Today marks the official start of summer! We've had a rather wet spring season (yay for the rain!), and this brings with it the ever pesky mosquitoes which proliferate even more in the summertime warmth. Time to reach for the essential oil blends..
How do Essential Oils repel Mosquitos?
Essential oils repelling mosquitoes and bugs isn't just a myth, there's actually a scientific reason why: insects are sensitive to the compound citronellal. You are probably familiar with the scent; it's found in citronella candles, mozzie sprays, and is actually a component of other essential oils too, not just citronella.
Another compound that repels insects is geraniol, found in its namesake geranium, but also in other oils.
Menthol can also repel insects.
We are blessed with many natural insecticides containing these compounds (and many are indigenous oils too!): buchu, African wormwood, lavender, citronella, cedarwood, lemon verbena, eucalyptus, peppermint, geranium and more.
Lemon eucalyptus is even officially recognised by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a mosquito repellent.
2 comments
Hi Lerato, you will add them into your candle wax mixture. See here for how to do it:
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/blogs/the-essentially-natural-blog/mom-s-candle-making-adventure
How do I use the bleds to make soy candles?