It’s easy to feel the urge to spend every day outside as we enter the summer months. However, this can be easily ruined by the bugs we share the outdoors with. There are some essential oil bug sprays available that do not require DEET or other toxic chemicals to repel the insects.
Some of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks can be very dangerous if they are caught. Ticks can spread viruses and bacteria depending on their species. This can cause serious health problems if not treated.
Ticks and Disease
Ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, and microscopic prozoa. When ticks bite an infected animal, such as a rodent, they transmit disease-causing organisms to the tick.
People often come across the American dog tick, also known as the wood tick, and the blacklegged tick, also known as deer tick. The blacklegged tick is the tick that causes the most tick-borne disease ( 1).
Tick-borne diseases include Lyme’s desease
– Erlichiosis
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Anaplasmosis
Powassan virus Disease
– Babesiosis
– Borrelia miyamotoi Death
– Borrelia mayoniiDisease
– tularemia
Most symptoms or signs of tick-borne diseases are visible within a few days or weeks. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor immediately after a tick bite. It’s also smart to save the mark for laboratory testing.
How can we avoid these life-threatening diseases while enjoying our outdoor experiences? Most people will resort to using conventional insect repellants containing DEET. However, Avoid being poisoned with this chemical.
DEET has been linked with skin irritation, respiratory effects and rashes as well as neurological effects. In a previous post, I discussed the dangers of DEET. DEET has been linked to death in some cases due to direct skin application.
What can we do instead of using conventional insect repellants Essential oils are a great option!
8 Best Insect Repellents with Essential Oils
Some insects cannot stand essential oils because they contain natural compounds. Not all essential oils are effective against insects. A few oils are effective and each oil has its own unique bugs.
Essential oils’ active ingredients are volatile and may not be effective for long periods of time. I have found that they last about an hour. You will soon notice the errors coming back. It is important to apply again, but it is worth it for your long-term health.
1. Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)
National Pesticide Information Center states that citronella oils acts as an insect repellant by masking the odors that attract insects. This makes it more difficult for insects to find and attack a body.
Citronella’s effectiveness is enhanced when it is combined with vanillin, the essential component of vanilla. This will increase the time required to reapply (up to 3 hours). (2).
You can purchase citronella right here.
Effective againstMosquitoes, and other flying insects. Use on skin that is not covered.
2. Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
The beautiful, scented flower is also effective in repelling insects. It was a wonderful scent that I found in the northern Manitoba area, where the insects are more severe than anything else I have ever seen. It worked surprising well. It was worth the effort. I had to apply it again every 30 minutes to one hour. Lavender essential oil is used to repel moths and protect bedding and clothing from them for centuries. Insect bites can also be controlled by lavender essential oil.
You can purchase lavender here.
Effective against:Mosquitoes. Black flies. Fleas.
3. Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
The compound Eugenol in clove buds kills insects upon contact. This makes bugs more likely to avoid your body and clothing if you have the scent. A study showed that clove essential oil was more effective than any other repellents against mosquitoes ( 3). This is in comparison to patchouli, citronella and makaen.
You can purchase clove here.
Effective against:Biting bugs such as houseflies, mosquitoes, and horseflies.
4. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).
Lemongrass repels insects as well as commercial products. It contains citronellolY and geraniol. It is effective against many biting insects. Human subjects are protected from mosquito bites by applying the lemongrass variety Cymbopogon Citratus on their skin for three hours ( 4-).
You can purchase lemongrass right here.
Effective against:Flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects.
5. Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a powerful anti-tick and mosquito repellent. This is possible because of its high citronella content (more than 85%). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed PMD (paramenthane-3,8-diol), another active ingredient in lemon eucalyptus, as effective against mosquitoes and other insects. Some sunscreens contain the natural compound PMD as an insect repellent.
Lemon eucalyptus can be purchased here.
Effective against:Mosquitoes, ticks but not sandflies and gnats. It can last several hours.
6. Catnip (cataria Nepeta)
The effectiveness of catnip essential oils has been proven to repel mosquitoes better than DEET ( 5). A 2006 study showed that catnip oil was the most effective, outperforming thyme and eucalyptus oils, as well as cinnamon. It offered protection for over six hours at two different levels ( and).
You can purchase catnip right here.
Effective against:Mosquitoes. Ticks. Other flying insects.
7. Virginia cedar wood (Juniperus virginiana)
Cedarwood essential oil is a powerful anti-tick oil. In fact, it killed 100% of the blacklegged ticks in a 2014 study ( 7). Cedar shavings can be used to prevent ticks in gardens and patios. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lists cedarwood ( 8) as an effective method of repelling blacklegged and other arthropods.
You can purchase Virginia cedar lumber right here.
Effective against:Ticks/ants, fleas/lice, cockroaches, mites, and fleas.
8. pink geranium (pink pelargonium)
Rose Geranium essential oil is another effective anti-tick oil. A study that examined over 10 different types of geranium essential oils found them to be effective in repelling ticks ( 9). This great article by the Tisserand Institute cites numerous studies that indicate that geranium oil repels ticks.
You can purchase pink geranium right here.
Effective against:Ticks and mosquitoes.
How essential oils can be used to repel insects
Although I do often apply essential oils to my clothes, I wouldn’t recommend it. My clothes have been stained a few times by essential oils that I applied directly to them. Here are some tips to help you avoid staining your clothes.
1. Use 10 drops of your essential oil to dilute (and add a few more drops of other essential oils if you wish – you can create a powerful combination of the oils by adding them together). Combine four ounces witch hazel and put it in a spray bottle. Spray your skin or clothing with the mixture. Be sure to shake the bottle well before spraying.
2. Combine 10 drops of your primary oil with a few drops of any other essential oils you like in four ounces of jojoba, apricot kernel, liquid coconut oil or another carrier oil. Apply to your skin, then go about your day!
You can extend the effectiveness of essential oils that repel insects by adding vanillin to your homemade remedies.
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Summer is a time when we feel the need to be outside. You can use essential oils to repel insects.
Some diseases that are transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes can prove to be extremely dangerous. If not treated, this can lead to serious health problems.
Ticks & Disease
Ticks are capable of transmitting bacteria, viruses and microscopic prozoa.
Many people come across the American dog and wood ticks.
Lyme’s desease are tick-borne diseases.
– Erlichiosis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Anaplasmosis
Powassan virus
– Babesiosis
– Borrelia miyamotoi Death
– Borrelia MayoniiDisease
– tularemia
The majority of symptoms and signs of tick-borne disease are apparent within days to weeks. Keep the tick mark for laboratory testing.
These life-threatening diseases can be avoided by using insect repellants that contain DEET. This chemical can cause serious side effects.
DEET has been associated with skin irritations, respiratory effects, rashes, and neurological effects. DEET can cause skin contact-related deaths.
What are some alternatives to using insect repellants? The best option is essential oils.
8 Best Repellents for Insects With Essential Oils
Some insects can’t withstand essential oils due to their natural compounds. Only a few oils are efficient and each oil has its unique bugs.
Essential oils are volatile, so they may not work for long. They last for about an hour, according to my experience.
1. Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)
The National Pesticide Information Center states, “Citronella oils act as an insect repellant by covering the odors which attract insects.”
Combining Citronella with vanillin, an essential component of vanilla, will increase its effectiveness. This will make it more difficult to reapply (more then three hours ). ( 2)
Citronella can be purchased right here
Effective againstMosquitoes and other flying insects. Can be used on skin that isn’t covered.
2. Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
This beautiful, smoky flower repels insects.
Lavender can be purchased here
Effective against:Mosquitoes. Black flies. Fleas.
3. Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Eugenol, a compound found in clove buds, kills mosquitoes upon contact. This compares to patchouli and citronella, as well as makaen.
Purchase clove Here
Effective againstBiting insects such as mosquitoes and houseflies.
4. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).
Lemongrass is effective in repelling insects. Lemongrass is effective against many biting insects. It can be applied to the skin of human subjects for up to three hours (4-6).
Lemongrass can be purchased right here
Effective against Flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.
5. Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a powerful anti-tick and mosquito repellent. This is possible because of its high citronella content (more than 85%). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed PMD (paramenthane-3,8-diol), another active ingredient in lemon eucalyptus, as effective against mosquitoes and other insects. Some sunscreens contain the natural compound PMD as an insect repellent.
Lemon Eucalyptus is available here
Effective againstMosquitoes and ticks but not sandflies or gnats. Can last for several hours.
6. Catnip (cataria Nepeta)
Effectiveness of catnip essential oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes more effectively than DEET ( 5).
Catnip can be purchased right here
Effective against:Mosquitoes. Ticks. Other flying insects
7. Virginia cedar wood (Juniperus virginiana)
Cedarwood essential oil is extremely effective against ticks. It is extremely effective against ticks.
Purchase Virginia cedar lumber here
Effective againstTicks/ants and fleas/lice.
8. pink geranium (pink pelargonium)
Rose Geranium essential oil can also be used to repel ticks.
You can purchase pink geranium right here.
Effective againstTicks, and mosquitoes.
What essential oils can you use to repel insects
Essential oils are something I use to stain my clothes. These are some ways to avoid staining clothes.
1. Add 10 drops of essential oil to dilute. You can add more if necessary. In a spray bottle, combine the witch hazel with four ounces water. Spray the mixture on your skin and clothing.
2 Mix 10 drops of your primary oil and a few drops from any essential oils you prefer in four ounces jojoba or apricot kernel oil. Use this oil on your skin to get started with your day.
Vanillin can be added to essential oils that repel insects.
