People are more and more adverse to adding to the pollution of the planet - and further endangering their own health - by using chemical insecticides. Still, we all prefer to go about our daily routine untroubled by pesky bugs. Fortunately, essential oil insect repellent is effective and lets us have our cake and eat it, too, without uninvited guests!
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
However, while certain pests declined dramatically, other bugs rose up to fill the vacuum. Moreover, birds suffered from eating poisoned insects; their shells became so thin that they broke in the nest before they could hatch. The osprey was the poster child for the 'protect our birds' movement. Fortunately, their population has recovered, and their distinctive shaggy nests are once more a familiar sight along Chesapeake Bay shores.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
Mosquitoes are repelled by almost all fragrant oils. Horseflies hate tansy, peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood. Lemon eucalyptus is good for keeping almost any bug away. For fleas, try lemongrass, cedarwood, lavender, tea tree, thyme, and oregano. For gnats, eucalyptus and citronella are good, as are the mints. Get a citronella candle to help keep insects away at night. You can also rub a bit of lemon balm, catnip, or mint on your face when you are gardening; add a few sprigs to your hat, too, to keep the gnats away.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
However, while certain pests declined dramatically, other bugs rose up to fill the vacuum. Moreover, birds suffered from eating poisoned insects; their shells became so thin that they broke in the nest before they could hatch. The osprey was the poster child for the 'protect our birds' movement. Fortunately, their population has recovered, and their distinctive shaggy nests are once more a familiar sight along Chesapeake Bay shores.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
Mosquitoes are repelled by almost all fragrant oils. Horseflies hate tansy, peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood. Lemon eucalyptus is good for keeping almost any bug away. For fleas, try lemongrass, cedarwood, lavender, tea tree, thyme, and oregano. For gnats, eucalyptus and citronella are good, as are the mints. Get a citronella candle to help keep insects away at night. You can also rub a bit of lemon balm, catnip, or mint on your face when you are gardening; add a few sprigs to your hat, too, to keep the gnats away.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
About the Author:
Find a list of the benefits you get when you use an essential oil insect repellent and view our selection of essential oils at http://www.paulopolis.com/product/petitgrain-orange-essential-oil-2-oz now.