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, we now know that many of these chemicals harm fish and birds, leave toxic residues in our food, threaten vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, and may be destroying our soil and our water supply. Bird populations that had declined sharply, like the ospreys, have recovered since DDT and some other pesticides have been banned. It was discovered that birds who ate poisoned insects laid eggs with shells too thin to protect the babies inside.
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 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, we now know that many of these chemicals harm fish and birds, leave toxic residues in our food, threaten vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, and may be destroying our soil and our water supply. Bird populations that had declined sharply, like the ospreys, have recovered since DDT and some other pesticides have been banned. It was discovered that birds who ate poisoned insects laid eggs with shells too thin to protect the babies inside.
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 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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