Essential Oils We Tried And Would Not Recommend
We tried out six popular essential-oil repellents, and with all of them it was impossible to know how much repellency to expect, and for how long. Testing them also gave us insight into another potential drawback : They have extremely strong odors. As Zwiebel put it, you end up smelling like a rotten fruit basket. We much prefer the nearly odorless picaridin formulas that weve tested. Mosquitoes arent the only ones who rely on olfactory cues when deciding who to hang out with.
DoTerras TerraShield takes ambiguous labeling to a new level. The words bug, insect, and repellent are oddly absent from the and the label. Instead, you can find vague references to outdoor protection and environmental annoyances. There is no indication of how much to apply, how often, or even if the substance is a repellent at all . Customer reviews tell a different story: Nearly all of them describe its efficacy against mosquitoes and other insects, and at least one says, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a DEET alternative.
The Amazon page for Mexitans Skedattle All Natural Anti-Bug Spray states that the formula is 16 TIMES AS EFFECTIVE as DEET bug repellents. What does that even mean? That it lasts 16 times as long? That it blocks 16 times the number of receptors? Its likely well never know. We reached out to the company multiple times via email and did not get a response.
Regulations Aside They Dont Work That Well
Even if essential oils were subject to the EPAs efficacy-testing guidelines, all indications are that they would fall short of repellents containing picaridin and DEET. Essential oils are just not that great at repelling mosquitoes and ticks.
A major problem is the fact that essential oils are very volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly. In 2002, researchers tested seven essential-oil repellents against DEET, publishing the results in The New England Journal of Medicine. Aside from a soybean-based repellent that offered 95 minutes of protection, all other botanical repellents we tested provided protection for a mean duration of less than 20 minutes. A 2005 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research compared the repellency of 38 essential oils and found that none of them, even when applied at the very high concentrations of 10 percent and 50 percent, prevented mosquito bites for up to two hours. Another study, this one published in BioMed Research International, states that insect repellents with citronella oil as the major component need to be reapplied every 2060 minutes.
What Are Essential Oils
Essential oils are chemicals extracted from plants that are, according to the EPA , responsible for the distinctive odor or flavor of the plant they come from. You can think of them as the distilled essence of the plant. Studies into plant-based bug repellents, such as this summary from a 2011 edition of Malaria Journal, have shown that some of these oils can repel insects to varying degrees. Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium. According to one analysis, More than 3,000 EOs from various plants have been analyzed thus far, and approximately 10% of them are commercially available as potential repellents and insecticides. The formulas we found are typically a mixture of multiple oils at very low concentrations, rarely above 3 or 4 percent each, mixed with water or other inert ingredients.
Also Check: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum
Peppermint Essential Oil To Control Pests
Many pests dont like the smell of mint, especially peppermint. Peppermint oil smells great to humans and is a good alternative to commercial pesticide. It is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, flies, ants, beetles, and more. In addition, it deters raccoons, woodpeckers, and mice. Birds dont have strong lungs and therefor dont like strong scents such as peppermint oil.
An easy way to help repel and deter insects, rodents, birds, and wildlife is to create a peppermint oil spray.
Peppermint Oil Spray
Mix several drops of peppermint essential oil and water in a small spray bottle. Shake well. The oil will tend to separate from the water. Always shake before applying. Spray the mixture wherever youre having the pest problem.
If this isnt working, increase the amount of peppermint oil in the water up to a 50/50 ratio. For example mix 2 Tablespoons peppermint oil with 2 Tablespoons water. Shake well and spray.
Peppermint Oil Cotton Balls
Apply at least 5 drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball. The stronger the scent the better. Place it in various spots around your home or business where pests are entering. This can help repel insects and rodents. It is important for the pests to smell the peppermint before they enter the building. Refresh the peppermint oil cotton balls at least once a month.
Concentrated Peppermint Oil
Interesting research on Peppermint oil
Here Are Some Other Essential Oils That Keep Pests Away
PEPPERMINT: spiders, garden bugs, mosquitoes, ants, aphids, beetles, fleas, flies, roaches, moths
LAVENDER: moths, chiggars, fleas, flies, ticks
BASIL: dust mites, mosquitoes, flies
THYME: flies, mosquitoes, beetles, chiggars, ticks
MELALEUCA : lice, bed bugs, roaches, fleas, leeches, ticks
LEMONGRASS: bed bugs, mosquitoes, ticks, fruit flies
SPEARMINT: ants, fleas, gnats, moths, spiders
ROSEMARY: flies, mosquitoes, ants, caterpillars
CEDARWOOD: fleas, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, lice, gnats
Like the above recipe, simply add 20 drops of the desired essential oil in a 16 oz glass spray bottle and fill the rest with water.
Another natural product that I really like to use in my garden and around my home is Diatomaceous Earth.
My kids call it spiders cutters. Basically, when a spider or bug gets the white powder on their feet, because of the tiny little shape of the powder, it cuts them and they die.
The Diatomaceious Earth is also edible , meaning, I put the powder in a little bit juice , stir it very well and chug it quickly. Its REALLY good for the health of your skin and nails, but because it IS little tiny sharp pieces, you want to chug it and not swish it in your mouth or anything because they will get stuck in your teeth, which is not fun. I did that once. haha.
You can take it 1-2 times a week and youll notice a difference in a couple weeks. ð
Read Also: Quick And Easy Salad Recipes
What Natural Ingredients Help Repel Bugs
While the Environmental Protection Agency requires most skin-applied insect repellants to be registered for both human safety and effectiveness, the agency has also listed several natural ingredients as minimum risk pesticides.
Its important to note that while these ingredients are safe for human use, the EPA does not evaluate them for effectiveness.
Here are some popular natural ingredients that may help repel bugs in your home and yard.
List Of Peppermint Oil Bed Bug Spray Recipe
- Extra Concentrated for Long-Lasting Protection
- Natural Ingredients Proven Effective in the Real World
- Large 16oz Bottle
Price : $14.99 Features :
- THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED INSECT REPELLENT UpNatures Citronella Blend Insect Repellent Spray includes a mix of 8 naturally-derived essential oils. Repel insects with essential oil benefits like hydrating and toning skin, relieving itching, and more.
- ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS Blended with citronella oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass, peppermint, Thyme, and spearmint, repel insects and smell good too. This mosquito repellent outdoor spray is 100% DEET Free bug spray. No dyes, no synthetic fragrances, and no harsh chemicals.
- TAKE IT ANYWHERE Perfect camping essentials. Whether youre fishing, hiking, golfing, or enjoying sunshine in your backyard, this 2 oz bug spray travel size bottle has you covered. Make the outdoors yours again with a natural bug and insect spray thats safe for everyone.
- HOW TO USE Shake before use. Spray on exposed skin from a distance of 8-12 inches and let it dry. Re-apply as needed. If applying on face, spray into hands first then gently apply. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry area.
- WE ARE UPNATURE Always pure and potent, UpNature products are 100% pure and natural with no dilution or added fragrances. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. Thats why all UpNature products adhere to our strict quality standards.
Additional Info :
Price : $9.99 Features :
Additional Info :
Price : $9.97Features :
You May Like: Instant Pot Recipes For 1 Person
Herbicide Control In Field Corn
General Control
Glyphosate applied in the fall to perennial sow-thistle should offer the most effective long term control of this species provided a high enough rate is used and one does not become complacent with respect to yearly management of this weed. Pre-plant glyphosate applications in the spring can also be effective at providing in-season control, provided that the majority of perennial sow-thistle has emerged at the time of application. In general a glyphosate rate of 2 L/ac should provide good control of perennial sow-thistle.
Post Emergent Control
A number of post-emergent broadleaf and “one pass” herbicides should provide supression/control of perennial sow-thistle in field corn .
Table 1.
Active Ingredient BANVEL II 83 PARDNER or KORIL + atrazine 76 27 Table 2.
| Active Ingredient |
|---|
Dr. Peter Sikkema, Ridgetown College, University of Guelph.
Number of Trials:
Table 1 is based on a summary of 2 field trials.
Table 2 is based on a summary of 1 field trial.
Herbicide Rates: Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAFRA Publication 75 – Guide to Weed Control.
Weed Stage: Perennial sow-thistle was around the 2 to 8 leaf stage at the time of application.
What has been your experience?
Why Do Bugs Hate Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a gardeners best friend! Thats because most bugs HATE peppermint!
Peppermint has a strong odor that most insects will avoid. It makes a wonderful natural deterrent if youre looking to avoid pesticides.
An interesting fact I learned while researching my peppermint bug spray is that stick bugs use a peppermint odor to repel predators! Theyre already onto the peppermint repellent trick!
Don’t Miss: New York Times Salmon Recipe
Doespeppermint Oil Kills Roaches
Like most essential oils, peppermint oil also does not have the level of toxicity needed to kill roaches directly.
Just leaving some peppermint oil out wont kill roaches that come towards it it will just keep them away.
However, it has been observed that the solutions in which the percentage of mint oil is more than 3% killed roaches, but only with continuous and direct exposure.
Therefore, if you wish to kill roaches using peppermint oil, you will have to directly expose them to a mint oil solution for a considerably good time.
Peppermint Oil For Squirrels: Does It Deter Them
Using peppermint oil for squirrels is a highly effective and simple method that all homeowners should consider. There are very few downsides!
Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about repelling squirrels and keeping them away with peppermint oil. Youll be amazed by how easy it is!
Recommended Reading: Homemade Dehydrated Dog Food Recipes
Problems Associated With Mainstream Pest Control Options
- Oral entry: This can occur through droplets of chemicals on the food we eat and the liquids we drink. It also occurs when our hands are near or in our mouths if our hands have been exposed to the chemicals.
- Respiratory entry: Sprays, vapours or powders can be breathed in
- Dermal entry: Spray that lands on the body is quickly absorbed through the skin and eyes
Herbicide Control In Soybeans
A pre-plant application of glyphosate at 2 L/ac will provide good control of perennial sow-thistle that has emerged at the time of application. However since glyphosate has no “residual” activity, it will not control any secondary flushes of this weed. Therefore in “Roundup Ready” soybeans, a second application of glyphosate will be required to control perennial sow-thistle. If growing conventional soybeans, BASAGRAN FORTE offers the most consistent level of perennial sow-thistle control, while other herbicides can provide supression . CLASSIC, at times, has provided impressive control of perennial sowthistle. However, results have been inconsistent and on average visual control with CLASSIC has been around only 60% .
Table 1.
| Active Ingredient |
|---|
You May Like: Easy Dairy Free Dinner Recipes
Here’s A Quick Recipe To Make Your Own Essential Oil Insecticide
Create your own essential oil insecticide to control pests both inside your home and out in the garden. Whether you’re dealing with ants, flies, mosquitoes, or spiders, theres a way to keep insects at bay without using harmful fumes and making your own insecticide out of essential oils.
Say goodbye to toxic industrial sprays and welcome the sweet smell of orange oil instead. You can get results with all-natural pest management solutions. Producing homemade insecticide out of essential oils is easier than you think. We have put together the best tips for you to try it at home.
How To Use Peppermint Oil To Deter Squirrels
Peppermint oil is a versatile liquid that you can use in many different ways. Its easy to use, and you can easily get creative. Getting things right might involve some trial and error, but once you find the right solution for the pests invading your outdoor space, itll work wonders to keep them out.
If the simple peppermint oil spray method isnt repelling squirrels, try these methods.
Read Also: Best Moist Banana Cake Recipe
How To Make Peppermint Oil Spray For Squirrels
The easiest way to use peppermint oil for squirrels is to make a simple spray. Whether spraying your garden or dousing a bird feeder, sprays work well in terms of application and staying power.
In order to make peppermint oil spray for squirrels, all you need is a bottle of clean water. Pour the water into a spray bottle and add a few drops of peppermint oil. You dont need very much, and most recommend starting with only a few drops to play it safe. This stuff is potent!
The oil will separate from the water, so its good to give the bottle a good shake before using it. Spray the solution liberally around places squirrels like to frequent, and youll get the smell everywhere. That should be enough to keep the squirrels out.
If not, you can always adjust your solution. Add more drops of the peppermint oil to increase intensity. You can do a 50/50 ratio of oil to water if you have the means to do so. That should be more than enough to do the trick!
This Trick Will Get Rid Of Most Insects Around Your Home
Keep insects away with peppermint oil.
Protasov AN/Shutterstock
Before you reach for the chemical-laden bug spray and store-bought insect repellents, theres a natural solution you can trypeppermint.
Insects hate peppermint. In fact, the stick bug uses a milky substance it can emit from behind its head that fills the air with the scent of peppermint. The bug uses this to fight off predators, as the scent is an unbearable irritant to most insects.
Also Check: Campbell’s Cream Of Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Peppermint Spray For Spiders
If youve ever asked yourself, Does peppermint extract repel spiders? The answer is yes. Peppermint and spiders are a terrible combination. Well, bad for spiders, anyway.
Spiders use their legs to smell, so any strong-smelling liquid, like peppermint oil, bothers them. When you squirt a peppermint-based spray on your windows, floors, steps, or walls, spiders will avoid crawling through the strong scent.
Though peppermint sprays will not kill spiders, they will certainly do everything they can to avoid the scent. Prevent them from entering your home, or encourage them to leave, by spraying the mixes on this list about once a week in strategic locations.
Use the sprays on this list to get rid of spiders in your car, garage, and house. Spray any area where you want to keep arachnids away and dont worry about the smell since most people find it quite pleasant.
Essential Oils To Repel Bugs
Ants: black pepper, cinnamon, citrus , clove, peppermint, spearmint, tea tree
Aphids: cedarwood, clove, coriander, fennel, lavender, oregano, palmarosa, peppermint, spearmint
Bed Bugs: cinnamon, clove, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, tea tree
Beetles: cedarwood, orange, peppermint, thyme
Boxelder Bugs: peppermint, spearmint
Chiggers: cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, orange, sage, thyme
Cockroaches: cedarwood, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, orange, peppermint, thyme
Earwigs: cinnamon
Fleas: cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, orange, peppermint
Flies: cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, range, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree, thyme
Fruit Flies: basil, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass,peppermint
Gnats: cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, orange, patchouli, peppermint
Head Lice: cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree
No-See-Ums : lemongrass
Mosquitoes: cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, clove, eucalyptus, geranium, hyssop, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint
Moths: cedarwood, citronella, hyssop, lavender, orange, peppermint, spearmint
Roaches: cedarwood, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, orange, peppermint, thyme
Silverfish: cedarwood, cinnamon, gnats
Spiders: cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, cloves, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, spearmint
Stink Bugs: peppermint
Read Also: Healthy Dog Food Recipes For Puppies
Springtime In The Orchard: Organic Strategies For Apple Pest Management
With the temperature gradually increasing, buds are swelling and green tip is just around the corner in many of the early apple growing regions of the province. Spring is a great time to get a head start on pest control in the orchard, before insect populations or disease inoculum build, and actively growing tissue and dense foliage makes management a little trickier. If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin thinking about IPM strategies that can be done over the next few weeks that will help reduce the likelihood of chasing certain pests later in the season.