Using Essential Oils as Insect Repellents

Instead of bringing out the harmful pesticides and chemical ointments here’s some natural earth friendly options for dealing with those pesky insects.

Insect Repellent Essential Oils:

Single Essential Oils: Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon, Lavender, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Idaho Tansy, Rosemary, Patchouli, Citronella, Lemongrass, Thyme, Sage

Essential Oil Blends:

Purification (contains: Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Thieves (contains: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon (Citrus limon), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Eucalyptus radiata and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol)

Melrose (contains: Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), naouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum).

Insect Repellent Blend:

• 6 drops Peppermint
• 6 drops Tea Tree
• 9 drops Eucalyptus radiata

Application:

Topical: DILUTE 20/80 using a base oil such as almond or jojoba or V6 and apply to exposed skin as needed or mix with 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle, shake well and spray directly on exposed skin areas.

To repel insects, essential oils can also be diffused or put on cotton balls or cedar chips(for use in closets or drawers)

Specific Oils for Specific Insects

Mosquitoes: Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemongrass.

Moths: Patchouli, Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint

Horse-flies: Idaho Tansy floral water, Purification Oil

Aphids: Mix 10 drops Spearmint and 15 drops Orange essential oil in 2 quarts salt water, shake well and spray on plants.

Cockroaches: Mix 10 drops Peppermint and 5 drops Cypress in 1/2 cup salt water. Shake well and spray where cockroaches live.

Silverfish: Eucalyptus radiata, Citriadora

Ants: You can smear a line of Peppermint or Spearmint across your kitchen counter or floor and the ants won’t cross it. If you already have a line of ants invading your house, just draw a line of oil across them and they will turn back.

Beetles: Peppermint, Thyme

Caterpillars: Spearmint, Peppermint

Chiggars: Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint

Cutworms: Sage, Thyme

Fleas: Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint

Gnats: Patchouli, Spearmint

Spiders: Peppermint, Spearmint

Ticks: Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme

Weevils: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood

For Pets: Put 10 drops each of Citronella, Eucalyptus radiata, and Peppermint in an 8 ounce spray bottle with water. Alternate formula: Put 2 drops pine, 2 drops Eucalyptus radiata, and 5-10 drops Citronella in a spray bottle of water. OR Mix 5- 10 drops Idaho Tansy or Peppermint Oil in a spray bottle full of water, shake vigorously and spray.

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this article is based solely on the use of 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils due to their high quality and tested purity.

The use of a brand of uncertain quality and/or purity will provide you with potentially dangerous, if not lethal, results. The author assumes no responsibility for your improper use of this information.

The statements about these oils have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Author:

Rebecca Noel is the author of The Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Info Blog.