be an effective insect repellent.
Most Effective for Mosquitos, Bed Bugs, Dust Mites, Lice, Ticks, Bees, Ants and Spiders.
How to Use Essential Oils to Repel Bugs
To use essential oils, you can make your own blend with the oils mentioned above, dilute in a carrier oil (such as Almond, Olive, Coconut) and apply directly to the skin. When applying, make sure to avoid the area around your eyes and any broken skin. While essential oils are effective, they need to be re-applied periodically. We recommend re-applying every 2-3 hours for best results.
If you are looking to keep insects away from your home or garden, mix the oils with distilled water, and add a little bit of Vodka, alcohol or witch hazel to emulsify the oils. Spray this mixture around the house, outdoors or on the lawn to keep insects away. Note that some essential oils can be toxic for pets, especially cats. If you have a pet, we recommend avoiding areas where your pets will be.
Choose a Natural Insect Repellent
If you're looking for a convenient and effective solution to keep those pesky bugs at bay, consider trying Isabella’s Clearly BUGS. which contains the essential oils above as well as:
Cinnamon
Bay
Caraway
Rose Geranium
Lemon
Sweet Almond Oil
But whether you choose to make your own DIY blend or opt for Clearly BUGS, you can rest easy knowing that you are avoiding harsh chemicals and using natural ingredients to protect yourself from bugs.
