Essential Oils for Summertime Pests
It’s finally summer! Time to get outside and have some fun! But what about those annoying insects? Those creepy crawlers can really put a damper on picnics, camping, gardening or just relaxing poolside or patio. Well, keep this list, gather your essential oils arsenal, and enjoy summertime!
Essential oils are the “essence” of the plant and have evolved over millions of years resulting in being beneficial to humans in many ways, including warding off insects! Many pests loathe certain essential oils. These oils can be helpful to repel all manner of buggy bugs, without the use of synthetic or petrochemicals. And the added benefit is that they will not destroy beneficial insects such as pollinators.
Here is a list of some of the most beneficial essential oils to include in your summer arsenal and they will smell good too! (See CAUTION: Not for use with pets).
CEDARWOOD - There’s a reason why
Cedarwood is used in closets – moths hate it! So do spiders, lice, slugs, snails,
aphids, ants, ticks, fleas, mosquitos, and cockroaches – even some snakes
CITRONELLA – While this is most well known as a mosquito repellent, the jury is out on its effectiveness and safety for humans and can be toxic to animals. Not to worry, below you will find some great, better smelling alternatives.
EUCALYPTUS and LEMON EUCALYPTUS - These essential oils can prevent flies, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, earwigs, aphids, and midges from ruining your time outside. Eucalyptus globulus or smithii are potent, but Lemon
Eucalyptus (citriodora) or Eucalyptus stageriana have a more pleasant smell (in my opinion) and can be used in place of Citronella.
GERANIUM - Particularly good to take to the beach or camping to deflect those flies, gnats, and mosquitos.
LAVENDER - A staple in any aromatherapy toolbox, Lavender can be used to avert flies, fleas, ticks, moths, and some mosquitos. Bees love it, so if you are allergic to bees, best to use some of these other suggestions.
LEMONGRASS - Another gentler and effective alternative to Citronella, Lemongrass has a fresh, green smell that fleas, mosquitos, beetles, snails, gnats, and ticks dislike.
PEPPERMINT - Said to be the “holy grail” to keep insects at bay. While it has many benefits for us humans, it can
potentially be toxic to many insects. Due to its natural menthol component, most pests cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil, including ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. I use it to deter ants by spraying their trail, especially where they enter. The strong scent overrides the scent the scout ant laid down. Mice have an aversion to Peppermint too!
ROSEMARY - Rosemary is a great one to take on a picnic, barbecues, or for outdoor dining, as it repels ants,
beetles, flies, fleas, slugs, and ticks and since its herb form is used for culinary purposes, it won’t unsettle your appetite!
TEA TREE - Great for the garden to rid flowers of aphids and white mold. - May deter lice, biting insects like ticks, fire ants, spiders, midges, and fleas. And mice abhor it too! Note: Not to be used near pets.
How to Use:
SPRAYS – Dilute 4 or 5 drops
of essential oil with a drop or two of dishwashing soap (Dawn is best). This will help disperse the oil into the water and make it more effective against insects. Then fill a 4oz spray bottle with distilled water, roll the bottle in
your hands and spray away! Just be sure not to get it on your face, eyes, nose, mouth or near food.
RIBBONS – For flying insects,
you can soak some strips of cloth in the essential oil and water dilution above, or just apply one drop of pure essential oil to the strip, then hang them outside your patio, doors, or near the garden, etc. Make sure not to hang it over your table, seating or any foods or beverages.
GARDEN – Essential oils are especially good to use in the garden to deter pests while keeping pollinators
and beneficial insects like ladybugs intact and your plants healthy. Avoid getting the oils directly on plants if possible. Rinse any fruits or vegetables with a mild dish soap and water solution before consuming.
Keeps the Bugs Away with Body Bliss
PRECAUTIONS: Keep essential oils and sprays away from your table or any foods or beverages.
Keep sprays away from eyes and mouth. Not for use with pets. If you have dogs, cats and other animals, take special consideration when using essential oils. There are many tribes of mosquitos, and some may be more affected by some essential oils than others. A combination of oils may work best. Avoid getting essential oils or blends on clothing or carpeting.