Purchase a plain liquid Castile soap and lavender essential oil, both of which you can purchase at many health stores and large retailers. [2] X Research source Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the Castile soap and mix well. [3] X Research source Wash with the soap either every day or before you go outside.
Use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil so that it doesn’t irritate your skin. Examples of carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and sesame oil. [5] X Research source Put 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil into each ounce of carrier oil you use. [6] X Research source You can increase this amount as you tolerate it. [7] X Research source Use 10-25 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon (14. 8 ml) aloe vera gel as an alternative. [8] X Research source Consider using these as body moisturizers and an alternative to soap. Place a dab on your pet’s collar to repel ticks. [9] X Research source
Mix 25 drops lavender essential oil with ¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar. You can also use water if the smell of the vinegar is too strong. [11] X Research source
Make lavender sachets or pillows by putting dried lavender into little cloth bags or small pillowcases. You can either buy dried lavender or dry some from a plant you may have. Many health food and home goods stores sell already made lavender sachets and pillowcases. Place the sachets or pillowcases in cupboards, chests, or even around your bedroom. In addition to repelling insects, it will give the spaces a fresh smell. [13] X Research source
Add 30-40 drops of your lavender essential oil to 1. 5 ounces of distilled water in a clean spray bottle. [15] X Research source The amount of essential oil you use will depend on how strong you want the scent. [16] X Research source You can also make a spray using dried lavender. Boil 3-4 cups of distilled water and 3–4 tablespoons (44. 4–59. 1 ml) of dried lavender. Allow the mixture to cool and strain out the plant. Put it in a spray bottle and use as you like. [17] X Research source Mist the spray wherever you’d like to repel bugs. Make sure to not douse bed linens or clothing with the spray. [18] X Research source
Rub the flowers to hot parts of your body that can help circulate scent such as your neck, underarms, and behind your ears. [20] X Research source
Use 30-40 drops of lavender essential oil per 1. 5 ounces of distilled water that you want to use in trays. Fill the trays with the mixture and put in spaces that attract a lot of insects. [22] X Research source
Companies such as California Baby, Buzz Away, and Bite Blocker offer natural, non-chemical, non-toxic and hypoallergenic insect repellents. [24] X Research source Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations for natural bug repellents that you can buy.
Wristbands allow you to wear a repellent at all times and provide protection within a radius of a foot or two. Clip-on devices will attach to a belt or even a chair if you prefer to not have it on you. [26] X Research source Buy wristband and devices and pharmacies, large retailers, and health food stores.
Buy a candle with a concentration of citronella that is 5-10%. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Make sure to burn the candle for as long as you are outside or in an area where there are a lot of bugs because the oils can evaporate quickly and lose efficacy, leaving you unprotected. [29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Wear moderately thick fabric so that bugs cannot bite through material. [31] X Research source
Place window, overhead, or standing fans around your home. Many insects have a difficult time navigating in the wind. [33] X Research source Get rid of any standing water in your yard that can attract insects and promote breeding. This includes emptying birth baths and filling puddles. [34] X Research source
Scientists have not done enough research on insect traps, which mimic a breathing animal or person. In addition, these devices can be loud as they run on a gas-powered engine. [36] X Research source
