Bug‑Free the Natural Way: Oils and Plants that Keep Pests Away

Natural, non‑toxic bug repellents are becoming increasingly popular as people look for safer alternatives to chemical sprays. These plant‑based solutions rely on strong scents, such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, and geranium, to mask the human odors that attract insects and to repel them effectively.

When choosing natural oils for bug protection, it’s important to distinguish between those that mask your scent and those that repel insects. Below is a breakdown of the most effective options and the pests they’re best suited for:

• Citronella: The classic "masker." It doesn't harm bugs, but it masks the human odors (like carbon dioxide) that mosquitoes use to find you. It’s best used in candles or frequent skin reapplications.
• Lemon Eucalyptus (Essential Oil): It acts as a natural repellent. It is important to note that the essential oil version is different from "Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus" (OLE). The essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, on the other hand OLE is an extract from the leaves of the tree. While the essential oil has a lovely refreshing scent and moderate repellent properties, it contains much lower levels of PMD (the active ingredient that rivals DEET) than the refined OLE version. PMD can also be chemically made in a laboratory.
• Cedarwood: This is your primary defense against ticks and fleas. It works by dehydrating the bugs and disrupting their pheromones. It’s a must-have for hikers or anyone walking through tall grass.
• Peppermint: High in menthol, which is naturally "spicy" and overwhelming to a bug’s senses. It is incredibly effective at deterring spiders, ants, and mosquitoes, plus it provides a cooling sensation on hot days.
• Lemongrass: A close relative to citronella but often considered more pleasant smelling. It’s packed with citral and geraniol, making it a heavy hitter against mosquitoes and biting flies.
• Rose Geranium: can be used to repel ticks. It contains geraniol, which studies suggest is highly effective at keeping ticks from clinging to skin or clothing. It also adds a nice floral note to DIY blends.

Top Repellent Plants for Your Yard

Once you’ve explored essential oils, the next step is extending your protection outdoors.

Growing certain plants around your home creates a natural barrier that discourages insects from settling nearby.

• Lavender & Mint — Rubbing fresh leaves or flowers directly on the skin provides natural insect protection.

• Marigolds — Contain pyrethrum, a natural compound that repels beetles, whiteflies, and mosquitoes.

• Catnip — Contains nepetalactone, which research suggests can be as effective as DEET.

• Citronella Grass — A classic choice for masking the scents that attract bugs, especially mosquitoes.

Start with the options that fit your routine, and expand from there. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home and skin bug‑free. Let nature do the heavy lifting. Here’s to fewer bites and more fresh air.

If you prefer ready‑made solutions, natural repellents are available for purchase in store and on our website.

For those who enjoy DIY options, here are some recipes and blends to try.

Concentrated Bug repellent recipe

Items needed:

• 2 oz spray bottle (dark colored)
• Which Hazel (or vinegar)
• Distilled or purified water
• Essential oils: citronella, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, rose geranium,
• Optional: glycerin 

How to make it:

• Fill about half of the bottle with which hazel
• 25 drops of citronella oil
• 10 drops of cedarwood
• 8 drops of peppermint
• 5 drops Lemongrass
• 5 drops of Rose Geranium oil and
• Top with distilled water
• Optional: add a few drops of glycerin. 

Alternatively: use about 40 drops of Tailor Made Nutrition Bugs shield blend 

NOTE:

• Unlike chemical sprays, natural repellents need to be reapplied every 1–2 hours for best results.
• For less concentrated recipe, cut the recipe in half.
• You can adjust the recipe to the size of your bottle.

Mosquito repellent recipe

Items needed:

• 2 oz Spray Bottle
• Witch Hazel (acts as an emulsifier/preservative)
• Distilled water
• Essential oils: lemon eucalyptus, citronella and lemongrass

How to make it:

• Fill about half of the bottle with which hazel
• 10-15 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
• 10 drops of citronella
• 5 drops of lemongrass
• Top with distilled water.
• Put the cap on and shake well.
• Optional: add a few drops of glycerin (helps the scent last longer).

NOTE:

• Unlike chemical sprays, natural repellents need to be reapplied every 1–2 hours for best results. 
• You can adjust the recipe to the size of your bottle

**Always try a skin patch test to determine any potential irritation before you use essential oils, and always dilute appropriately