Essential Oil Based Bug Repellent

Posted by Jeff Callahan

Why Go Natural?

With Summer fast approaching, it is time to start thinking about ways to repel those pesky outdoor bugs. Mosquitoes are the worst during the summer, and the commercial bug repellent sprays contain tons of harmful chemicals, including the infamous DEET. DEET is notorious  for its ability to damage the nervous system after prolonged exposure. So in this regard, DEET is actually poison! It is especially harmful for children and pregnant women. If you live in a bug-infested area and find yourself using DEET containing sprays you may eventually start experiencing headaches, tiredness, join-paint, aches, memory loss and difficulty breathing. Pretty awful, huh?

An Essential Oil Based Alternative

But, don’t get to scared of DEET just yet-there is a natural alternative safe for both you and your family! Essential oils are a great way to repel insects without coating your skin in nerve-damaging chemicals and can be made from the comfort of your home. Not to mention they smell much better than the traditional can of OFF bug repellent.

Do They Actually Work?

Yes! The first bug sprays in history were actually made using these same ingredients. Multiple studies (including government studies) have enforced their efficacy. They work because insects are very perceptive to smell. They know that something that smells bad to them will usually kill them. It is simple evolution. The plants have evolved to create their own natural bug repellents to survive. We just use their natural extracts instead of synthesized versions. The only disadvantage to natural alternatives is that you may need to reapply more often.

Customize a Do-It-Yourself Recipe

What’s cool about essential oil based bug repellent is that you can use a multitude of ingredients and customize the look, feel and strength of your own bug-spray! The basic ingredient list starts off with a base, an essential oil and an optional bonus additive. Pick at least one ingredient from the below list to create your own insect repellent spray or roll on.

Step 1: Pick Base (10 Parts)

Step 2: Pick Essential Oil(s) (1 part)

Step 3: Add Bonus Natural Additive for Increased Protection

  • Apple Cider Vinegar (stinky, but effective, and the scent wears off)
  • Yarrow Tincture (apparently proven more effective than DEET in study, however I cannot find primary source)
  • Neem Oil (used for decades to avoid malaria)
  • Soybean Oil (found to repel insects for 95 minutes)
  • Garlic (warning: you may also repel the opposite sex)
  • Herbal tinctures (spearmint, catnip, lavendar, cloves, peppermint)

You can also add aloe vera to soften and protect your skin. Adding vanilla extract will give your recipe a nice smell if your essential oil choice agrees with that added scent.

Be sure to use a 10:1 dilution ratio for the base to essential oil and test your skin for sensitivity. Depending on what base you choose you can either you a spray bottle, roll on stick, or just rub it on with your hands!

For Parties and Patios

You don’t only have to use these ingredients on your skin. You can also protect bystanders! If you want to have a pleasant evening on your patio or in your backyard, simply light a few diffusors with the essential oils mentioned above to keep away the insects. You can also soak some cotton balls or cloth and hang them around your surroundings.

Too Lazy to Make Your Own?

Don’t feel like making your own? Or…maybe you just don’t want to go through all the hassle of experimenting with different blends. Well, Mountain Rose Herbs sells a really good Citronella/Lemongrass based all-natural bug spray. It is really great and works as well for me as traditional sprays.

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