Effective Insect Repellent Essential Oils

If this past weekend taught me anything, it’s that Spring is in full bloom and the mosquitoes can’t get enough of me!  I can’t count how many times I wished I had some of my insect repellent with me as I walked around the many festivals Atlanta had to offer.  It inspired me to make  some more for myself as well as a few sprays for the case in my studio.

Making an insect repellent from essential oils is extremely effective.  Some aromatic plants produce essential oils to attract insects  (in the flower petals), to heal a wound it may have (in the resin) or to defend itself from invading insects.  I find the most effective essential oils to use for an insect repellent are distilled from the plants that produce oils in their protective leaves/needles and trunk.

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil is distilled from the leaves and with the mass market of citronella candles, is probably the most well known as an effective insect repellent.   Other favorites are Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiada…gentler on the skin as opposed to Eucalyptus globulus), Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia),  Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin) and Pine (Pinus sylvestris).    There is a reason why chests made from Cedarwood, Pine and Rosewood are popular to store clothes in!

Although Lavender (Lavedula augustifolia), Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata) essential oils are distilled from the flowering tops, I consider the oils more herbal than floral.  They make wonderful but mild insect repellents and any one of their aromas would be a nice addition to an earthy blend.  I personally prefer using Spike Lavender over Lavender since it shares  many of the characteristics of both Eucalyptus and Lavender in one oil.  Some aromatherapists recommend using Peppermint (Mentha piperita) but I prefer using Spearmint as it has similar properties but is much gentler on the skin.  I also like the extra sweetness it lends to a blend.

There are  a couple of citrus oils such as Lemon (Citrus limon) and Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) that have been shown to be  insect repellents but I tend to not go with them because they are phototoxic… meaning that they can cause severe damage to the skin when used within 20 or so  hours of being exposed to sunlight.  If I feel that the blend needs a citrus-y  note, I may add in a tiny bit of Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) since it shares similar chemical characteristics with Citronella. A little bit goes a very long way with both its aroma and effectiveness and too much will irritate the skin.   If  Lemongrass is to be added, it should only be at a 1% dilution with the addition of skin nourishing oils such as Lavender, Patchouli or Rosewood.

Like all blends, an insect repellent spray made with essential oils should be kept in a cool dark place and away from heat or fluctuating temperatures.  This can be a bit tricky since insect repellents are usually used in the summertime heat.  I solve this by carrying it in a small insulated bag or cooler (which I am usually bringing with me during long days outside anyway).   For me, planing an extra step to insure the effectiveness of the blend is worth it because it means I can avoid applying synthetic chemicals to my body’s largest organ – the skin.