Bugs, Away!
What kind of summer vacation family are you? Do you and the kids go all Bear Grylls in the woods? Or are you more of a cabin-in-the-woods-with-complimentary-breakfast-please kind of family? Whatever way you enjoy your outdoor fun, we know of some friends that have already RSVP’d to your party. Their names? Teddy Tick, Mosey Mosquito and Buddy Bug. You may not want them there, but these creepy crawlies will do all they can to stay around. Time to arm yourself with some natural protection! The essential oils below can help serve as an insect repellent and bite relief!
Cedarwood
Did you know the ancient Egyptians used Cedarwood in their embalming practices as a way to keep pesky insects at bay? If it was good enough for them, we might as well give it a go! Cedarwood has been know to successfully deter mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
Citronella
This natural insect repellent has a powerful and familiar scent that deters mosquitoes. By masking the scents that attract bugs, this Citronella essential oil is sure to keep the bugs off and the summer fun on!
Lemongrass
When you think bug spray, does an icky scent come in mind? If that classic bug spray scent is preventing you from applying it, you may need Lemongrass! With citrus undertones, Lemongrass is one of the more preferred insect-deterring scents. Go ahead and give it a try!
Patchouli
This Patchouli unexpected but effective essential oil successfully keep those bugs away, and it’s especially great at warding off mosquitoes and moths.
Peppermint
Bugs and pests tend to shy away from Peppermint. If you find you have an ant attack this is your go-to oil. Add a few drops of Peppermint to a cotton ball and place it where you suspect the ants are coming in. Your house will smell great but the unwelcome guests will stay out.
Thyme
House flies and mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff. Try adding Thyme to a DIY room spray when you need to shoo those flies away.
Bug Away Blend
Is Junior running up to you in tears because of the “itchy bites”? We’ve got you covered! Check out Bug Away, our this kid-friendly mix of Citronella, Cedarwood Atlas, Lavender, Lemongrass and Thyme in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. Found in the Kids Line, Bug Away has a heavy carrier oil presence that allows you to lather Junior up and kiss those itchy bites goodbye! Bug Away is also available in a NEAT version. Add this kid-friendly blend to your favorite DIY bug repellent spray.
Mosquitoes do not like Citronella, Peppermint, Patchouli, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Basil, Thyme, Lemongrass or Lavender
Fleas stay away from Cedarwood, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, and Lavender.
Ticks can be deterred using Geranium, Juniper, Rosewood, Thyme, and Grapefruit.
We hope this article has given you the tools you need to enjoy a beautiful, bug-free summer!
Fun tip: Keep the bugs off of your screen door by spraying a mixture of water and your favorite DIY essential oil bug repellant. The Blend Bug Away is up for the task.
Basic Bug Repellent Recipe
- 4oz spray bottle
- 2oz of a base such as witch hazel, vodka, distilled water
- 1 teaspoon of a carrier (Jojoba, FCO, Aloe Vera Gel)
- 45 drops essential oil
Shake well before each use. Spray directly onto clothes and exposed skin. *This is a water-based recipe with no added preservatives so we recommend creating small batches as needed as the shelf life is between 1-2 weeks. Keep in a refrigerator when not in use.