Summertime… I love the sunshine, the gardening, the warm nights watching the stars. What's not to love? What I could do without is the bugs!!!
I do my best to respect nature & I can appreciate all the good that Ladybugs, Bees & Spiders (Arachnids, I know) do for the environment but do the ants, beetles & “BIG” wolf spiders have to come in my house?
I like to use essential oil whenever possible to “repel” the bugs. Some of my favorites:
Cedarwood
Spearmint
Eucalyptus Radiata or Citriodora
Geranium
Patchouli
my all-time favorite Lemongrass.
(I do like to use Catnip essential oil, but every time I do, my cats go a little, okay, a lot crazy) These essential oils are more appropriate to use around older children & adults. If you have younger children (age 2 – 8) essential oils that you may want to consider are Geranium, Rosalina, Tea Tree & Spearmint just to name a few.
I have an all-purpose bug repellent that I use most of the time, but for certain situations or specific bugs I will use some of the following essential oils:
Ants: Make a blend of 6 drops of Peppermint & 6 drops Spearmint essential oil to 250 ml of water. Shake well before using. Spray around doorways & windows, especially the window screens. *Use caution if you are pregnant, have young children or pets. Flies & Mosquitoes: Using Geranium, Lemongrass & Cedarwood in your diffuser or as a room spray would be a good choice. * If you have young children, Lavender & Rosalina would be a good alternative. Wasps & Hornets: Try diffusing a blend of Cedarwood, Patchouli & Eucalyptus Radiata essential oils. Geoff Lyth suggests putting a few drops of your blend on a folded paper napkin or tissue & leaving it on the picnic table by the food to discourage wasps & hornets. A simple but brilliant idea!!! I wish that I had thought of it.
DON’T USE LAVENDER IN THIS BLEND as wasps and hornets may be more attracted to it.
If you have really young children omit the Eucalyptus Radiata in the blend.
Moths: Cedar chests were used to store clothes & linens, so of course Cedarwood is a good essential oil to use for moths. Patchouli, Peppermint or Lemongrass are also oils to consider. Use wooden or terra-cotta diffusers and tuck them into corners of closet shelves or dresser drawers.
Don’t put essential oils directly on fine textiles
Cedarwood or Spearmint are better choices if you have younger children.
In the garden...
If you plan use essential oils in the garden, make a plant spray with 10 - 12 drops of an essential oil or blend to 250 ml of water. Shake well before use. For: Aphids: a plant spray made with water and a blend of some of the following: Coriander, Spearmint, Peppermint, Cedarwood, or Hyssop. *Use Coriander, Spearmint or Spearmint if you have younger children. **Be sure to wash your vegetables or herbs before use. So whether you are going on a picnic, going camping or enjoying your garden, I wish you a Happy, Aromatic & Bug-Free Summer… ***As always, use caution around babies and young children or if you are pregnant.
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice. Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible interactions that may occur. References: Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition, Vermilion, an imprint of Edbury Publishing, a Random House Company, 2005 Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-being. London: Thorsons, Updated Edition, 2014. Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Guide of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, MacMillan London, Ltd 1990, (And the updated version, 2016) www.quinessence.com/blog/essential-oils-natures-best-insect-repellents
www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapy-information/hints-tips/household/#Pest-Free Pets
http://birchhillhappenings.com/garden.htm