Do yourself a favor and stop using chemical bug spray.
Commercial insect repellant might work well, but for individuals in search of using non-toxic ingredients that keep the bugs away, there's a solution. Essential oils, derived from plants often by steam distillation, have been used in alternative medicine for hundreds of years. Some essential oils are known to be useful in repelling insects naturally, without harmful ingredients such as DEET. These can be blended into a spray when mixed with water, or made into a lotion bar or solid perfume for ease of use.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella is the most widely known natural remedy for insect repellent. According to the "Complete Illustrated Guide to Natural Home Remedies," citronella, when used in a room spray, will deter cats from spraying. This essential oil can be added to candles or lotion as well.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Extracted from the bark of cedar trees, this essential oil has a deep, woody and slightly smoky aroma. It is a calming scent that works to relieve nervous tension and is often used as a meditation aid. It is an antiseptic and astringent, and has also been used to help ease skin conditions such as eczema. It works to help repel insects when used in a spray, room vaporizer, or lotion.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a versatile essential oil, often used in room sprays and applied to insect stings, cuts and burns. When used in a room vaporizer or in a body lotion or spray, it works well as an insect repellant. While it repels insects, it also works to calm the mind and body, reducing general stress.
Lemongrass
Derived from the stalk of the plant, this essential oil works especially well when teamed with citronella. A few drops can be added to a natural, unscented shampoo for your pets to repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, or added to a spray or lotion for human insect repellant.
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