Using Essential Oils for Health to Keep Bugs Away

Hate getting bit by mosquitos? Here’s a list of the 7 Essential Oils for repelling mosquitos. They are most effective at repelling these pesky bugs. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, from diffusing them in your home to applying them topically. Keep reading for more information on each oil and how you can use it to keep the bugs away! 7 Essential Oils for Health Repelling Mosquito

What to look for in natural mosquito repellents

Some essential oils naturally repel insects such as mosquitos because of their strong scent. Other chemical components in the oils can also repel bugs such as  Citronellal and Citronellol. These are the key ingredients when looking to use essential oils as mosquito repellent.

1. Lemon eucalyptus oil

Lemon eucalyptus oil has been used since the 1940s, it is one of the most well-known natural repellents. Eucalyptus oil has been granted CDC clearance as a viable component in mosquito repellent.

In a test conducted by Mosquito Mate, the company’s proprietary insect repellent combined with 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.

DIY – Make Your Own

You may make your own combination by combining 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel.

Warning : Researchers at the University of Florida advise against applying the mixture to infants under the age of three.

2. Lavender

When crushed Lavender flowers produce a scent and oil that repels mosquitoes.

Lavender oil was found to help repel adult mosquitoes in a study completed by the University of Guelph, Ontario. Adult mosquitoes were less attracted to lavender-scented environments, and fewer eggs emerged from infected mice housed with lavender oil.

Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects, which means it can help reduce irritation from mosquito bites. It also has soothing properties that may help calm and relax the skin.

DIY – Make Your Own

You can plant lavender in an outdoor garden or inside pots. Once in flower use the purple, white or pale pink flowers, crush them and apply the oil to your ankles and arms, which are sensitive to biting. You can also place some lavender oil on a clean cloth, and massage it over your skin.

3. Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon is more than just a topping for applesauce or oatmeal. According to a study in Taiwan, may the potential to eliminate mosquito eggs. It can also shield you from adult mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito.

DIY – Make Your Own

To make a 1% solution, combine 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. Spray the liquid on your skin or clothing, around your home, and into upholstery or plants.

Warning: You should apply Cinnamon oil with caution because a strong dose might irritate your skin.

4. Thyme oil

Thyme oil is one of the most effective at keeping malarial mosquitoes at bay.

You could try tossing Thyme leaves into a campfire.

DIY – Make Your Own

For a medicinal brew, use 4 drops of thyme oil to each teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. Combine 5 drops of thyme essential oil with 2 ounces of water to make a spray.

Keep reading for more of the 7 Essential Oils for Health Repelling Mosquito

5. Greek catmint oil

Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family and similar to catnip, can protect you from mosquitoes. The flowers are white and pink, measuring up to 18 inches in height. It’s the extract and oil from crushed leaves that are most valuable.

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered that catnip oil has a repellent ability against mosquitoes for up to three hours. Researchers at Iowa State University also found that catnip was 10 times more effective than DEET at repulsing mosquitoes.

6. Citronella

Citronella is a well-known natural and highly effective essential oil that protects you from mosquitoes. You will find it is an active component in a lot of mosquito repellents. Citronella candles can give up to 50 percent more protection when used outside.

7. Tea tree oil

Melaleuca oil, or commonly known as tea tree oil. A well known essential oil produced in Australia. Well-known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. There are shampoos and conditioners well known for using tea tree to help calm an itchy dry scalp.

Also, tea tree oil has also been studied in lab conditions and shown to be an effective mosquito repellent.

Mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges are all repelled by formulations containing tea tree oil.

Potential risks of essential oil mosquito repellent

Warning information you need to know before using Essential Oils

It is not recommended to apply any essential oil directly to skin. Using a carrier oil, such as almond oil to mix with the essential oil, diluting 3-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.

Essential oils are not governed by the FDA.

If you will be spending time in an area where mosquitoes are known to spread diseases including malaria, yellow fever, or the Zika virus. Doctors recommend to use chemical mosquito repellent.

It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active components in essential oils. Before you apply any new product, test it on a small area of your skin for one hour or two to ensure that hives or burning sensations don’t develop.

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