THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS BUG REPELLENT RECIPES

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THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS BUG REPELLENT RECIPES!

Are you the kind of person that, no matter what, ALWAYS gets stung by mosquitoes? Even if no one else in the group is affected? I’m just like you!

The good news is: you don’t have to buy pre made products at your local store, just make your own homemade and completely natural bug repellent!

It’s so easy, quick and cheap!

I’m going to give you my tried and tested best essential oils bug repellent recipes.

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Summer days mean more time spent outdoors, walks in the countryside, in the local woods, or sunny days at the beach.

Unfortunately, when you spend time outdoors, bugs, mosquitoes and the likes can quickly become an unpleasant companion and ruin your family days out!

In this post, I’m going to share with you the best Essential Oils bug repellent recipes to use outdoors, as well as a few useful tips!

The following recipes are all tried and tested by me and my family!

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WHY MAKE NATURAL MOSQUITO AND BUG REPELLENTS?

In the past, before I discovered the power and benefits of essential oils, I used to buy bug repellent products in the local store or pharmacy. Back then I didn’t realise how dangerous to our health those items can be, and I used to cover myself and my children with them every time we went outside!

Thankfully now I know better!

Nowadays I exclusively use Essential Oils when it comes to protect my family from insects bites or stings. Making your own natural bug spray or homemade mosquito repellent couldn’t be easier.

Following just simple steps and safety rules, you can whip up a natural insect repellent with a few drops of essential oil or an essential oil blend and a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil).

And the best part? You are only using natural products in your repellent recipe! No hidden ingredients and nasty chemicals!

So, read on for THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS BUG REPELLENT RECIPES!

BEFORE MAKING ANY DIY PRODUCTS USING ESSENTIAL OILS, PLEASE CHECK THIS POST TO SEE WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC IS SAFE TO USE!

WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC IS SAFE FOR ESSENTIAL OILS?

WHY USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN NATURAL BUG REPELLENT RECIPES

Commercial bug sprays like Deet, are made using ingredients that in my opinion are filled with harmful chemicals.

On the other hand, powerful essential oils like lavender oil or peppermint oil provide a natural solution that is safe for all your family, and in particular if you have young children.

There are three main reasons why you should consider using Doterra Essential Oils to make your homemade insect repellent:

1. Essential Oils are very effective when it comes to repel insects naturally. They provide a great natural alternative to any store bought product like DEET.
2. Making your own DIY bug repellent spray or roller recipe is very easy and inexpensive.
3. Natural bug repellents made using Doterra Essential Oils are safe for children and pets (following safety rules of course!).

WHAT DOTERRA OILS ARE BAD FOR DOGS? – ARE DOTERRA OILS SAFE TO DIFFUSE AROUND DOGS?

Let’s start by saying that I’m not a Vet. In this post I’m only sharing my experience as a dog owner.

I have used Essential Oils with my dogs many many times, without ever having any issue or side effects.

When we go out for a walk with them, I always spray their paws with a home made blend, to help to keep fleas and ticks away.

I generally use this recipe. 

In a 30ml spray bottle add:

• 5 drops each of Lavender, Lemongrass, and Terrashield.
• Top up with water.

Shake well before use. Spray on paws ONLY before going outside.

For more info on how Essential Oils can benefit your pets, you can visit the Doterra blog.

Before using any Essential Oil (or any other product for that matter)on your pets, always consult with your Vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

HOW LONG DOES ESSENTIAL OILS MOSQUITO (OR ANY INSECT) REPELLENT LAST?

It goes without saying that store bought products can last for many hours after application.

However, that is not the case when using natural ingredients like Essential Oils.

When making a homemade insect repellent, you must apply every one to two hours to maintain a high level of protection.

While this might seem like an inconvenience, I find that the alternative is far worse!

I certainly don’t want to expose my children to potentially harmful substances, so I don’t mind repeat and frequent applications.

Essential oils are very effective in helping to prevent being bitten or stung by insects. However, always seek immediate medical attention from a professional if you are unsure if:

• you were affected by a poisonous insect (for example, spiders); 
• if you are allergic to anything, or think you might be having allergic reactions; 
• if you feel unwell.

Never chance it!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO CHECK THIS POST:

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS RECIPES FOR ALLERGIES!

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BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMER

If you want to ditch the commercial insect repellents, and the health concern that comes with nasty chemicals, I’m going to provide you with a list of the best Essential Oils for the summer: they are all natural bug repellents.

You can use them in your homemade bug repellent recipes (for topical use) or just diffuse at home.

This list is not exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start!

• ARBORVITAE
• BASIL
• CEDARWOOD
• CINNAMON
• CITRONELLA
• CLOVE
• EUCALYPTUS
• GERANIUM
• LAVENDER
• LEMON
• LEMON EUCALYPTUS
• LEMONGRASS
• MELALEUCA (tea tree oil)
• PATCHOULI
• PEPPERMINT
• PURIFY (Doterra Cleansing blend)
• ROMAN CHAMOMILE
• ROSEMARY
• THYME

DOTERRA TERRASHIELD OUTDOOR BLEND

Thankfully for us, Doterra has created a specific Outdoor blend, TERRASHIELD.

This blend is a mix of Oils such as Catnip, White Fir, Eucalyptus and Rose, among others.

It is particularly effective against ants, flies, mites, mosquitoes, termites and ticks.

Here are two recipes you can make using Doterra’s Terrashield.

REPELLENT BOOSTER

• 4 drops of Terrashield;
• 2 drops of Forgive (Doterra’s Renewing blend);
• 4 drops of Arborvitae.

If applied topically, add ingredients to a roller bottle and top with FCO.

When mixed in a spray bottle, top up the Oils with cooled, boiled water, or witch hazel.

Apply on skin or spray every few hours.

SPIDER REPELLENT

Add a few drops of Terrashiled and Peppermint to a cotton ball, and place near you if sitting outdoors (for example, if you are having a picnic or are camping).

HOW TO MAKE BUG REPELLENT WITH ESSENTIAL OILS 

Making your own natural concoction using Essential Oils is very simple. 

You can refer to the list above and choose among any of the Oils mentioned. Alternatively, you can choose any Oil in particular, depending on what specific type of insect you are trying to avoid.

For example:

• – Citronella: fleas, ticks
• – Terrashield (Doterra’s outdoor blend): ants, flies, mites, mosquitoes, termites and ticks
• – Lemon Eucalyptus: ticks, mosquitoes (and germs) 
• – Cedarwood: slugs, snails, moths, aphids
• – Lemongrass: ticks, chiggers, fleas, mosquitoes
• – Thyme: beetles, chiggers, ticks
• – Lavender: flies, mosquitoes, moths, ticks
• – Rosemary: flies, mosquitoes
• – Peppermint: flies, fleas, ants, spiders, aphids

If you are indoor, you can simply diffuse the Oils.

When out and about, you can apply the Oils on you skin, after proper dilution, by making a roller bottle ad hoc. 

However, if you do apply topically, be mindful of photosensitivity (see my safety information page).

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If you are not sure about proper dilution, I have a FREE CHART for you!

You can download it for FREE now!

You can also make up a spray bottle and mist around your feet and arms.

Never spray directly on your face! 

When out for a picnic or camping, you could also put a few drops of the Oils of your choice on ribbons or strings (no need to dilute in this case), and place them around your area. This will help with keeping bugs away from you and your family.

INSECT REPELLING TEA LIGHTS

Add 1 drop of Basil and 4 drops of Lemon to a burning tea light candle, after the wax on top has melted. For an aesthetically pleasing effect, place fresh lemon slices and basil leaves in a clean mason jar. Add water and the Essential Oils. Float the tea light candle on the top.

USING DIFFUSER JEWELLERY

I have another tip for you, if you are spending time outdoors this summer.

You could just place a few drops of Essential Oils on your diffuser jewellery. Where it all day when outdoors for a continuous protection.

HOW TO RELIEVE BUG BITES ITCHING

If you do get bitten or stung by any insect, Essential oil can help in providing natural relief.

In those cases, you can spray or apply Oils topically, directly on the affected area. As above, be mindful of photosensitivity and follow proper dilution.

Alternatively, you can make up a cold compress using a few drops of Oils on a cloth or a cotton disk, and apply for a few hours.

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS REPEL MOSQUITOES? – BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MOSQUITO BITES AND MOSQUITO REPELLENT

For mosquitoes, Oils that are very effective are: Patchouli, Basil, Lavender, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Arborvitae, Thyme and Purify (Doterra Cleansing blend).

You can apply or spray to the skin, or diffuse if you’re indoor.

If you are out and about, for example camping or picnic, you can apply the Oils undiluted on little strings or on a piece of cotton and place them around your area.

NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT 

In a 30 ml spray bottle add:

• 5 drops of Citronella;
• 3 drops each of Cedarwood (or Arborvitae), Lemongrass and Peppermint;
• 1/2 TBS of FCO
• witch hazel or distilled (or cooled, boiled) water.

Add the Oils and the FCO to the spray bottle first. Then top with witch hazel or distilled (or cooled, boiled) water.

Shake well before use. Spray your body (or clothes) to ward off mosquitoes. 

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS KEEP BUGS AWAY – BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BUG REPELLENT

There are many Oils that are very effective to keep bugs away.

The following recipe is the one I use all the time with my family.

KEEP THE BUGS OFF 

In a 60 ml spray bottle add:

• 10 drops of Terrashield;
• 5 drops each of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass and Peppermint;
• Witch Hazel;
• Distilled, or cooled, boiled water.

Firstly, add the oils to the bottle. Then, add half part of witch hazel and half distilled (or cooled, boiled water) to top. Shake well before use. Apply on your body or your clothes before going out. 

WHAT ESSENTIAL OIL IS GOOD FOR BUG BITES

Lavender calms, soothes and supports the body’s natural histamine response. Might help in neutralising a bee’s venom. Basil assists with the discomfort caused by the sting, and soothes irritation. Purify soothes away irritations and discomfort. Frankincense is also recommended. If you have it, Roman Chamomile is also excellent to soothe any itchy skin. HD Clear can be used too. 

HOW TO USE ROMAN CHAMOMILE

If, for example, your are stung by a bee or wasp, remove the stinger carefully and apply a cold compress of Roman Chamomile to the area for several hours. Alternatively, you could apply 1 to 2 drops on the area (follow proper dilution), and massage gently.

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The following is my go-to home remedy for bug bites that itch!

RELIEF FROM BUG BITES 

In a 10 ml roller add:

• 10 drops of Lavender;
• 5 drops of Basil.
• 10 drops of Purify; 
• Top with FCO.

Apply directly onto the irritated area for a soothing effect and itch relief. These Oils combined together help to soothe the tissues and help your body process any venom or stuff the insect injected in your body.

If stung by a bee, first carefully remove the stinger. Then immediately apply this blend, and repeat every 1-2 hours as needed.

ITCH RELIEF STICK 

In a 10 ml roller add:

• 10 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint and Melaleuca (tea tree);
• Top with FCO.

Apply to bug bites for temporary itch relief. 

ITCHY BITES REMEDY

In a 10 ml roller, add:

• 8 drops of Roman Chamomile;
• 4 drops of Eucalyptus;
• 8 drops of Lavender;
• 2 drops of Melaleuca;
• Top with FCO.

Mix all ingredients in the roller bottle, and apply on itchy bug bites as needed.

NATURAL TICK REPELLENT

We all know that ticks can be very dangerous to our health and that of our pets.

Tick bites are linked to Lyme disease.

You can read more about Lyme disease in this article on www.mayoclinic.org.

Having Doterra Essential Oils readily available in your home, can help you in preventing being bitten by ticks.

NATURAL TICK REPELLENT SPRAY 

In a 30ml spray bottle, add 20 drops each of Lemongrass and Eucalyptus.

Top with distilled (or cooled, boiled) water.

Shake well to combine and before each use. 

Spray on trousers or legs before going outdoors.

In the unfortunate event of a flea or tick infestation on your dog, you could get rid of it naturally by following the advice contained in this post: “HOW TO KILL FLEAS AND TICKS NATURALLY“

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WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS REPEL ANTS?

Here’s a natural ant repellent recipe for you.

NATURAL ANT DETERRENT 

In a 120 ml spray bottle add 30-40 drops of Peppermint and 1/4 cup of witch hazel.

Fill the rest with distilled (or cooled, boiled) water.

Shake well and spray the ants’ entry points in your home.

For best results, spray near door frames and windows.

N.B.= Oils can eat paint, so test on a small area first. 

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS REPEL SPIDERS?

Nothing worse than seeing a spider crawling near you when you are enjoying some time outdoors….or indoor for that matter!

While the vast majority of spiders here in Ireland is totally harmless, there are of course a few species that should be avoided.

Basil, Purify, Melalueca (tea tree), Lavender, Lemongrass, Lemon and Peppermint are all very useful Oils when it comes to repel spiders.

As with all the remedies mentioned above, you can diffuse them or apply topically.

If you are bitten, apply locally as a cold compress or on skin after diluting.

Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have been bitten by a dangerous and venomous spider, or if you have any allergic reaction to the bite, or if you start to feel unwell.

NEVER EVER CHANCE IT!

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THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS BUG REPELLENT RECIPES: CONCLUSION

Now that the summer is finally here I’m really looking forward to spend as much time as possible outdoors with my children and my dogs.

I’m very grateful to have Doterra in my life because I know I can totally rely on my Essential Oils for a natural protection for my entire family.

I hope you give those recipes a try. If you do, please let me know if they were helpful to you.

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IMPORTANT: when using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.

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