Peppermint oil straight onto the skin can be irritating. In a study looking at the length of action of these essential oils, they were found to repel mosquitoes for up to two and a half hours, depending on the combination and concentration used (. Since the weather is always so beautiful in the summer, it means spending more time outside more barbecues, picnics, rooftop parties, beaching, pooling, and, generally, more sun. Dr. Zeichner explains, "Clove oil naturally contains an ingredient called eugenol, which has been demonstrated to have antimicrobial benefits and act as an insect repellent." "When applied to unbroken skin and clothing it is safe to use."
Your email address will not be published. Remember, due to its high menthol content, peppermint should not be used on or around the faces of infants or young children. "Mosquito repellant and sunscreen should not be applied at the same time," he says. to have brought the repellency rate up to 68% indoors (from 14% for the candles). For an even more effective approach, try citronella in diffusers, which was shown in one study to have brought the repellency rate up to 68% indoors (from 14% for the candles). And kaffir lime oil by itself worked for up to three hours. To me, nothingexcept maybe the bugs. Whereas most essential oils repel insects with their scent, citronella works by masking other scents that are attractive to bugs, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Thyme is a highly effective insecticide against houseflies, too (source). Thank you! The oil of lemon eucalyptus (which is actually a different product than the essential oil) contains another powerful repellent ingredient, PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol), that is a highly effective and long-acting mosquito repellent, similar to DEET (source).
By clicking "Get Pricing," I give my electronic signature and consent that Greenix may contact me with offers at the phone number above, including by text message, autodialer or prerecorded message. Most Effective for Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Spiders, Ants, Fruit Flies, Lice, Gnats and Bed Bugs. The EPA has not approved neem for use as a topical insect repellent. Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent. Additionally, if you do get a bug bite you will find that peppermint oil is effective at relieving itches. While pretty much all parts of the neem tree are used medicinally, the essential oil is extracted from the fruit and seeds of the tree, according to, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Neem derivatives neutralize nearly 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks, and nematodes (. , comes from a common plant that frequently grows as a weed in many parts of the United States. You can wear this lemony, grassy-floral scent to keep away fleas and mosquitoes. Its also excellent for anchoring essential oil blends due to its deep, grounding aroma. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people. Try a small test section first, to make sure you will not develop any skin irritation before applying to larger areas. You can apply the mixture to your wrists, neck, temples, ankles, the back of your knees, and behind your ears. Does Cold Weather Really Kill Bugs During Winter? has been registered as a plant-based insect repellent in the U.S. since 1948. Give it a good shake and spritz on exposed skin before spending time outdoors.
Numerous studieshave revealed the antibacterial and mood-boosting properties of clary sage in particular. found that catnip essential oil kept mosquitoes away as well as or better than DEET. Lemongrass oil is known for its citrusy scent and has been used for stomach issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects (source). from 2013 looked at using the volunteers forearm to demonstrate that clove oil combined with coconut oil protected for 7696 minutes, better than both citronella and lemongrass oils. But lower concentrations (5-10%) are far less effective (, Remember, due to its high menthol content, peppermint should. A study from 2014, looking at dust mite control with different formulations of basil oil, showed that spray formulations of this oil work pretty well, achieving 97100% effectiveness in getting rid of those pesky bugs known for causing allergy symptoms in the home. Geraniol, the active ingredient in geranium oil, has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks. In a study looking at the length of action of these essential oils, they were found to repel mosquitoes for up to two and a half hours, depending on the combination and concentration used (source). shown to cause eye irritation, and should not be used in children under age 3. Dr. Zeichner cites rose geranium as an effective scent to ward off bugs and mosquitoes. 6 Wintertime Pests That Love Warm, Cozy Homes, 3 Reasons to Rodent-Proof Your Home Before Cold Weather Arrives, How to Keep Rising Rodent Populations Out of Your Home This Winter, Essential Oils That Repel Insects Naturally, How to Let In Fresh Air Without Welcoming Pests. Of the natural repellent options, clove oil is up there with peppermint and lavender in the best-smelling department and it's effective, too. The dermatologist does understand that some people might look for natural options, although he adds they're not as effective. Mosquitoes likewise find a variety of scents unappealing. Look for citrosa geraniums, which have a strong lemony scent that bugs dislike. , has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks. They have an experienced team who are well trained in pest control. Keep in mind that these oils can cause skin irritation because they are so potent and concentrated. As an added benefit, the flowers of the marigold plant make a colorful addition to your garden and are edible as well. You also can place citronella-infusedsachetsaround your kitchen and closet to ward off moths and cockroaches. To use essential oils, you can make your own blend with the oils mentioned above, dilute in a carrier oil (such as Almond, Olive, Coconut) and apply directly to the skin. The oil is produced from the seeds, so it has the potential to be toxic and should not be consumed. The authors concluded that a combination of both would have definite advantages in many settings. In another look at efficacy, 38 essential oils were tested on a volunteers forearm, and it was noted that clove oil delivered 24 hours of repellency against all three species of mosquito. neem for use as a topical insect repellent. Basil isn't just delicious in your summertime caprese salad basil oil has been proven to be an effective method of repelling mosquitoes. However, a more recent study reviewing the effectiveness of quite a few different repellants on the market, including citronella, revealed that the addition of that trusty vanillin to both plant-based and DEET repellents increased the protection time by about two hours (source). Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell. Thanks to the heat and humidity, mosquitoes, gnats, and those dreaded horseflies that come out in droves. Best of all, the beautiful purple flowers are sure to liven up your landscape. Some reports have raised concerns that methyl eugenol, one of the trace components of clove oil, could be a carcinogen. Here are 13 essential oils that can help keep the bugs at bay so you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors. It is considered to be effective at deterring mosquitoes, fleas, and more, according to, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, When first applied topically or sprayed, citronella, which contains citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, pinene, and limonene, was shown decades ago to be as effective dose-for-dose as DEET (, ). ), this plant promotesimproved sleep, mood, and digestion. The volunteers received protection from bites for 12 hours. A couple of them even showed a greater capacity to fight the common house mosquito than DEET (source). ). This member of the onion family has been used for many years as an edible repellent. I love summertime, but the biggest downside has to be mosquitoes: From the months of June to September, I'm pretty much covered in bites, which is why scents that repel bugs and mosquitoes are part of my seasonal must-haves, along with sunscreen, a good facial mist and, hell, a good deodorant too. Lavender essential oil has the additional perk of warding off fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Your latest round of garlic-laden pasta may help keep mosquitoes away, but don't start rubbing cloves all over yourself just yet. The Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil + How To Use It, DIY Warming Muscle Rub with Essential Oils, 13 Essential Oils That Repel Bugs Naturally, I think summer is by far the best season of the year. "Sunscreen should be applied first, then repellent about 20-30 minutes later. An oil that is not just limited to calming nerves and promoting restful sleep, lavender oil can be used in drawers to repel moths or sprayed from an atomizer or left in a saucer to help keep away ants and insects (source). ). The researchers concluded that neem oil is safe as a topical application and can be used as a personal protection measure against mosquito bites. Like most other oils, however, Dr. Zeichner recommends diluting it a bit to help avoid skin irritation. Required fields are marked *. Although Dr. Pedrozo does say this herb can work, studies show it's not as effective as other natural options and if you don't have to walk around smelling like garlic, why would you? "Application of some fruits on the skin, combined with UV exposure, can cause a rash known as Berloque Dermatitis or margarita rash," she says. Peppermint oil, with its strong scent and tingly sensation, is great for repelling lots of different types of bugs. Spreading on calamine lotion and icing these bites aren't exactly my favorite thing, so I'm always on the side of prevention to get these buggers out of my way. The most effective of these include thyme and clove oils, alone or in combinations of clove and thyme or clove and geranium. This effect was extended by the addition of 5% vanillin (an extract of the vanilla bean) for up to eight hours. There are many insect repellents out on the market that work, but when you look at the ingredients list, its one harsh chemical after another with Deet, Permethrin and Cyfluthrin topping the list of concerns. It is generally regarded as safe by the FDA, but the U.S. National Library of Medicine reported some side effects, including skin irritation and headache. Mosquitoes wont be able to tolerate your presence! When first applied topically or sprayed, citronella, which contains citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, pinene, and limonene, was shown decades ago to be as effective dose-for-dose as DEET (source). All Rights Reserved, 7 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Catching Lyme Disease. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor. ), 8 Simple Turmeric Masks for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin, How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Itchy Scalps, Flakes + Hair Loss, How To Make Homemade Body Wash + 11 Easy Recipes, 5 DIY Ways To Protect Your Hair from Sun, Heat + Humidity, 7 Homemade Hair Rinse Recipes for Healthy, Shiny Hair. Many commercial repellents contain a number of plant essential oils either for fragrance or as repellents, including peppermint, lemongrass, geraniol, pine oil, pennyroyal, cedar oil, thyme oil, and patchouli. It is another essential oil that does double-duty with insect issuesit helps deter certain pests and can also help relieve itching and irritation associated with bug bites. However, it is important to note that it has been shown to cause eye irritation, and should not be used in children under age 3. Although it can be used around most individuals, keep in mind that vetiver can have sedative-like effects, and only a little is needed to finish off a blend. You can also place it on your skin, but Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, warns about adverse reactions, particularly if you go in the sun.
Your email address will not be published. Remember, due to its high menthol content, peppermint should not be used on or around the faces of infants or young children. "Mosquito repellant and sunscreen should not be applied at the same time," he says. to have brought the repellency rate up to 68% indoors (from 14% for the candles). For an even more effective approach, try citronella in diffusers, which was shown in one study to have brought the repellency rate up to 68% indoors (from 14% for the candles). And kaffir lime oil by itself worked for up to three hours. To me, nothingexcept maybe the bugs. Whereas most essential oils repel insects with their scent, citronella works by masking other scents that are attractive to bugs, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Thyme is a highly effective insecticide against houseflies, too (source). Thank you! The oil of lemon eucalyptus (which is actually a different product than the essential oil) contains another powerful repellent ingredient, PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol), that is a highly effective and long-acting mosquito repellent, similar to DEET (source).
By clicking "Get Pricing," I give my electronic signature and consent that Greenix may contact me with offers at the phone number above, including by text message, autodialer or prerecorded message. Most Effective for Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Spiders, Ants, Fruit Flies, Lice, Gnats and Bed Bugs. The EPA has not approved neem for use as a topical insect repellent. Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent. Additionally, if you do get a bug bite you will find that peppermint oil is effective at relieving itches. While pretty much all parts of the neem tree are used medicinally, the essential oil is extracted from the fruit and seeds of the tree, according to, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Neem derivatives neutralize nearly 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks, and nematodes (. , comes from a common plant that frequently grows as a weed in many parts of the United States. You can wear this lemony, grassy-floral scent to keep away fleas and mosquitoes. Its also excellent for anchoring essential oil blends due to its deep, grounding aroma. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people. Try a small test section first, to make sure you will not develop any skin irritation before applying to larger areas. You can apply the mixture to your wrists, neck, temples, ankles, the back of your knees, and behind your ears. Does Cold Weather Really Kill Bugs During Winter? has been registered as a plant-based insect repellent in the U.S. since 1948. Give it a good shake and spritz on exposed skin before spending time outdoors.
Numerous studieshave revealed the antibacterial and mood-boosting properties of clary sage in particular. found that catnip essential oil kept mosquitoes away as well as or better than DEET. Lemongrass oil is known for its citrusy scent and has been used for stomach issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects (source). from 2013 looked at using the volunteers forearm to demonstrate that clove oil combined with coconut oil protected for 7696 minutes, better than both citronella and lemongrass oils. But lower concentrations (5-10%) are far less effective (, Remember, due to its high menthol content, peppermint should. A study from 2014, looking at dust mite control with different formulations of basil oil, showed that spray formulations of this oil work pretty well, achieving 97100% effectiveness in getting rid of those pesky bugs known for causing allergy symptoms in the home. Geraniol, the active ingredient in geranium oil, has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks. In a study looking at the length of action of these essential oils, they were found to repel mosquitoes for up to two and a half hours, depending on the combination and concentration used (source). shown to cause eye irritation, and should not be used in children under age 3. Dr. Zeichner cites rose geranium as an effective scent to ward off bugs and mosquitoes. 6 Wintertime Pests That Love Warm, Cozy Homes, 3 Reasons to Rodent-Proof Your Home Before Cold Weather Arrives, How to Keep Rising Rodent Populations Out of Your Home This Winter, Essential Oils That Repel Insects Naturally, How to Let In Fresh Air Without Welcoming Pests. Of the natural repellent options, clove oil is up there with peppermint and lavender in the best-smelling department and it's effective, too. The dermatologist does understand that some people might look for natural options, although he adds they're not as effective. Mosquitoes likewise find a variety of scents unappealing. Look for citrosa geraniums, which have a strong lemony scent that bugs dislike. , has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks. They have an experienced team who are well trained in pest control. Keep in mind that these oils can cause skin irritation because they are so potent and concentrated. As an added benefit, the flowers of the marigold plant make a colorful addition to your garden and are edible as well. You also can place citronella-infusedsachetsaround your kitchen and closet to ward off moths and cockroaches. To use essential oils, you can make your own blend with the oils mentioned above, dilute in a carrier oil (such as Almond, Olive, Coconut) and apply directly to the skin. The oil is produced from the seeds, so it has the potential to be toxic and should not be consumed. The authors concluded that a combination of both would have definite advantages in many settings. In another look at efficacy, 38 essential oils were tested on a volunteers forearm, and it was noted that clove oil delivered 24 hours of repellency against all three species of mosquito. neem for use as a topical insect repellent. Basil isn't just delicious in your summertime caprese salad basil oil has been proven to be an effective method of repelling mosquitoes. However, a more recent study reviewing the effectiveness of quite a few different repellants on the market, including citronella, revealed that the addition of that trusty vanillin to both plant-based and DEET repellents increased the protection time by about two hours (source). Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell. Thanks to the heat and humidity, mosquitoes, gnats, and those dreaded horseflies that come out in droves. Best of all, the beautiful purple flowers are sure to liven up your landscape. Some reports have raised concerns that methyl eugenol, one of the trace components of clove oil, could be a carcinogen. Here are 13 essential oils that can help keep the bugs at bay so you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors. It is considered to be effective at deterring mosquitoes, fleas, and more, according to, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, When first applied topically or sprayed, citronella, which contains citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, pinene, and limonene, was shown decades ago to be as effective dose-for-dose as DEET (, ). ), this plant promotesimproved sleep, mood, and digestion. The volunteers received protection from bites for 12 hours. A couple of them even showed a greater capacity to fight the common house mosquito than DEET (source). ). This member of the onion family has been used for many years as an edible repellent. I love summertime, but the biggest downside has to be mosquitoes: From the months of June to September, I'm pretty much covered in bites, which is why scents that repel bugs and mosquitoes are part of my seasonal must-haves, along with sunscreen, a good facial mist and, hell, a good deodorant too. Lavender essential oil has the additional perk of warding off fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Your latest round of garlic-laden pasta may help keep mosquitoes away, but don't start rubbing cloves all over yourself just yet. The Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil + How To Use It, DIY Warming Muscle Rub with Essential Oils, 13 Essential Oils That Repel Bugs Naturally, I think summer is by far the best season of the year. "Sunscreen should be applied first, then repellent about 20-30 minutes later. An oil that is not just limited to calming nerves and promoting restful sleep, lavender oil can be used in drawers to repel moths or sprayed from an atomizer or left in a saucer to help keep away ants and insects (source). ). The researchers concluded that neem oil is safe as a topical application and can be used as a personal protection measure against mosquito bites. Like most other oils, however, Dr. Zeichner recommends diluting it a bit to help avoid skin irritation. Required fields are marked *. Although Dr. Pedrozo does say this herb can work, studies show it's not as effective as other natural options and if you don't have to walk around smelling like garlic, why would you? "Application of some fruits on the skin, combined with UV exposure, can cause a rash known as Berloque Dermatitis or margarita rash," she says. Peppermint oil, with its strong scent and tingly sensation, is great for repelling lots of different types of bugs. Spreading on calamine lotion and icing these bites aren't exactly my favorite thing, so I'm always on the side of prevention to get these buggers out of my way. The most effective of these include thyme and clove oils, alone or in combinations of clove and thyme or clove and geranium. This effect was extended by the addition of 5% vanillin (an extract of the vanilla bean) for up to eight hours. There are many insect repellents out on the market that work, but when you look at the ingredients list, its one harsh chemical after another with Deet, Permethrin and Cyfluthrin topping the list of concerns. It is generally regarded as safe by the FDA, but the U.S. National Library of Medicine reported some side effects, including skin irritation and headache. Mosquitoes wont be able to tolerate your presence! When first applied topically or sprayed, citronella, which contains citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, pinene, and limonene, was shown decades ago to be as effective dose-for-dose as DEET (source). All Rights Reserved, 7 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Catching Lyme Disease. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor. ), 8 Simple Turmeric Masks for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin, How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Itchy Scalps, Flakes + Hair Loss, How To Make Homemade Body Wash + 11 Easy Recipes, 5 DIY Ways To Protect Your Hair from Sun, Heat + Humidity, 7 Homemade Hair Rinse Recipes for Healthy, Shiny Hair. Many commercial repellents contain a number of plant essential oils either for fragrance or as repellents, including peppermint, lemongrass, geraniol, pine oil, pennyroyal, cedar oil, thyme oil, and patchouli. It is another essential oil that does double-duty with insect issuesit helps deter certain pests and can also help relieve itching and irritation associated with bug bites. However, it is important to note that it has been shown to cause eye irritation, and should not be used in children under age 3. Although it can be used around most individuals, keep in mind that vetiver can have sedative-like effects, and only a little is needed to finish off a blend. You can also place it on your skin, but Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, warns about adverse reactions, particularly if you go in the sun.