Have you tried essential oil bug sprays?
It’s summer. For most people, it’s time to bring out the bikinis, flipflops, and the barbeque. But as you prepare to kick back and toss back a few cold drinks, there’s something else abuzz. Bugs.
During the start of the warmer months, bugs come out of hibernation. As such, during summertime, you are likely to encounter a surprisingly annoying number of them. Some experts will advise the use of DEET to keep this creepy flying crawlies away. However, DEET may bring with it health complications or environmental concerns.
These bugs will make you want to reach for the nearest essential oil bug spray.
- Mosquitoes- Summer is magical even during those warm nights. Unfortunately, you might have the share the summer heat with these suckers.
- Ticks- Summer is one of the best times of the year for dog walks. However, the chances of your dog getting ticks increase with every step. Picking ticks off your pooch every time you take them out on your walk sucks the fun out of one of the best times of the year.
- Houseflies- These nasty little bugs can take the mood out of any get-together. Where there is food, there may be flies. Worse still, flies are more sensitive to sugar, and you can bet your bottom dollar they’re going to be swarming around the sweet drinks.
So how do you keep your summer bug free yet still enjoy fragrant smells around your home? The answer lies in essential oil bug spray.
Essential oil bug sprays have two main upsides. Aside from their convenience, they are easy to whip up, and they are surprisingly effective.
Here are some of the best essential oil bug sprays to keep around the house.
- Peppermint- This oil will have your home- and you- smelling like freshness. However, apart from the heavenly scent, peppermint oil is one of the most effective home remedies against mosquitoes, ants, flies and other critters. Most insects are severely irritated by the smell of peppermint. Dab a dollop of peppermint oil on some cotton wool and place around the most vulnerable spots. Alternatively, use a few drops of peppermint essential oil in water, and spray the potent bug spray around the house. This mixture is so dominant it has been shown to kill mosquito eggs in stagnant water.
2. Tea Tree oil- This is another ‘killer’ bug spray that will prove to be surprisingly helpful during summer. Since you may have piles of garbage from all the food that you might be serving, the garbage cans will attract insects such as flies. A little tea tree oil bug sprays on the garbage cans, and house flies keep off the premises. If you’re going to be venturing in leech-rich areas, it works as an excellent repellent. It is also effective against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
3. Lavender oil- Oh lavender oil, how we love you in so many ways. Summer and lavender scents are what create great memories. Additionally, this essential oil bug spray can go on skin too! Acts as a repellant, and you can use it to combat the bites, itchiness, and infection that may follow.
If you already have these three oils sprays, you can use other essential oil bug sprays that are just as fragrant and just as effective. These include thyme, lemongrass, and geranium. One of the best things about these oils is that you can make them a quick DIY project. However, because they can be irritating to the skin, you should keep them away from children.
To be on the safe side, you can opt for store-bought essential oil bug spray.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
There is still so much to learn about essential oils. Making natural bug spray has me on board big time.
Great post! I have to use your tip on adding the essential oil to cotton balls in various places in our home.
The bugs are so bad around here this year!! I am going to have to try a homemade spray like this.
My daughter and I were just discussing natural ways to keep the bugs away. I try to keep Rosemary and Mint on my porch to deter bugs, but we needed a way to keep them off of us. I’m going to try some of your suggestions. Thanks!
I will have to try these out. I so hate the bugs that come with summer! They can really ruin being outside.
I make roll on bottles full of these oils. I keep them in a cupboard close to the back yard. Grab one before you head to the yard!
I have really had enough of the bugs this year and could really do with having something like this to make up and use which is more natural then store bought options.
My friend keeps me stocked in EO! I always have peppermint and lavender on hand, I’ll have to try them out for bug control.
We often have Tea Tree Oil at home and I didn’t realize it was such an essential to have. Perfect! It’s one of my favorites.
I use all of these in my DIY bug spray, too! They work really well at keeping most of the nastiest bugs at bay. I like the mix the lavender and mint, or the lavender and tea tree. Sometimes I get crazy and do all three, lol.
Nikki, I do as well and if you come up with other Mixtures come share them with me.
We happen to have all three of these in the house. I’ll have to try this and see if it works.
Let me know if they work Heather.
Oh, I’m glad to see tea tree oil on there. I didn’t know it helped with things other than lice and shiny hair. This is good to know.
Yes, it does Heather let me know if you use it for other stuff and how it works out.
wow! I am impressed. I have to try these oils. Seems so easy and they are natural and good smelling products!
Catalina, they do smell good and are healthier. If you try them out let me know what you thought of them.
that is so good to know. we have tons of tea tree oil here but i like the idea of using some peppermint too.
Thank you, Peter let me know how it works out.
I’ve been hearing a lot about the essential oil bug spray. I really want to try it. Mosquitos are especially bad in NC this year!
kate, if you try the Bug Oil let me know how it worked out for you.
I know a lot of people who use oils on a regular basis for different reasons. These are some great ways to use these oils. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon, you are right a lot of people do use the Oils and thank you for stopping by.
I need to get some lavender oil. It looks like it can be used in a variety of ways.
Yes, it can be and its one of my favorite Oils as it helps me sleep at night.
Now this is information that I can use and appreciate. We fight all of these every summer and just so happens I have all these oils on hand already.
I am so glad you appreciate the information and I hope this post is able to help you out with all the pesky bugs we have at this time of year.
Thank you, Candy I am so happy you could use this information and I hope it helps you out.
I definitely should be making our own bug spray this summer! We have seen so many mosquitoes in our yard this summer and definitely don’t want to be brining them inside through the door on the porch!
These are some great tips. I love essential oils and keep a nice supply of various scents. I always forget everything I can do with them. I need to make a cheat sheet! I am going to make up a spray bottle mix . Thanks!
I have a couple bottles from one company but I’ve never thought about making my own. I bet it’s easy!
Yes, it is easy Jess.
I didn’t know Peppermint Oil is effective against mosquitos. I love it because it smells fresh. I’ll try using it against insects this weekend.
Let me know how it worked out for you.