Essential oils as insect repellents may be a good natural alternative, in some cases, to commercial products.* Products containing deet are effective, but can have side effects such as skin irritation, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects. Essential oils may be effective to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.*
DIY Insect Repellent Recipe*
To create a homemade, natural essential oil insect repellent, get a spray bottle, witch hazel or vodka, and distilled water. Simply pick a few of your favorites from the following list, but be sure to include lemongrass or citronella, which are the most effective at keeping the bugs at bay.
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Palmarosa essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Thyme essential oil
- Ylang ylang I essential oil
You can purchase any or all of these oils below.
Vanilla Massage Oil as Insect Repellent
Many insects do not like the scent of vanilla. Wear this as a body oil prior to potential exposure. Not all insects are repelled, so bring your back up repellents.
Soothing Itch & Pain from Mosquito Bites
Sometimes, no matter what you do, a mosquito will get through your defenses and leave you with an itchy red welt. There are essential oils for that too! You can apply lavender, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar directly to the bite. You can also use a chilled chamomile teabag to help calm and reduce some of the inflammation. Ice cubes are also soothing.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
