Insects can be quite annoying, especially during the summer. We use all kinds of commercial insect repellents to keep them away, but these products often contain toxic ingredients which are not good for the bugs, but for us neither. Finding a balance between being environmentally- friendly and bug bite free can be challenging. Still, there are natural oils you can use that will keep the bugs away, will smell good and will not harm the environment.
Some of the best insect repellents are made with the following all-natural ingredients. Check them out!
LAVENDER OIL
Lavender essential oil or crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance that mosquitos do not like. It is particularly effective against mosquito hawks and male mosquitos. What is more lavender has great benefits for us because it calms the nervous system down and soothes the skin. Lavender is known for its antiseptic, antifungal and analgesic properties. It is very easy to make a DIY bug spray with lavender just add 5 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle full of water or alcohol.
TEA TREE OIL
This is very popular and effective oil known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities. Recent studies show that this oil is also an effective insect repellent. You can use it to make homemade fly spray as it is effective against bush flies, mosquitoes and biting midges.
PEPPERMINT OIL
Peppermint oil is ideal for repelling spiders and ants. In fact, it keeps all kinds of pests away including lice, moths, beetles, flies and more. An easy strategy to keep your home clean, smelling great and bug-free is to putting peppermint oil in the locations where you suspect the pests are entering. Peppermint oil can also be used in DIY essential oil bug spray with big success in repelling the bugs.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Cayenne pepper is another useful deterrent when sprinkled in places where ants and spider gather, like areas near sugar or crumbs. It can get a little messy but try sprinkling the pepper in areas you aren’t using as much, especially those that contain your baking supplies.
VINEGAR
Vinegar is a true miracle. Not only does it pickle your veggies and helps you clean stains from your clothes, but it can help prevents ants and other bugs from invading your home. Vinegar is a natural deterrent for ants. Just use it with some water in a spray bottle and you will see results quite quickly.
There is already significant research suggesting that natural ingredients are the best way to effectively repel bugs without harming the environment. This is great news for people looking to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. Especially pregnant women and young children. Use the ingredients mentioned above to create your own all-natural insect repellents.
