Essential oils that repel insects and bugs

Listed on here is also Neem oil which is more of a carrier oil than essential oil, but it works too.

Mosquitos: Lemon, Eucalyptus, Citronella, Cedar oil, Rosemary, Pennyroyal, Thyme, Lavender, Neem oil, Lemongrass, Bay Laurel, Citrus Geranium.

Black Flies: Lemon, Citronella, Cedar, Rosemary, Sassafras, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Pennyroyal, Citronella, Peppermint, Neem oil, Camphor, Bergamot, Cajuput, Myrrh.

House Flies: Lemon, Lemongrass, Anise, Bay Laurel, Cedarwood, Cloves, Eucalyptus, Orange, Citronella, Cedar, Rosemary, Neem oil.

Lice: Lemongrass, Scotch Pine, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rose Geranium.

Fleas and Ticks: Lemongrass, Bay Laurel, Camphor, Chamomile, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Pennyroyal, Cloves, Cedar, Rosemary, Neem oil.

Ants: Camphor, Orange, Pine, Peppermint, Spruce.

Ticks: Rose Geranium, Palmarosa, Bay Laurel, Eucalyptus, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Neem oil.

How to use:

At my store we used to make a lotion with essential oils that repel insects. The lotion was our basic base, with the addition of the essential oils. This was popular as skin would be dryer in the summer time and this way customers could moisturize as well as keep bugs away.

If you already have a favorite lotion, you could have a bug repelling blend created and add approximately 1/2 teaspoon of essential oils to a 4 oz jar or bottle. I would start with a 1/4 teaspoon and test for its strength of scent first.

You can also make a 10% solution in a spritzer bottle with water and spray your clothes, hair, etc. Remember that essentials oils are actually oily and could leave a tiny spot of oil on your clothes.

I have also added a few drops to an existing candle that is burning. Be prepared for a couple of pops when the essential oils come into direct contact with the flame. You can avoid the direct flame approach by using a diffuser, just add the drops to water and let the diffuser scent the air.

From "essential oils that repel insects" to not-nice repellents . . .

Some great info on aromatherapy using essential oils . . .