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.
People are still concerned today, as bees are disappearing around the world and chemicals like DEET are found to be carcinogenic. Essential oils, in contrast, are natural volatile oils that can be safely extracted from plants and that are very effective against pests. They are safe to use in your home, garden, and barnyard. They are safe for all the beneficial insects, the birds, the fish, and the animals around us.
Essential oil sprays can be made with a carrier oil or with a water base. Water is usually mixed with witch hazel or vodka in recipes found online. From 10 to 75 drops of essential oil are added to three ounces of carrier solution, depending on what you will use the repellent for and what oils you are using. Make sure to shake the mixture vigorously before use to disperse the oils. If you use alcohol in the carrier solution, you can add a half ounce of jojoba oil for its moisturizing qualities.
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, 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.
People are still concerned today, as bees are disappearing around the world and chemicals like DEET are found to be carcinogenic. Essential oils, in contrast, are natural volatile oils that can be safely extracted from plants and that are very effective against pests. They are safe to use in your home, garden, and barnyard. They are safe for all the beneficial insects, the birds, the fish, and the animals around us.
Essential oil sprays can be made with a carrier oil or with a water base. Water is usually mixed with witch hazel or vodka in recipes found online. From 10 to 75 drops of essential oil are added to three ounces of carrier solution, depending on what you will use the repellent for and what oils you are using. Make sure to shake the mixture vigorously before use to disperse the oils. If you use alcohol in the carrier solution, you can add a half ounce of jojoba oil for its moisturizing qualities.
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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