Ah, summertime! It’s that time of year to relax out on the porch, sip some lavender icetea, and watch the sun slowly dip behind the tree line. But if there’s one thing that can snap you straight out of that soothing summer bliss, it’s mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies found around your home! If you use essential oils, you probably already know just how relaxing it is to sink into a warm bath of lavender or turn on that diffuser with peppermint oil. But did you know that you can also use some essential oils to help repel bugs and other pests? Essential oils are a natural, safe way to rid your home of pests that are a great alternative to pesticides.
Peppermint
From ants and roaches to mice and spiders, very few pests aren’t deterred by the smell of peppermint oil. What makes peppermint so effective is its menthol component.
Its strong smell is what pests hate and when you apply it in your home, surely, no pest will dare to get near your property. Applying peppermint onto open skin can actually repel mosquitoes and the larvae of the pest will die. Applying peppermint as a pest control solution can be done in several ways. You can make a spray out of the oil by mixing it with water. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and apply it all over your home. If you want to use peppermint directly, you may do as well by dabbing some oil into cotton and tactically place the cotton balls or pads in your home so that pests will never have a chance of entering your place and cause a ruckus.
Tea Tree
No one likes to think of a parasite infestation in the home. Be it lice, ticks, or fleas, these pesky parasites are enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. Fortunately, tea tree oil may just offer you and your family some protection from this creepy crawlies.
With its antiparasitic property, it can stop pests to develop so if you use tea tree oil, you are preventing pests to thrive which is an advantage for you. If you don’t have peppermint oil, you can use tea tree oil as an alternative by dabbing cotton balls and properly placing them on areas where pests are typically present. You can as well use it as a spray by mixing tea tree oil and water and applying it on your body to stop mosquitoes from targeting you. Tea tree oil can also help in preventing bed bug infestation from worsening. If the infestation is not yet developing, you can spray the oil on infested areas before the pest becomes out of control.
Lavender
When you think of lavender, relaxation and restful sleep are usually the first things that come to mind. But along with its lovely floral aroma and soothing qualities, lavender is also effective at battling the bugs.
When you think of lavender, relaxation and restful sleep are usually the first things that come to mind. But along with its lovely floral aroma and soothing qualities, lavender is also effective at battling bugs.
Yes, the oil has been widely used for centuries because it can repel pests in your home. It is used for linens and clothing to get rid of pests like moths. That’s not all, lavender oil can deter fleas, beetles, flies, and can ease mosquito bites or other insect bites.
Applying lavender oil on your body where insect bites are present can help in stopping infections from spreading and prevent inflammation. Once the mixture is ready, you can pour it into a spray bottle and apply it on your skin so that pests will not bite you. You can also use lavender sachets to repel pests by putting them in drawers and cabinets that pests typically visit.
*When using oils, be sure to use caution. Some people may have reactions to certain oils, and not all oils are safe for small children. If you have any concerns, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils.
So what is the best essential oil to use? That depends on which pest you are trying to repel! Reference the chart provided for some basic guidelines, and then experiment with these and other oils to see what works best for you. What is your favorite essential oil for pest control? Let us know in the comments below!
