10 Natural Ingredients to Repel Insects

5/31/2017

With summer here, it’s the perfect time to spend more time out in the sunshine. It’s also the best time for the pesky bugs to be out, too. There are so many products on the market to repel insects from outdoor activities and to keep them from coming into your home, but so many of them contain strong chemicals such as DEET. YUK!

Have you thought of trying all natural ways to repel insects without needing to use any harmful chemicals? Many of these are already found in your home. Here are some ways to repel insects both inside and out… naturally!

What Spices Certain Bugs Hate

Ants

Ants have a strong sense of smell and dislike cinnamon, garlic, and mint
Lay cinnamon sticks or garlic cloves on windowsills or under the kitchen sink to deter them
Plant mint along your home's foundation to repel them outdoors

Cinnamon

Garlic

Peppermint

Spiders, Fleas, and Ticks

Plant peppermint in pots on your deck or in your yard and garden to repel spiders, fleas, and ticks
To keep spiders from coming inside, place a drop or two of peppermint essential oil or pure extract in the corners of door frames and windows where spiders have been seen
Crush fresh peppermint leaves and rub over your skin before venturing outdoors

Citronella

Calendula (Marigolds)

Lavender

Mosquitoes

Citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, calendula (marigold), and geranium all repel mosquitoes
Plant lavender and geraniums in pots on the porch or deck
Lay lemons cut in half near outdoor seating
Citronella essential oil can be used sparingly in drops around windowsills or outdoor seating areas

Bay Leaves

Fresh Lemon

Rosemary

Pesky Flies

Bay leaves and rosemary can be used in bowls around outdoor seating areas to repel flies
Lavender and mint will also repel flies

Most Insects

Basil is disliked by most any insect!
Plant basil in pots and place on your deck or on the kitchen windowsill to chase bugs away

Added BONUS! Fresh basil is such a treat in many cooking dishes. Cut as needed to add flavor and color to your recipes.

Camping Tip

Place 3-4 shiny pennies in a plastic sandwich bag with about 1/2" water. Seal bag and tack on door frame of outside door. The reflection of the pennies in the water will chase flies away. This is a great trick for camping and your tent.

DIY Project: Bug-Repelling Lantern

Supplies:

2 wide-mouth mason jars
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
4 fresh rosemary sprigs
2 floating disc candles
10 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil*
10 drops citronella essential oil*
water

*Essential oils will work best, but you can try pure peppermint extract (1/4-1/2 t. in each jar) if you do not have the essential oils.

Instructions:

Add 1/2 lemon + 1/2 lime + 2 rosemary sprigs in each jar
Fill each jar 3/4 full with water
Add citronella oil to the first jar
Add lemon eucalyptus oil to the second jar
Place a floating candle in each jar and light the candle to activate the scents!

Want a Natural Solution?

Our See Ya! line of outdoor products are made with a special blend of 9 essential oils that include citronella, lavender, lemon, and others. We've got three options to protect yourself this summer: soap, spray, or a lotion bar!