Essential oils can be an effective natural way to repel insects. Here are some essential oils that can keep bugs away:
- Citronella: Known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
- Lavender: Effective at repelling mosquitoes. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to heal bug bites and stop the itching.
- Peppermint: Can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants.
- Eucalyptus: Effective at repelling mosquitoes.
- Lemongrass: Known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
- Sage: Can repel chiggers, flies, and ticks.
- Rosemary: Can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
- Thyme: Can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
- Cedarwood: Effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, moths, fleas, ticks, lice, ants, mites, and silverfish.
- Basil: Can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.
To use essential oils as insect repellents, you can wear them, use sachets of the oil near your doors and windows, or make a diffuser or spray. You can also mix the oils with distilled water and add a little bit of vodka, alcohol, or witch hazel to emulsify the oils. Spray this mixture around the house, outdoors, or on the lawn to keep insects away. Note that some essential oils can be toxic for pets, especially cats, so its important to avoid areas where your pets will be.
