While there are many wonderful things that come along with summer, the increase in bugs and pests are among my least favorite.
Luckily as I’ve incorporated essential oils into my natural living routine, I’ve learned that they also provide a great way to naturally deter insects.
Many oils contain properties that repel bugs or pests. Some are even powerful enough to act as an insecticide.
Certain oils can be used universally while some are better for one type of pest over another. The possibilities for creative scent combinations are as endless as the ideas for using different natural repellents!
The Importance of Pure Oils and Safe Use
Essential oils offer the best benefits and therapeutic properties when they’re used in their pure form. It’s important to ensure you’re working with 100% pure essential oil. Since essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, the first step to that is purchasing oils from a company that practices transparency by offering 3rd party GM/CS testing and sharing the results.
A little education goes a long way when you’re first starting out with these powerful substances. There are many transparent companies out there. I happen to use Plant Therapy essential oils for this reason and a variety of others that I get into in my guide, Beginning with Essential Oils. I also appreciate the emphasis they place on educating their customers about safe dilution practices.
5 Essential Oils I Use to Repel Insects and Pests
1. Citronella
Citronella essential oil has a soft lemony citrus scent. It offers many therapeutic properties including keeping outdoor bugs away.
Safe dilution is 1 to 3% for topical use. I use this essential oil most often in a DIY bug spray, for scenting outdoor candles, and diffusing outside.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil has a strong refreshing lemony scent. It is known as a deodorizing oil. It can be uplifting for mood as well as a powerful addition to outdoor bug sprays.
Safe dilution is recommended as 0.7% or less for topical use. It has a variety of safety risks associated with it including possible drug interactions. I use lemongrass most often in a DIY bug spray, to diffuse for air purification, and for it’s cleaning properties as part of a daily shower spray.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint has a fresh cool minty scent. It is one of the most universally used oils because it offers so many benefits from promoting energy to easing respiratory issues to soothing nausea. It is also useful for repelling pests, including ants and mice.
Depending on the variety of peppermint oil, safe dilution is 5% for topical use and it is not recommended for use with children. Peppermint is one of my favorite scents and I use it in many of my DIY personal care products. I also use it in a DIY bug spray and an ant deterrent spray.
4. Lavender
Lavender has a sweet floral herbaceous scent. It may be the most universal of all essential oils known for it’s relaxation and calming properties. Lavender is also soothing to skin, aids sleep, and can repel bugs.
Safe dilution is 2 to 5% for topical use. Lavender is another common oil for many of my DIY personal care recipes, particularly when it comes to natural skin care. I also use it in a DIY bug spray.
5. Nature Shield Synergy
While I usually prefer to make my own blends from single oils, I have tried some of Plant Therapy’s synergy blends. Nature Shield combines citronella, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, patchouli, cedarwood, and catnap essential oils to deter outdoor pests.
Safe dilution is 5% for topical use. It can made into a bug spray, diffused outdoors, or even added to oil burners.
Best Essential Oils for Repelling:
Mosquitoes
- lavender
- lemon eucalyptus
- geranium
- lemongrass
- eucalyptus
- citronella
Flies
- lavender
- patchouli
- peppermint
- rosemary
Ticks
- eucalyptus
- lavender
- lemongrass
- rosemary
- sage
- thyme
Lice (Topically)
- eucalyptus
- tea tree
- rosemary
- geranium
- lemon
- lavender
Termites
- patchouli
- vetiver
- clove
Ants and Mice
- peppermint
Ways to Use Essential Oils to Repel Pests
- Make a DIY natural bug spray to apply to your skin or clothing when outside.
- Make your own outdoor candles scented with insect repelling oils.
- Create natural pest sprays to use outdoors, on screens or doors, or even on countertops especially in the case of ants.
- Diffuse insect repelling scents outdoors.
- Apply drops of essential oils to your hiking clothes, boots, or gear.
- Make a sachet or apply a couple of drops of oil to a cotton ball and keep with linens or clothes to deter pests.
- Add some of these scents to your natural cleaning solutions when an extra deterrent boost is needed.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo to help repel lice during outbreaks.
Essential Oil Resources:
A Basic Guide to Beginning with Essential Oils
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
What are your favorite scent combinations for deterring bugs and insects? How do you use essential oils around your home to repel pests?
