HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AS INSECT REPELLENTS

Many essential oils are known for their insect repelling properties whether those insects be mosquitos, flies, moths, fleas, tics or nits! In fact, almost all essential oils have insect repelling properties to some degree. Some are better known for repelling specific insects but combined, essential oils are always more effective so a blend of insect repelling oils is the ideal. It's good to note that essential oils do not kill insects, they simply 'repel' them. In the case of nits, they make them easy to remove, leaving behind a fragrance that nits really like to avoid.

If you are going somewhere where mosquitos or any other insects present a real danger please don’t stop using the chemically harsh recommended ones. I try to avoid them and have had a lot of success using just my own aromatherapy blends but I don’t want to put anyone in any danger. If however you are just having an evening in the garden, are plagued by ants or moths or your children are bringing home unwanted hair residents, the aromatherapy remedies below will serve you in good stead.

At Angelico we have many ready made products that contain appropriate essential oils to repel insects but I will also show you here how to make some of your own.

Here is a list of essential oils that most insects prefer to avoid!

Cedarwood - good for repelling moths & ants.

Lemon - good for repelling mosquitos & ants

Eucalyptus - good for repelling nits & mosquitos

Lavender - good for repelling fleas & ants

Peppermint - good for repelling nits & mosquitos

Rosemary - good for repelling nits & mosquitos

Rose Geranium - good for repelling mosquitos

Tea Tree - good for repelling fleas & moths

May Chang - good for repelling mosquitos & moths

There are many more but I have only included ones which we supply at Angelico and that come readily to mind. As I said previously though, they all overlap so feel free to blend them to your own aroma preferences and specific insect repelling needs.

Ways to use;

IN CANDLES
Light a fragrance Free candle until a puddle of wax appears and then add up to 6 drops of essential oil to it avoiding the flame as it might flair with the essential oils.

RECIPE SUGGESTION
for evenings outside to keep mosquitos at bay
- 2 drops May Chang
- 4 drops Rose geranium

IN AN ELECTRIC OR CANDLE DIFFUSERS
Use the manufacturer’s instructions using your own blend of essential oils.

RECIPE SUGGESTION

for an insect free room
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 3 drops Rosemary.

ON A CLOTH
Pour a few drops of your chosen essential oil and secret it in wardrobes, around hanger hooks, in drawers, under mats or cushions etc.

RECIPE SUGGESTION
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Cedarwood

IN A HAIR BLEND
Make a hair oil blend using 5 drops of essential oil to 20 ml ( one tablespoon ) of carrier oil’

RECIPE SUGGESTION
For children over four years of age.
- 20ml ( 2 tablespoons ) Jojoba
- 3 drops Eucalyptus
- 3 drops Tea Tree
Apply to hair and leave for at least one hour. Comb through then wash as usual.

IN A BODY BLEND
Make a body oil blend using 6 drops of essential oil to 10 ml ( one tablespoon ) of carrier oil’

RECIPE SUGGESTION

For balmy evening to repel mosquitos whilst promoting beautifully fragrant and moisturised skin. Great after a day in the sun.
- 20ml ( 2 tablespoons ) Jojoba
- 3 drops Rose Geranium
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop May Chang

IN A SPRITZ
Fill a spray bottle with water and add up to 50 drops of essential oil. Use to spray areas that attract insects. Shake well before use.

RECIPE SUGGESTION
in approximately 100ml water add;
- 20 drops Cedarwood
- 10 drops May Chang
- 10 drops Tea Tree

IN A BOWL OF WATER
Fill a bowl with warm water and add essential oils to it to wipe down surfaces or wash floor with.

RECIPE SUGGESTION

For fragrant antibacterial surfaces
- 10 drops Cedarwood
- 5 drops Lemon
- 5 drops Tea Tree

NEAT
Put two a drop of essential oil into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and stroke dog or cat.

RECIPE SUGGESTION
For a gentle flea remedy.
- 1 drop Lavender

Angelico Home Fragrance products ( Aromatherapy Blend; Reed Diffuser; Candles ) have at least one insect repelling essential oil in them. Our Deeply Relaxing Body Oil also contains many insect repelling essential oils.