Someone might choose a natural insect repellent to avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals like DEET, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Natural options, often made with essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lemon, are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and safer for children and pets. They also tend to have a more pleasant scent and are a preferred choice for those with sensitive skin or health concerns about synthetic ingredients.
Natural Bug & Insect Repellents
Here is a comprehensive list of natural insect repellents, categorized by their active ingredients and effectiveness:
Plant-Based Essential Oils
These oils are commonly used in natural insect repellents and have been shown to deter various insects:
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – Effective against mosquitoes and ticks (contains PMD, a proven repellent).
- Citronella Oil – Widely used in candles and sprays to repel mosquitoes.
- Tea Tree Oil – Repels mosquitoes, ants, and ticks.
- Lavender Oil – Deters mosquitoes, flies, and fleas while providing a pleasant scent.
- Peppermint Oil – Repels spiders, ants, mosquitoes, and even rodents.
- Cedarwood Oil – Effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
- Neem Oil – A natural pesticide that works against mosquitoes, biting midges, and other pests.
- Rosemary Oil – Works well against mosquitoes and other flying insects.
- Basil Oil – Has insecticidal properties that deter flies and mosquitoes.
- Geranium Oil – Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.
- Thyme Oil – Works against mosquitoes, particularly malarial species.
- Eucalyptus Oil – Has strong repellent properties against mosquitoes and ticks.
Herbs & Plants (Live or Dried)
Growing or placing these plants in your home or garden can help repel insects naturally:
- Lemongrass – Contains citronella, which repels mosquitoes.
- Lavender – Keeps mosquitoes, moths, and fleas away.
- Basil – Repels houseflies and mosquitoes.
- Rosemary – Acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes and cabbage moths.
- Marigolds – Contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent.
- Mint – Effective against mosquitoes, ants, and spiders.
- Catnip – Contains nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes.
- Chrysanthemums – Contain pyrethrins that repel roaches, ants, and ticks.
- Sage – Burning sage can repel mosquitoes.
Natural DIY Sprays & Solutions
You can create your own insect repellent using the following ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Essential Oils Spray – Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water with a few drops of essential oils (such as citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree).
- Witch Hazel & Essential Oils Spray – Combine witch hazel with a few drops of peppermint, citronella, or lavender oil for a mosquito repellent.
- Garlic Spray – Blend garlic cloves with water and let it sit before straining and spraying it around outdoor areas.
- Lemon & Clove – Stick cloves into a halved lemon to repel flies and mosquitoes.
- Coconut Oil & Essential Oils Mix – Mix coconut oil with neem or tea tree oil for a topical insect repellent.
Household Items That Repel Bugs & Insects
- Diatomaceous Earth – Kills crawling insects like ants, fleas, and bedbugs.
- Coffee Grounds – Sprinkling coffee grounds in outdoor areas can deter mosquitoes and ants.
- Cucumber Peels – Repels ants and cockroaches.
- Bay Leaves – Place dried bay leaves in pantries to repel weevils and cockroaches.
- White Vinegar – Spraying diluted vinegar repels ants and fruit flies.