If you hate getting mosquito bites in the summer, there’s a way to keep those pesky bugs away. Certain essential oils can help repel bugs, and they even smell good too! Natural skin care expert Sarah Villafranco says that essential oils like lemongrass, citronella, and mint can keep bugs at bay. You can apply these oils to your skin as a body oil or spray, or you can use candles that contain these oils to keep bugs away. Just make sure to reapply the oils or spray frequently to stay protected. While essential oils are helpful, they shouldn’t be your only form of bug protection, especially in areas with insect-borne diseases. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to use other forms of bug protection when needed.
Types of essential oils that repel bugs
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is a popular choice for repelling bugs. It has a strong, citrusy scent that insects find unpleasant. Lemongrass oil can be used to keep mosquitoes, flies, and ticks away.
Citronella
Citronella essential oil is another effective bug repellent. Its strong and distinct smell helps to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Citronella candles are also widely used to keep outdoor areas bug-free.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil is known for its pleasant floral scent. It not only repels bugs like mosquitoes and ticks but also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Geranium oil can be used to protect against insect bites and soothe existing bites.
Mint
Mint essential oil has a refreshing and cooling aroma. It is effective at repelling mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. Mint oil can be used in sprays, lotions, or diffusers to keep bugs away.
Basil
Basil essential oil is not only great for cooking but also for repelling bugs. Its strong aroma makes it an effective deterrent for mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Basil oil can be applied topically or used in diffusers.
Turmeric
Turmeric essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also be used as a bug repellent. Turmeric oil is effective against mosquitoes and ticks and can be applied directly to the skin or used in sprays and lotions.
Vetiver
Vetiver essential oil has a unique earthy and woody scent. It is a natural repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Vetiver oil can be used in body oils, lotions, or diffusers to keep bugs away.
How to use essential oils to repel bugs
Apply as a body oil or spray
To use essential oils as bug repellents, you can mix a few drops of the chosen oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to your skin. Alternatively, you can mix the oils with water and use them as a spray. Remember to reapply regularly for continued effectiveness.
Use candles with essential oils
You can also use candles that contain essential oils to repel bugs. Place them outdoors during gatherings or when you’re relaxing in your backyard. The scent will help keep insects away.
Plant bug-repelling plants
Another way to use essential oils for bug protection is by growing bug-repelling plants in your garden or near seating areas. Some examples include citronella grass, lavender, and rosemary. The plants not only repel bugs but also add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Limitations of using essential oils for bug protection
Not a substitute for other forms of protection
While essential oils can be effective at repelling bugs, they should not be relied upon as the sole form of protection, especially in areas where insect-borne diseases are prevalent. It’s important to use additional protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito nets, in environments with a high risk of insect-borne illnesses.
Be cautious in disease-endemic areas
In areas where diseases like Zika, dengue, or malaria are common, it is important to take extra precautions. Essential oils may not provide adequate protection against disease-carrying insects in such high-risk areas. Consult with healthcare professionals or use EPA-recommended repellents for enhanced protection.
Tips for choosing and using essential oils
Choose high-quality essential oils
When selecting essential oils for bug protection, it’s important to choose high-quality oils from reputable sources. Look for oils that are 100% pure and certified organic. This ensures that you are getting the most potent and effective product.
Properly dilute the oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before applying them to the skin. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to your body. This helps prevent skin irritation and allows the oil to spread evenly.
Reapply regularly for effectiveness
Essential oils evaporate quickly, so it’s important to reapply them regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Depending on the oil and the environment, you may need to reapply every few hours. Be mindful of the recommended reapplication intervals for optimal bug protection.
Precautions and considerations
Avoid contact with eyes
When using essential oils, be careful to avoid contact with your eyes. Essential oils may cause irritation if they come into contact with sensitive areas, such as the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, flush the eyes with clean water and seek medical attention if necessary.
Do a patch test before use
Before applying essential oils to large areas of your skin, it’s a good idea to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of skin and wait for any adverse reactions, such as redness or itching. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, it should be safe to use the oil.
Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant or under medical supervision
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under medical supervision, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils. Some oils may not be safe for certain individuals or may interact with medications. Always seek professional advice when in doubt.
Alternative bug-repellent options
Repellents containing DEET or picaridin
Besides essential oils, there are commercial bug repellents available that contain ingredients like DEET or picaridin. These repellents have been extensively tested and proven effective against a wide range of insects. They are particularly recommended for areas with high bug populations or disease prevalence.
Other commercial bug repellents
There are a variety of bug repellents available on the market that are specifically formulated to repel insects. These may come in the form of sprays, lotions, or wipes. Read the labels carefully and choose products that contain ingredients known for their bug-repellent properties.
Natural DIY bug repellents
If you prefer a more natural approach, you can also make your own bug repellents using essential oils and other natural ingredients. There are many recipes available online that can help you create effective bug repellents without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be a useful tool in repelling bugs and preventing insect bites. Certain essential oils, such as lemongrass, citronella, and geranium, have proven bug-repellent properties. They can be used in body oils, sprays, candles, or diffusers to keep bugs away. However, it’s important to remember that essential oils should not be the sole form of bug protection. They should be used in combination with other protective measures, such as wearing proper clothing and using mosquito nets. Additionally, it’s essential to choose high-quality oils, properly dilute them, and reapply regularly for optimal bug protection. If you have any concerns or specific health conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
References
- Study on fragrant compounds in essential oils
- Study on lemongrass as a bug repellent
- Study on citronella as a bug repellent
- Study on geranium as a bug repellent
- Study on mint as a bug repellent
- Study on basil as a bug repellent
- Study on turmeric as a bug repellent
- Study on vetiver as a bug repellent
- EPA tool for choosing effective repellents
