Mom Tips On Repelling Mosquitoes Using Essential Oils

I was ranting at facebook and twitter about my frustration with mosquitoes this summer. It’s just horrible! Add the fact that they love to feast on me, but won’t bite my husband. Not that I want him bitten, I just think they love me more, and it’s not fair!

Spray some insect repellant! There. Problem solved. Uh, no, thanks. Really. I don’t like slathering myself nor my family with any of those toxic chemicals. DEET, which is the main ingredient in most of the insect repellants in the market today, has been shown to have an effect on kids’ nervous system not to mention that health risks we take inhaling them or being absorbed by our skin. Honestly, I don’t know which one is more evil – being bitten by mosquitoes and risk getting diseases, or poison ourselves with the toxic chemical mosquito repellants out there.

A facebook friend mentioned that she has been using essential oils to repel mosquitoes and has worked wonders for her. That’s interesting. She even shared her personal essential oils recipe designed specifically for that. I was thrilled! The only thing is, she didn’t mentioned the size of the bottle she was using for the mixture. I tried asking for it but hasn’t received any reply yet.

So I searched for more essential oil recipes online. I have found out that essential oils have been used for milennia to repel insects which worked effectively and are safe for inhalation. It must be noted, however, that only pure, therapeutic-grade oils must be used. Most that are sold in health food stores are not safe for internal or external use.

Here’s a sample blend I found and plans to use (as soon as I get my hands on those pure, therapeutic-grade oils):

On a 4-ounce dark glass spray bottle, mix:

  • 1/3 vodka
  • 1/3 water
  • 1/3 witch hazel
  • 120 drops of Rose Geranium
  • 80 drops of Lemongrass
  • 20 drops of Peppermint

Then you can spray on clothes and/or skin.

I’ve also learned that not only can you turn your house to smell like a spa using these aromatherapy oils but you can benefit from its insect repellant qualities as well, not to mention the health benefits that comes with it. It’s recommended to use a nebulizing diffuser that does not need the oils to be mixed with water for a maximum effect. Nice! Can’t wait to try it.

If you’re a starter like me, here’s some more helpful information about using essential oils for pest control from Dr. David Stewart, founder of C.A.R.E. (Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education): http://www.raindroptraining.com/messenger/v1n5.html#one Don’t skip reading this article. It has an interesting story about how he experimented using essential oils to repel AND kill a brown recluse spider!

Okay. Your turn. Have you used essential oils to repel mosquitoes / insects? Has it worked for you?

I want to hear from you! Share with us your essential oils recipes and let’s learn from each other!

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