Natural Bug Repellents
Worried about bug bites and the insects that sometimes gain access to your home and yard? There are natural alternatives that you can safely use without worrying about endangering your health or the health of your loved ones.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a safe and inexpensive alternative to toxic bug repellents.
Effective essential oils include:
Basil oil
Citronella oil
Eucalyptus oil
Peppermint oil
Lavender oil
Lemon Grass oil
Lemon oil
Neem oil
Pick any oil or combination of oils and add 10-15 drops per spray bottle of water. This can be safely sprayed on clothing and skin as long are you’re careful to avoid contact with your eyes and face. Apply every 4 hours as needed for protection that rivals the most toxic, DEET-containing bug repellants.
Essential oil sprays can also be used in problem areas in your home, garage, and yard. Choose the oils you like best—the bugs hate all of them! You can also add 2 drops of peppermint or other oil to cotton balls and place them in cabinets, pantries, closets, or other areas where bugs are not welcome.
Bay Leaves
Put a bay leaf in the corner of a cabinet and you’re unlikely to have problems with ants, spiders, or other bugs. The non-toxic smell will not be noticed by you and your family, but will definitely drive away insects.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil can be burned in an essential oil burner. This may not be the ideal bug repellant for migraine sufferers, however, as cinnamon triggers migraines in some individuals.
Coconut Oil
Add insect repellant to the 1001 uses for coconut oil! Just mix one part coconut and two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on baseboards, doorways, garbage disposals, and other entry points for unwanted houseguests. Essential oils may also be added to coconut oil and used on the skin.
Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and bugs will be unlikely to cross it. Harmless to humans and pets, but glass-like in an insect’s intestinal tract, it’s an effective and simple way to keep insects out of your home. A flour sifter or an empty spice jar work well for applications. Sprinkle on anthills, cinder block walls, and sidewalks when needed and you’ll see instantaneous results. Diatomaceous earth is particularly effective against ants, roaches, spiders, and fleas.
Garlic
Garlic pressed into a paste and applied to the skin will repel mosquitoes, gnats, and, unfortunately, people. Another strategy is to add garlic to your food several days before you plan to spend time outdoors.
Lemon Peels and Rind
Rub lemon peels on doorways, windowsills, and baseboards to repel spiders and other insects. Add lemon oil or lemons peels or zest to water and spray on lawn furniture, sidewalks, picnic tables, and clothing for a natural bug repellant.
Plants and Trees
Most bugs hate marigolds, rosemary, garlic, eucalyptus, and other strong-smelling plants and trees. Add these to your landscape to make the time you spend outdoors more enjoyable and insect-free. Remember to keep trees near your home trimmed to prevent insects from gaining easy access to your roof.
Cats
Cats are hunters by nature and won’t hesitate to go after spiders, scorpions, and other bugs. While they can certainly be affected by bites and stings, cats are amazingly resistant to toxins. Protect your pets from insects whenever possible, but realize that they are likely reducing your insect population.