Here are the quick facts on natural bug repellents and insect bite care.

Please see the bottom of this page to see the scientific research.

• Bug Repellents
• Insect Bite Care

Bug Repellents

While DEET is popular because of its effectiveness, controversy about toxicity still surrounds its use (especially for babies and pregnant women), paving the way for natural repellents, especially when controlled-release systems make them last longer on the skin and clothing.

• Lemon Eucalyptus
• Neem Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Citronella Oil
• Other Oils

Precautions

• Test for skin sensitivity before use.
• Apply to clothing.
• Check clothing and skin for ticks after being outdoors.
• Some products should not be used on young children.

Natural Bug Repellents

• Lemon Eucalyptus

  Lemon eucalyptus and its derivative PMD (para-menthane-3, 8-diol), which offers longer-lasting protection than the essential oil, are effective against mosquitoes.

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• Neem Oil

  Neem oil exhibited moderate to high repellency against insects and low skin toxicity.

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• Lavender Oil

  Lavender oil keeps ticks at bay and may deter them from laying eggs.

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• Tea Tree Oil

  Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellent.

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• Citronella Oil

  Citronella oil, registered as an insect repellent by the Environmental Protection Agency, is approved for topical use. Repellents containing citronella oil should be reapplied up to three times per hour because it evaporates quickly. Reports of lung damage suggest that inhalation is not safe.

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• Other Oils

  Other essential oilsvtested effective against mosquitoes that carry malaria and yellow fever for up to three hours, especially:

  • cedar
  • clove
  • geranium
  • patchouli
  • peppermint
  • thyme

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Insect Bite Care

If, despite your best efforts, a bug bite happens, consider natural remedies for pain and swelling.

Precautions

• Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
• In case of a bite by a venomous spider, seek medical help immediately.

Natural Bug Bite Care

• Homeopathic remedies effective for bites and stings include Ledum, Apis, and Carbolicum acidum.
• Rosemary essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory action and may help prevent infection.
• Tea tree essential oil offers relief from itching, pain, and swelling as well as help in fighting infection.

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