Buzz Off! With Natural Pest Control

Swarming mosquitoes, relentless black or deer flies, and other pesky bugs can take the fun out of any outdoor adventure. While most people would like these pests to just go away, many popular insect repellents contain harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals. If you aren’t crazy about the idea of these substances soaking into your (or your child’s) skin, a number of herbs and essential oils are powerful repellents.

The Main Offender

When you think of insect repellents, most common brands that come to mind list DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) as the active ingredient. Although DEET is an effective repellent, recent research suggests it may have adverse effects on the brain, especially in the developing fetus and young children.

Keep Bugs at Bay

Several herbs and essential oils may help fend off insects. Basil (Ocimum basilcum) is primarily used as a seasoning here in the U.S. But in other parts of the world it’s commonly rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon, various species) can also be crushed and rubbed directly on your skin.

Essential oils provide powerful armor against insects. Eucalyptus (E. globules) is an effective insect repellent and can benefit the skin by acting as a remedy for bites and stings. The pure essential oil of cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) can also repel bugs. Citronella (Cymbopogon, various species) has long been used to ward off insects and is often found in candles to deter mosquitoes. As with other essential oils, add several drops to a vegetable oil base, which you can rub directly on your skin. According to the Malaria Institute, neem extracts have been found to repel mosquitoes for up to 12 hours.

Citrus essential oils also repel insects, and crushed lemon thyme (Thymus citriodora) has 62 percent of DEET’s repellency. A recent study finds traditional thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to repel mosquitoes as long as or longer than DEET. Research even holds promise for catnip. In one study, catnip oil was better at keeping bugs away than DEET for three species of mosquitoes.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is also under investigation for its repellent properties. After a six-month study period, researchers reported a remarkable repellency of A. graveolens in both laboratory and field conditions, with no adverse effects observed on the skin during the six months, or in the three months following the study. Investigators conclude, “A. graveolens can be a potential candidate for use in the development of commercial repellents that may be an alternative to conventional synthetic chemicals.”

Don’t let pesky insects cramp your outdoor fun. Rather than reaching for conventional bug spray, look for herbs, essential oils, and insect repellents made with safe and natural ingredients.

Indoor Pests

Bugs can be a nuisance indoors this time of year, too. Rather than polluting the air in your home with harmful chemicals, try natural pesticides or make your own.

• Spraying a combination of essential citrus oil and water in a room is a good way to eliminate flies.
• Ants are repelled by mint. Wherever you see them, spray a mixture of one cup of water to two teaspoons of essential peppermint oil.
• A mixture of equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar helps get rid of cockroaches.
• Boric acid and black pepper repel pests—sprinkle these along the inside of cupboards or crawlspaces.