Minerva’s Weblog

Dear Dr. Betty

Summer is here and so are the bugs. I don’t like using commercial insect repellants. Can you suggest any effective alternatives?

Thank you,

E.S. (e-mail)

Dear E.S.

I know what you mean. I don’t care for the commercial stuff either, so I make up my own concoction. This time of year is seems unavoidable to get bitten no matter what you are using. There are some essential oils that I use that are very useful for when you get bit. True Lavender (Lavender Augustafolia) can be applied directly to the bite to ease the sting. This essential oil will not harm the skin and can be applied “neat” (a British term used in aromatherapy to indicate that the oil does not have to be added to a carrier oil before application.)

The lavender smells nice, and since it is an insect repellant you will not attract more bugs. The other essential oil to use is Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia). This oil can be applied neat and will also take the sting out of insect bites. This essential oil is so versitile, it was issued as part of the First Aid Kit to Australian soldiers who served in the tropics during WWII.

I prefer some preventative measures when it comes to battling the bugs, so mix up your own repellant. You will need a glass spray bottle, some vodka, two essential oils of your choice and some distilled or filtered water. The recipe is: 1 tsp vodka, 5 drops total of essential oil, 4 fl oz (100 cc) water.

Place the vodka and 5 drops of essential oil (3 drops of one, 2 of the other) in the container and shake. Oil and water do not mix so you need the alcohol in the vodka to break up the oil globules. After mixing add the water.

Spray yourself every few hours to keep the insects away.

There are quite a few oils that can be used as insect repellents. Along with the True Lavender and Tea Tree, other effective oils include Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus), Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens). Lemon (Citrus Limon or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus).

You may want to make up a few combinations and use the one that smells the best on you or you may find that one combination will work better than another. I use a combination of Lemongrass and Lavender in my spray and when I am living in the woods as part of my military training it is one of my best friends. Don’t forget to shake the bottle before using and make a fresh batch of spray every few days.

Thanks for your question and enjoy a bug bite-free Summer!

Dr. Betty

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