Essential Oils: A Natural Insect Repellent
Isn't the idea of essential oils as a natural insect repellent sounds great? A definite yes ! who wouldn't wish to use natural plant oil to keep bugs away. So, in addition to their appealing sensory experience, these oils possess many practical applications.
Here are a few discussed practical applications of essential oils as insect repellent.
- Rosemary
Mosquitos have a natural aversion to rosemary. So, this can be your go-to-oils for recreational lake or hiking activities.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
It is a well-known natural repellent. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has approved this essential oil as an effective element in mosquito repellant.
- Cinnamon oil
This oil is way more than just a great warm and spicy topping to oatmeal. According to a study conducted in Taiwan, this oil can repulse mosquito eggs. More, it can act as a repellent to ward off adult mosquitoes, predominantly the Asian tiger mosquitoes.
- Thyme
When it comes to keeping away malarial mosquitoes, this oil is best at providing protection. This essential oil has mosquito-repellent properties that according to a study surpass a direct applicable repellent DEET. Also, it helps repel ticks and chiggers. Throughout its history, it is well-known for its use in medicinal therapies. Research shows that burning the leaves of this plant provides 90% protection for around 60 – 90 minutes.
- Citronella
It is a common effective natural oil that performs against mosquitoes. Being an ingredient in several mosquito repellents, when used outdoors its candles may provide up to 50% extra protection. Particularly, you can wear this grassy, lemony-floral scent to stay away from mosquitoes and fleas. Keep in mind that you would need to reapply it frequently throughout the day. However, you can place infused sachets of it around your kitchen and closet to ward off cockroaches and moths.
- Sage
The specialty of this herb is that it offers a quite unique stimulating smell that is described for cleansing and healing purpose. When it comes to staying away from bugs, try wearing sage essential oil to repel flies, chiggers, and ticks.
- Lavender
Due to its association with soothing in modern culture, it comes in various forms. Also, it’s an added benefit to ward off flies, fleas, ticks, and mosquitos and improves the irritation sensation caused due insect bites.
- Peppermint
It can be considered as Holy Grail of natural pest repellents to permit around your home’s entrance points. It helps keep away spiders, ticks, moths, roaches, beetles, fleas, flies, and ants. Try using sachets of this oil near your windows and doors in the form of a spray or diffuser.
- Tea tree oil
This melaleuca known oil is an effective insect repellent. Field trials have shown that repellents comprising it are effective against bush flies, biting midges, and mosquitoes.
Hence, these above-listed essential oils help reduce the chance of diseases caught by insects. There is substantial research suggesting that these natural oils are effective to repel insects. So, experimenting with various ingredients to create a unique natural blend of mosquito repellent can be a fun way to protect you from insect bites.