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.
Insecticides, like DDT, were hailed as miraculous when they first came out. They were extremely effective against annoying pests like bed bugs, and dangerous ones like mosquitoes which carried malaria. The apple harvest was saved from the coddling moth. People loved them - until they discovered that what poisoned bugs poisoned other things, too.
Other insects attacked crops; other pesticides were developed. Meanwhile, many bird populations declined, some almost to the point of extinction. It was discovered that birds eating DDT-laden bugs produced eggshells so fragile that they broke in the nest. Fish and other wildlife were endangered, too. Environmentalists rose up in protest. DDT was banned.
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 be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
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 their volatile oils in part to repel the bugs that eat them. You can find your favorite oils by trying a few. Clove, lavender, cinnamon, lemon, and pine are others you can try. Peppermint oil should be diluted for topical use, but you can use it full strength to keep spiders out of your basement. Go online to find many good tips on using essential oils to keep the pests away.
Insecticides, like DDT, were hailed as miraculous when they first came out. They were extremely effective against annoying pests like bed bugs, and dangerous ones like mosquitoes which carried malaria. The apple harvest was saved from the coddling moth. People loved them - until they discovered that what poisoned bugs poisoned other things, too.
Other insects attacked crops; other pesticides were developed. Meanwhile, many bird populations declined, some almost to the point of extinction. It was discovered that birds eating DDT-laden bugs produced eggshells so fragile that they broke in the nest. Fish and other wildlife were endangered, too. Environmentalists rose up in protest. DDT was banned.
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 be diluted in a carrier oil or water/witch hazel solution. For a 4-ounce spray bottle, 1 ounce of witch hazel to 2 ounces water is a popular carrier, although you can use vodka in place of the witch hazel. 50 to 75 drops of essential oils - you can use several together - are added. The oils will separate out, so shake vigorously before use. If you are using alcohol in the mix, add 1/2 ounce of jojoba oil for moisturizing.
Sunflower, coconut, apricot, and extra virgin olive oils make good carriers. Oil-based insecticides will last longer, so they are good for flea and tick treatments on dogs or for longer hikes. The carrier oils make good moisturizers for dry skin.
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 their volatile oils in part to repel the bugs that eat them. You can find your favorite oils by trying a few. Clove, lavender, cinnamon, lemon, and pine are others you can try. Peppermint oil should be diluted for topical use, but you can use it full strength to keep spiders out of your basement. Go online to find many good tips on using essential oils to keep the pests away.
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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