Bug bites can be really annoying, especially in the summertime. But did you know that certain essential oils can actually help keep bugs away? Natural skin care expert Sarah Villafranco explains that essential oils contain fragrant compounds that plants use to protect themselves from insects. Some of the best essential oils for bug protection include lemongrass, citronella, geranium, mint, basil, turmeric, and vetiver. You can use these oils as body oils or sprays, or even light candles that contain these fragrances to keep bugs away. However, it’s important to remember that essential oils should not be relied upon as your only form of bug protection, especially in areas with insect-borne diseases. It’s always better to be safe and use a trusted repellent if you’re in a high-risk situation.
Different Essential Oils for Bug Repellent
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a popular essential oil with bug repellent properties. It has a strong, lemony scent that bugs find unpleasant. You can use lemongrass oil to make body oils or sprays to apply to your skin and keep bugs away.
Citronella
Citronella is another essential oil that bugs don’t like. It has a fresh, citrusy scent that can help repel mosquitoes and other insects. You can use citronella oil in body oils or sprays to protect yourself from bug bites.
Geranium
Geranium oil is not only a favorite for its lovely scent, but it also has bug-repelling properties. Bugs, especially mosquitoes, find the smell of geranium oil unpleasant. You can use geranium oil in body oils or sprays to keep bugs away.
Mint
Mint oil, such as peppermint or spearmint, is a great natural bug repellent. Bugs dislike the strong, refreshing scent of mint. You can use mint oil in body oils or sprays to protect yourself from bug bites.
Basil
Basil oil is not only delicious in cooking, but it also has bug-repelling properties. Bugs find the scent of basil unpleasant, so using basil oil in body oils or sprays can help keep bugs away.
Turmeric
Turmeric oil is another natural bug repellent to consider. Bugs find the scent of turmeric oil unappealing, making it a good choice for body oils or sprays to protect yourself from bug bites.
Vetiver
Vetiver oil is known for its earthy scent, and bugs find it unpleasant. Using vetiver oil in body oils or sprays can help repel bugs and prevent bug bites.
How Essential Oils Should Be Used
Apply as a body oil or spray
To use essential oils as bug repellents, you can create body oils or sprays. Simply dilute a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and apply it to your skin. Alternatively, you can mix the essential oil with water and alcohol to create a spray. Apply the oil or spray to exposed areas of your skin to keep bugs away.
Go the candle route
If you’re staying outdoors for an extended period, lighting candles that contain bug-repelling essential oils can help keep bugs at bay. Place multiple candles around your seating area for maximum effectiveness.
Harness the power of plants themselves
Consider planting bug-repelling plants in your backyard or near your seating area. Plants like lavender, lemongrass, and citronella have natural bug-repelling properties. Having these plants nearby can help keep bugs away and make your outdoor space more comfortable.
Using Essential Oils Safely
Dilution
When using essential oils, it’s essential to dilute them properly. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or other adverse effects if used undiluted. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, before applying it to your skin.
Trusted EO sources
Make sure to use essential oils from trusted sources. Poor-quality or adulterated oils may not have the desired bug-repellent properties and may even cause harm. Look for oils that are pure, organic, and have been tested for quality.
Reapplication
Essential oils tend to evaporate quickly, so it’s important to reapply them regularly for maximum effectiveness. Follow the instructions provided with the oil or spray to determine how often you should reapply.
Limitations of Essential Oils as Bug Repellent
Not recommended in disease endemic areas
While essential oils can be effective in repelling bugs, they are not recommended as the sole form of bug protection in disease endemic areas. In areas where there are known insect-borne diseases, it’s important to use additional precautions, such as using repellents with active ingredients like DEET or picaridin.
Use caution during higher-risk activities
If you’re engaging in higher-risk activities like hiking, camping, or working with animals, relying solely on essential oils for bug protection may not be enough. It’s important to take additional precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using repellents with active ingredients like DEET or picaridin.
Additional Precautions for Disease-Prone Areas
Using repellents with active ingredients such as DEET or picaridin
In areas where there is a higher risk of insect-borne diseases like Zika virus, dengue virus, or malaria, it’s important to use repellents that contain active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. These ingredients have been proven effective in repelling bugs and reducing the risk of bug bites.
Choosing effective repellents based on EPA guidelines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for choosing effective bug repellents. If you’re in a disease-prone area, refer to the EPA guidelines to find a repellent that suits your needs and offers maximum protection.
Best Essential Oils for Soothing Bug Bites
Lavender
Lavender oil is known for its soothing properties. It can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation caused by bug bites. Apply a few drops of lavender oil to the affected area to soothe the irritation.
Tea tree
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce swelling and prevent infection from bug bites. Apply a drop or two of tea tree oil to the bug bite to promote healing.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil has calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce itchiness and soothe the skin affected by bug bites. Dilute chamomile oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the bug bite for relief.
Other Natural Methods for Repelling Bugs
DIY bug repellent blends
You can create your own bug repellent blends using a combination of essential oils. Experiment with different oils to find a blend that works best for you. Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or place a few drops on your clothing or accessories.
Using dried herbs and spices
Certain dried herbs and spices, like rosemary, thyme, and cloves, have natural bug-repelling properties. You can make sachets or potpourri using these dried herbs and spices and place them in your home or outdoor seating area to repel bugs.
Wearing protective clothing
One of the simplest ways to prevent bug bites is by wearing protective clothing. Opt for long sleeves, long pants, and socks to cover your skin and reduce your risk of bug bites. Additionally, consider wearing light-colored clothing, as bugs are often attracted to dark colors.
Combining Essential Oils with Other Bug Repellents
Using essential oils in conjunction with DEET or picaridin repellents
If you’re in a disease-prone area or engaging in higher-risk activities, it’s recommended to combine essential oils with repellents that contain active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. By using multiple bug repellents, you can maximize your protection from bug bites.
Finding the right balance for maximum effectiveness
Finding the right balance between essential oils and other bug repellents is key. Follow the instructions provided with the repellents and essential oils to determine the best way to combine them for maximum effectiveness. Be sure to test for any skin sensitivity or adverse reactions before using them extensively.
Essential Oils and Bug Repellent: Myth vs. Fact
Separating fact from fiction
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding essential oils and their bug-repellent properties. It’s important to separate fact from fiction and rely on scientific evidence and research when determining the effectiveness of essential oils as bug repellents.
Understanding the limitations and benefits of essential oils
While essential oils can be effective in repelling bugs, it’s important to understand their limitations. Essential oils may need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective, and they may not provide sufficient protection in disease endemic areas. However, essential oils offer a natural and chemical-free alternative to traditional bug repellents and can be a great option for bug protection in certain situations.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be an effective and natural way to repel bugs and prevent bug bites. Oils like lemongrass, citronella, geranium, mint, basil, turmeric, and vetiver have bug-repellent properties and can be used in body oils, sprays, or candles. However, it’s important to use essential oils safely by diluting them properly and using trusted sources. Additionally, in disease-prone areas or during higher-risk activities, it’s recommended to use additional precautions and combine essential oils with repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping bugs at bay.
