If you want to help reduce the pollution of the planet -and protect your health at the same time - consider using natural pest control rather than toxic chemicals. You can use essential oil insect repellent with confidence, knowing that it's safe for pets and children, doesn't pollute the environment, and works beautifully.
In the old days, newly discovered insecticides were embraced and used enthusiastically. Perhaps the most notorious was DDT, hailed as the answer to plagues of bed bugs, mosquitoes, and the coddling moth that was destroying apple orchards. Many other bugs succumbed to this powerful poison.
However, while certain pests declined dramatically, other bugs rose up to fill the vacuum. Moreover, birds suffered from eating poisoned insects; their shells became so thin that they broke in the nest before they could hatch. The osprey was the poster child for the 'protect our birds' movement. Fortunately, their population has recovered, and their distinctive shaggy nests are once more a familiar sight along Chesapeake Bay shores.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should seldom be used full-strength. For insect sprays, you can add up to fifty drops of one or a combination of oils to a mixture of one part witch hazel to two parts water. You can also add the oil to water mixed with vodka. (Alcohol can be drying to the skin, so you could also add half an ounce of jojoba oil.) Leave room in the spray bottle for the shaking which is necessary before every use, since the oils will separate out.
Instead of water, you can use a carrier oil. Sunflower, extra-virgin olive oil, apricot kernel, and fractionated coconut oil are all good carrier oils. An oil-based insecticide is good when you need a long-lasting effect; for instance, you can rub a tea tree oil mix on your dog to repel fleas and ticks. A fragrant oil is great for moisturizing summer-dry skin while also keeping biting insects away.
There are many effective oils to choose from. Most essential oils repel mosquitoes, while all the mints are great for gnats. Lemon eucalyptus works on almost all nuisance bugs. Fleas stay away from lemongrass, lavender, cedar, tea tree, oregano, and thyme. In the garden, try spraying your hat and clothes, or simply rub a sprig of lemon balm, catnip, or spearmint on your face and arms. For extra gnat protection, put a few sprigs of the herb itself in your hatband.
Plants produce these volatile oils to repel pests, as well as to attract pollinators. Other good oils include clove, grapefruit, lemon, pine, rosemary, and cinnamon. Peppermint oil applied full strength to the corners of basement and garage space keeps spiders out. Experiment to find your favorite oils.
In the old days, newly discovered insecticides were embraced and used enthusiastically. Perhaps the most notorious was DDT, hailed as the answer to plagues of bed bugs, mosquitoes, and the coddling moth that was destroying apple orchards. Many other bugs succumbed to this powerful poison.
However, while certain pests declined dramatically, other bugs rose up to fill the vacuum. Moreover, birds suffered from eating poisoned insects; their shells became so thin that they broke in the nest before they could hatch. The osprey was the poster child for the 'protect our birds' movement. Fortunately, their population has recovered, and their distinctive shaggy nests are once more a familiar sight along Chesapeake Bay shores.
Many repellents on the market today have ingredients that are considered carcinogens. The good news is that the volatile oils of plants are effective repellents and bug killers. If you have spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio, go online and find out how to make your own sprays and topical lotions. You can also buy ready-made formulas to keep bugs away from people and animals.
Essential oils should seldom be used full-strength. For insect sprays, you can add up to fifty drops of one or a combination of oils to a mixture of one part witch hazel to two parts water. You can also add the oil to water mixed with vodka. (Alcohol can be drying to the skin, so you could also add half an ounce of jojoba oil.) Leave room in the spray bottle for the shaking which is necessary before every use, since the oils will separate out.
Instead of water, you can use a carrier oil. Sunflower, extra-virgin olive oil, apricot kernel, and fractionated coconut oil are all good carrier oils. An oil-based insecticide is good when you need a long-lasting effect; for instance, you can rub a tea tree oil mix on your dog to repel fleas and ticks. A fragrant oil is great for moisturizing summer-dry skin while also keeping biting insects away.
There are many effective oils to choose from. Most essential oils repel mosquitoes, while all the mints are great for gnats. Lemon eucalyptus works on almost all nuisance bugs. Fleas stay away from lemongrass, lavender, cedar, tea tree, oregano, and thyme. In the garden, try spraying your hat and clothes, or simply rub a sprig of lemon balm, catnip, or spearmint on your face and arms. For extra gnat protection, put a few sprigs of the herb itself in your hatband.
Plants produce these volatile oils to repel pests, as well as to attract pollinators. Other good oils include clove, grapefruit, lemon, pine, rosemary, and cinnamon. Peppermint oil applied full strength to the corners of basement and garage space keeps spiders out. Experiment to find your favorite oils.
About the Author:
Find a list of the benefits you get when you use an essential oil insect repellent and view our selection of essential oils at http://www.paulopolis.com/product/petitgrain-orange-essential-oil-2-oz now.
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