Here’s what repels bugs naturally…
I love summer! The longer days, warm weather – well, as long as it doesn’t get north of 80 degrees – and time spent on the shore definitely makes up for the harsh January + February we experience here on Long Island. But, one thing I don’t like about summer? And, you may agree with me here… all of the bug bites!
Just this month Sadie got her first spider bite, eeek! Our attic is a definite breeding ground for the little guys. And, the critters are easily creeping into our home from the outside through our old windows. We get beetles, daddy long legs, and just yesterday Justin had to smash a wasp that made its way into our living room. Yikes!
I must say I will take this barrage of bugs any day over San Diego’s cockroach season. Google it, it’s a thing…
While I try to save as many bugs as I can, sometimes it’s not that easy, and they must be smushed! But, it would be so much easier if we could repel these little guys away and, do so without any questionable chemicals.
Well, that’s where today’s post comes in! Today I am going to share 5 essential oils you can use to shoo those pesky critters away…
Disclaimer: These oils only work if you are going to use them regularly. I find that we get a ton of buggies showing up when I forget to throw a bug repellent blend into the diffuser.
WHAT SMELL DO BUGS HATE?
Arborvitae. This is one of my favorite essential oils. All you need is one drop in the diffuser to get the job done. If you are unfamiliar with Arborvitae, it has a strong, woody scent. It pairs well with Bergamot. A great blend is 3 drops Bergamot, and 1 drop Arborvitae. A perfect stress reliever that encourages you to get sh** done!
Cedarwood. We all know that cedar planks are great to for your wardrobe to keep moths away. But, Cedarwood is also known to keep spiders away too. After Sadie’s spider bite, she was worried about getting bit again. I put a few drops of Cedarwood on her pulse points at bedtime to put her mind at ease.
You can also create a simple linen spray – in a 16 oz spray bottle combine 20 drops Cedarwood + top with water. Spray linens freely. A bonus is that Cedarwood calms anxiety so; it also promotes a restful night’s sleep.
Lemon Eucalyptus. A new favorite of mine. I love to throw this blend into my bathroom diffuser solo. It has a fresh, spa-like scent, and honestly, it’s an added bonus that Lemon Eucalyptus is an all-natural bug repellent.
Terrashield. This oil is perfect for outdoor protection. The local beach around the block (and anywhere on the north shore really), is primed with ticks, and mosquitoes. Now, I cannot say that this oil will safeguard you against ticks (don’t go running in dune grass or anything) but, it does keep mosquitoes at bay.
I always make sure to have Terrashield Spray in my beach bag. I spray it all over our beach chairs and the umbrella. Suddenly, an invisible shield emerges…
If you can plug in a diffuser by your patio space, then just add 4 -6 drops of Terrashield, and let your diffuser work its magic for 15-30 minutes before you go outside to enjoy your patio. You will notice a difference.
You Know I couldn't LEave Out...
Citronella. We all know of the power of Citronella candles. And, the essential oil works its magic on bugs the same way. I must say, Citronella is an unanticipated personal favorite. Especially when paired with Vetiver. Here’s the blend I use in my diffuser, mainly during the tail end of summer (at bedtime) – 3 drops Citronella, 1-2 drops Vetiver. An unlikely pairing, that goes so well together. Have you tried this blend before?
