Bugs and insects are part of our ecosystem and are needed, outside that is, and we like a home that is free of bugs and insects.

Usually most people will turn to products that contain chemicals that are harmful to you, your family and pets. There is, however, natural and harmless way to take care of the unwanted visitors using essential oils.

What makes bugs and insects to be pushed away when using essential oils is the strong scent, for others it is a natural component found in some oils, call geraniol, and some oils have a higher concentration than others. When we are creating our blend, we blend the ones containing high level of geraniol which are Lemongrass (7.85% geraniol), Geranium (14.05% geraniol) and Palmarosa (81.28% geranoil). Ants for example, do not like Geranium neither Palmarosa.

Keep in mind when using essential oils, you may have to spray for few days to see the effects, but it is worthwhile, since it is all natural.

The way to use them varies; you can create a spray, use them pure on cotton balls and place them where the bugs find their way into your home, diffuse the oils inside your home, or grow those plants, and if you have a garden those plants will help to keep it healthy along by adding ladybugs, while Lavender pushes away insects and attracts bees!

If you want to create a spray, this is how we make ours, and you can always switch it with different essential oils listed below in our more complete list.

You will need:

  • 7 oz spray bottle

  • White Vinegar

  • Water

  • The following essential oils:

    • Lemongrass

    • Palmarosa

    • Geranium

    • Thyme

    • Rosemary

How to make:

In the spray bottle mix:

  • 3 tablespoons of white vinegar

  • 5 drops of each essential oil listed above, you can always create a stronger blend by adding more oil if necessary.

  • Fill the remaining with cold water

To use, shake the bottle very well and spray where the bugs and insects are coming from, while shaking the bottle in between spray. If you have to spray outside, it is best to do so when the area is in the shade. You will notice if you are spraying while bugs and insects are present, they will turn away.

Here is a more thorough list of oils you can use to have a home free of bugs and insects. The names that are underlined, are the oils we have included in our blend above, and as you can see that blend will take care of a wide array of unwanted visitors.

  • Ants: Orange, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Geranium, Palmarosa.

  • Aphid: Rosemary, Aniseed, Spearmint, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Coriander.

  • Bean Beetle: Thyme, Rosemary, Peppermint.

  • Caterpillar: Spearmint, Sage, Rosemary, Geranium, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Thyme.

  • Flea: Lemongrass, Citronella, Lavender, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary.

  • Fly: Clove, Lemongrass, Lavender, Citronella, Peppermint, Rosemary, Basil, Spearmint, Oregano, Geranium, Palmarosa, Patchouli.

  • Gnat: Spearmint, Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Geranium, Palmarosa, Patchouli.

  • Mite: Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Peppermint.

  • Mosquitos: Citronella, Basil, Catnip, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lemon, Thyme, Clove, Cinnamon, Sage, Rosemary, Oregano, Geranium, Palmarosa, Patchouli.

  • Moths: Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lemon, Cedarwood, Thyme, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Patchouli, Pine, Spearmint, Citronella.

  • Roaches: Rosemary, Peppermint, Oregano, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Basil, Lemon, Orange, Cypress, Tea Tree.

  • Spiders: Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender.

  • Ticks: Citronella, Lemongrass, Thyme, Sage, Rue, Rosemary, Clove, Peppermint.

Enjoy your home free of bugs and insects!