Essential oils and herbs are used as natural insect repellents.
Herbal remedies date back to ancient times for use in insect repellents. Even with all the chemical repellents so easily accessible today at your local home and garden supply stores, herbal home insect repellents continue to be useful. You can grow some of these herbs in your garden or find them in oils sold at local health food or organic food stores. Use them both outside and indoors to repel insects.
Lemon Eucalyptus
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the lemon eucalyptus plant produces a biochemical pesticide which is a main ingredient in natural insect repellents. The natural herbal oil resides in the leaves of the plant and works well to repel mosquitoes. The lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a fragrant evergreen tree, which, according to Purdue University Agriculture, was a common fumigant in folk medicine.
Myrrh
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is an age-old herb that dates back to the ancient Egyptians for use in embalming practices to keep bugs away from the dead and as a fumigant. Plant this herb in your garden for its heady aroma, which helps to repel insects. The plant is native to the northern regions of Africa and grows naturally in the Middle East, and needs a hot, dry climate. It grows as a short tree or bush and produces an essential oil in the bark. The oil is a natural insect repellent.
Peppermint Oil
When the weather begins to warm up, you may find lines of ants marching their way into your home. They can be quite a nuisance, especially when they decide to camp out in the kitchen around your sink or countertops. An herbal home insect repellent for ants is peppermint oil. The Oregon State University Extension Service recommends pouring peppermint oil over cotton balls and placing them at the entrances the ants have been utilizing. You can also dilute the peppermint oil in a spray bottle and spray any areas you find the ants congregating.
Essential Oil Combinations
You can combine several natural essential oils to make an herbal insect repellent. Oils such as citronella oil and tea tree oil contain natural properties that insects abhor. According to NaturoDoc, LLC, combining these oils with lavender and pennyroyal oil makes an effective insect repellent. They caution against using this blend directly on the skin; dilute the solution with water for direct application. Place the oils in a diffuser and heat with tea lights, or place the drops inside light bulb rings on porches or in sunrooms; the heat will help project the fragrance.
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