The Best Essential Oils for Repelling Bugs

Citronella is one of the most well-known essential oils for repelling insects, especially mosquitoes. Extracted from the leaves and stems of citronella grass, this oil has a lemony scent that bugs find unpleasant.

To use citronella as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your home or outdoor space. You can also add citronella oil to candles or diffusers for a more continuous release of its bug-repelling aroma.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree and is another powerful mosquito repellent. The active ingredient in this oil, called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), has been proven to be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes.

To use lemon eucalyptus oil, dilute it with a carrier oil (such as Roeship or Meadowfoam), and apply it directly to your skin or clothing.

Peppermint oil has a strong, refreshing scent that is effective in repelling ants, spiders, and even ticks. To use peppermint oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where you've noticed insect activity.

You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and place them in strategic locations around your home to deter pests.

Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, but it's also an effective insect repellent. It can help keep mosquitoes, flies, and ants away while also soothing bug bites and reducing inflammation.

To use tea tree oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin or use it in a spray bottle with water for wider coverage.

Geranium oil has a sweet, floral scent that is pleasant for humans but repulsive to bugs like mosquitoes and ticks.

To use geranium oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with carrier oil and apply it to your skin or clothing. Alternatively, you can diffuse geranium oil in your outdoor space to create a bug-free zone.

Palo Santo, also known as "holy wood," is a sacred tree native to South America. Its essential oil is derived from the tree's resin and has a sweet, woody aroma that is both grounding and uplifting. In addition to its spiritual uses, Palo Santo essential oil is effective in repelling insects, particularly mosquitoes and ants.

To use Palo Santo oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin or dilute it with water in a spray bottle for broader coverage. Note this oil comes as a pure essential oil, but you can also purchase it as a 10% dilute on the same product listing.

Cedarwood Atlas essential oil is extracted from the wood of cedar trees and has a warm, earthy scent. It is known for its ability to repel a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. The natural insecticidal properties of cedarwood oil make it an excellent choice for protecting your home and outdoor spaces from bugs.

To use cedarwood oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or clothing, or add it to a diffuser to create a bug-free environment.

Juniper Berry essential oil is derived from the berries of the juniper tree. With its fresh, pine-like scent, juniper oil is not only refreshing but also effective in repelling insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Additionally, juniper oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe bug bites and irritated skin.

To use juniper essential oil as a bug repellent, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or create a spray by diluting it with water.