8 Essential Oils That Repel Insects Naturally
Do you want to
eliminate pesky mosquitoes, flies and other insects but don't want to turn to
chemical-laden bug repellents? Well, good news - essential oils can help!
Essential oils are naturally sourced from plants that have many therapeutic
benefits.
Below are 8 essential
oils that can naturally repel insects - all without any nasty chemicals.
Peppermint and lemongrass are the top two essential oils for repelling insects,
which we'll discuss in more detail shortly.
Read on to learn
about using these powerful insect repellents!
8 Essential Oils That Are Natural Insect & Bug
Repellent
Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint essential oil smells
refreshing and minty and has versatile properties that make it an effective
insect and bug repellent.
The effectiveness of this
oil as a bug fighter has even
been backed up by research. For example, a study from 2011
found that when applied topically and diluted with a carrier oil, Peppermint
oil provided 100% protection against mosquito bites for up to 150 minutes.
Therefore, before using essential oils on your skin, always dilute them.
Lemongrass Essential Oil:
This essential oil is
known for its distinctive citrusy scent. Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant effects, lemongrass has been long used for treating rheumatoid
arthritis, stomach ailments, and many other bodily issues.
Research found that this essential oil is safe for animal and
human use and is an excellent mosquito repellent. In addition to its pleasant,
green, sweet, and lemony scent, Lemongrass essential
oil contains citral and citronellal, which
offer a range of potential health benefits.
Another benefit of
the oil is that its fresh aroma can help balance other, more intense scents.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Most people associate
lavender with relaxation and better sleep, thanks to its calming scent and
soothing properties. But in addition to its lovely floral aroma and relaxing
qualities, lavender is also effective at battling bugs.
Lavender has natural
insect-repellent properties, making it a great alternative to chemical
insecticides. For example, you can add lavender pillows and sachets to your
linen cupboards and drawers to protect your linens from moths and insects while
leaving a pleasant scent.
You can also use
lavender essential oil as a natural insect repellent by spraying it using an
atomizer or leaving it in a saucer to disinfect the air and repel ants and
other unwanted insects.
In addition to
repelling insects, lavender has disinfectant properties that help keep your
home clean and fresh.
The natural oils in
lavender have antimicrobial properties that can help kill germs and bacteria in
the air, making it an excellent choice for keeping your home smelling fresh and
clean.
Thyme Essential Oil:
Houseflies are a
common nuisance in both rural and urban settings. They are known to spread
diseases and contaminate food, making them a health concern. Fortunately, thyme
essential oil is a highly effective insecticide against houseflies.
Additionally, thyme
essential oil has been found to work as an excellent mosquito repellent.
A study conducted in
2005 revealed that a 5% solution of thyme oil provided 91% protection against
Aedes mosquitoes for up to 150 minutes.
This could be
attributed to thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol, which have shown repellent
activity against mosquitoes.
So, incorporating
thyme essential oil into your daily routine helps keep your home free from
pesky houseflies and protects you from disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Basil Oil:
Basil essential oil
can be more than a tasty addition to your dishes. It can also be used as a
natural pest repellent, especially during the summer months in humid areas with
many bodies of water.
According to a study, Basil
exhibits mosquito-repellent and larvicidal properties. Spray basil oil with an
atomizer outside your home for a natural mosquito repellent and a mood boost.
Basil oil can also
control dust mites inside your home, benefiting those with allergies during
summer. Keep your home pest-free and clean using versatile essential oils.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is
well-known for its natural antibiotic properties and effectiveness as a green
cleaning agent, but did you know it's also an excellent natural bug repellent?
Not only does it
suppress the growth of parasites like fleas, lice, ticks, and leeches, but it's
also been shown to have lethal action against houseflies in a recent study.
Tea tree oil is also
an excellent choice for soothing bug bites. It relieves and soothes itchy,
irritated skin and is a popular ingredient in DIY bug bite remedies when
combined with lavender. Plus, it's gentle enough for most individuals to use.
Final Words
Essential oils have
been proven to be an effective and safe way to repel insects naturally. The
best two essential oils for repelling pesky bugs are peppermint and lemongrass essential oil, which offer
powerful insect-repelling properties.
For extra protection
against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests, consider investing in one or more
essential oils listed above. With their natural insect-repelling power,
essential oils can provide a chemical-free solution for keeping insects away
from your home or garden.
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