1:19 AM
People are more and more adverse to adding to the pollution of the planet - and further endangering their own health - by using chemical insecticides. Still, we all prefer to go about our daily routine untroubled by pesky bugs. Fortunately, essential oil insect repellent is effective and lets us have our cake and eat it, too, without uninvited guests!
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
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.
Today those who love wildlife and the natural world can choose to avoid modern bug repellent products whose safety is already being questioned. The essential oil of many plants is effective against pests, like spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio. You can find recipes online to make your own, or you can buy all-natural products ready made. You can use them in your home, in your garden, in your barnyard and stable, and on your person.
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.
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.
Mosquitoes are repelled by almost all fragrant oils. Horseflies hate tansy, peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood. Lemon eucalyptus is good for keeping almost any bug away. For fleas, try lemongrass, cedarwood, lavender, tea tree, thyme, and oregano. For gnats, eucalyptus and citronella are good, as are the mints. Get a citronella candle to help keep insects away at night. You can also rub a bit of lemon balm, catnip, or mint on your face when you are gardening; add a few sprigs to your hat, too, to keep the gnats away.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
At first, chemical pesticides were hailed as miracle tools in the fight against hunger and disease. DDT almost wiped out bedbugs, saved the apple trees from the coddling moth, and destroyed malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other poisons were developed for pests and widely used.
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.
Today those who love wildlife and the natural world can choose to avoid modern bug repellent products whose safety is already being questioned. The essential oil of many plants is effective against pests, like spiders in the basement or mosquitoes on the patio. You can find recipes online to make your own, or you can buy all-natural products ready made. You can use them in your home, in your garden, in your barnyard and stable, and on your person.
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.
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.
Mosquitoes are repelled by almost all fragrant oils. Horseflies hate tansy, peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood. Lemon eucalyptus is good for keeping almost any bug away. For fleas, try lemongrass, cedarwood, lavender, tea tree, thyme, and oregano. For gnats, eucalyptus and citronella are good, as are the mints. Get a citronella candle to help keep insects away at night. You can also rub a bit of lemon balm, catnip, or mint on your face when you are gardening; add a few sprigs to your hat, too, to keep the gnats away.
The volatile oils in plants attract pollinators while repelling pests. Check out the other oils you can use: grapefruit, clove, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, and lemon. A few drops of peppermint oil keeps spiders out of basement corners. With use, you'll find your favorite natural bug repellents.
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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