How to Keep Flying Insects Away

Thyme repels mosquitoes.

Flying insects can ruin a beautiful evening on your porch or a picnic with your kids in the park. There are a variety of ways to repel insects using strong chemical repellants or natural methods. Below are two natural methods that use essential oils. These essential oils have properties that repel various insects from mosquitoes to flies.

Things You'll Need

• Essential oils
• Essential oil diffuser
• Votive candle
• Matches
• Vegetable or olive oil
• Aloe vera gel

Instructions

At Home Repellant

1. Put a few drops of essential oil in an essential oil diffuser. Choose lemon balm (citronella), thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender essential oils as they naturally repel bugs.

2. Light a votive candle.

3. Place the candle below the essential oil diffuser. The heat will help evaporate the oil and will spread the natural smell in the air.

Wearable Repellant

1. Mix 25 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil and 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel. Choose rose geranium oil to repel ticks or lavender, lemon balm (citronella) or thyme to repel mosquitoes. Use eucalyptus or peppermint to repel flies. Consider combining all of the essential oils.

2. Stir the ingredients to combine them.

3. Dab a few drops on your skin and clothing.

References

• Care 2: Easily Custom Make Your Own Insect Repellent
• Care 2: How to Keep Bugs Away Outdoors