Bug sprays are big business today. People like to go outside, sit around the pool or the campfire, work in the garden, and enjoy their animals without pesky insects crashing the party. However, many petroleum-based and other chemical-infused products have side effects to people and the environment. Those who want less pollution for themselves, their households, and their planet can use essential oil insect repellent instead.
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
Other insects attacked crops; other pesticides were developed. Meanwhile, many bird populations declined, some almost to the point of extinction. It was discovered that birds eating DDT-laden bugs produced eggshells so fragile that they broke in the nest. Fish and other wildlife were endangered, too. Environmentalists rose up in protest. DDT was banned.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
Many of the fragrant oils you are familiar with repel mosquitoes; citronella is one of the best known. Horseflies keep off when you use tansy, thyme, peppermint, and cedar wood. Lemon eucalyptus may be harder to find, but it's said to be the most effective against the most different kinds of bugs. For ticks, use tea tree oil. Gnats don't like the mints, eucalyptus, or citronella. You can help keep them away by spraying your hat, sticking a few springs of mint or lemon balm in your hatband, and rubbing the leaves of any of these herbs on your face and arms.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
Other insects attacked crops; other pesticides were developed. Meanwhile, many bird populations declined, some almost to the point of extinction. It was discovered that birds eating DDT-laden bugs produced eggshells so fragile that they broke in the nest. Fish and other wildlife were endangered, too. Environmentalists rose up in protest. DDT was banned.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
Many of the fragrant oils you are familiar with repel mosquitoes; citronella is one of the best known. Horseflies keep off when you use tansy, thyme, peppermint, and cedar wood. Lemon eucalyptus may be harder to find, but it's said to be the most effective against the most different kinds of bugs. For ticks, use tea tree oil. Gnats don't like the mints, eucalyptus, or citronella. You can help keep them away by spraying your hat, sticking a few springs of mint or lemon balm in your hatband, and rubbing the leaves of any of these herbs on your face and arms.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
About the Author:
Find a list of the benefits you get when you use an essential oil insect repellent and view our selection of essential oils at http://www.paulopolis.com/product/petitgrain-orange-essential-oil-2-oz now.