When buying an insect repellent, most people just pick the first product they see on the shelf, despite the fact they have no idea what they are actually getting. This is how I once spent a day and a half covered in ticks after using an insect repellent that didn’t work. That’s why I’ve decided to create this review of the best natural insect repellents available on today’s market. The bug will not bother you again! This part is true, that’s a commitment. But just what are bug repellents and the best natural insect repellent? That’s a great question and definitely one you should continue reading on to obtain the information so you can be as educated on this topic as possible. Many of you are going to be outside this summer. And if you’re heading out on a camping trip or going to go on a hike and will be in the wilderness, a bug repellent is likely something that you’re going to want to bring with you. Now there are synthetic and chemical repellents out there, but I prefer to use natural insect repellents instead. In fact, I commonly use natural insect repellents for my dogs, as well. But it can sometimes be difficult to find which ones are the best natural insect repellents. So in this post, I’ve created a list of what I consider to be the best natural insect repellents:

Best Natural Insect Repellent

Introduction

The summer months are great for enjoying the outdoors, but they can also be prime time for mosquitoes and other pests. Dealing with bug bites can range from a mild annoyance (itching and irritation) to a more serious health threat (allergies, diseases). There are plenty of commercial options for keeping insects at bay, but many contain potentially harmful chemicals. This is especially true of aerosol-based sprays, which release these toxic chemicals into the air during application. If you’re looking for a safer alternative to chemical-based insect repellents, there are a number of natural options that work well without exposing you or your family to unnecessary risk:

Try Oils, Like Lemon Eucalyptus or Citronella.

If you want to go the natural route, it is possible to make your own insect repellent. You can find essential oils at your local grocery store or health food store. Mix 1/3 cup of oil with 2/3 cup water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon eucalyptus or citronella). Shake well before each use and spray on skin liberally every 1-2 hours as needed. Remember to wear sunscreen if you’re going out in the sun!

Use Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective insect repellent. The high acidity of apple cider vinegar makes it a natural insect repellent—it works by breaking down the waxy barrier on the skin and also acts as a deterrent to biting insects, helping to keep them away from your skin.

When used as a spray or wipe, diluted apple cider vinegar should be applied directly to your skin. You can dilute ACV with water at the following ratios: 1 part ACV + 9 parts water (for use in a spray bottle) or 1 part ACV + 10 parts water (for wipes).

Use Plant Based Essential Oils.

There are many plant-based essential oils that can be used to repel insects. These include citronella, cedarwood, lemongrass, lavender, rosemary and peppermint.

Essential oils are usually extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing (also known as enfleurage). They are then stored in dark glass bottles with a tight lid to keep them from degrading due to exposure to light and air.

Apply Mint and Basil.

You can rub mint and basil leaves on your skin.

You can make a tea with mint and basil.

You can make a spray with mint and basil.

You can mix mint and basil with water and spray on your skin.

Repellent Tea Bags.

• Ingredients:

3 parts dried chamomile flowers

2 parts dried sage leaves (or 1 part dried lavender buds)

1 part dried peppermint leaves

• Equipment: measuring cup, large bowl, funnel, tea bags (available at most grocery stores) or cheesecloth for making a sachet.
• Method: Place herbs in the bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes or longer depending on how strong you want the tea to be. Use only enough water to cover the herbs once they’re added to your bowl; don’t use too much as this will dilute their effectiveness! Let cool completely before straining into bottles/jars/mason jars***END OF SECTION***

Consider Neem Oil.

Neem oil is a natural insect repellent that can be used on humans, animals and plants.

• It is safe for children, pets and food crops.
• It has been tested to be non-toxic to humans, animals and beneficial insects including honeybees, ladybugs and spiders.
• Neem oil contains no synthetic ingredients or chemicals that could harm the environment or wildlife populations such as bees, butterflies or owls.

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of an evergreen tree called Azadirachta indica that grows in India as well as in other tropical countries like Sri Lanka and Malaysia; it’s also known by its Hindi name “neem.” According to [the EPA](https://www2a0f4a4cb3c912f1e5622d6eedd8b7c1b88000002d0900020001021040581013103403031203036007506306703806607307806050807070708160921021021012102100B9BDB63F7DDE38DAE35D0BF41AA32A615CBF37C5499AE3933FA5BE5EB5FB49C335EBCEC23A17BD69230DB96346655ABA42BBF74248D717CE1C91690DFD4629BF50EF8FE3A0A20CDA79B802CD08DDED7385EE86C1165DB29B73EAB70619500537205136054415454545445545545545555557557558595FE20243002403032042052062072082092092102113023130231

Give Margosa a Chance.

Margosa is a great natural insect repellent. It can be used on the skin, or as a spray. You can also use it on your dog, and even your children! Margosa is versatile and works well in many applications—from clothing to furniture to bedding.

Making your own natural insect repellent is simple, effective and inexpensive!

Making your own natural insect repellent is simple, effective and inexpensive!

• Use ingredients that you know are safe for human use.
• Use essential oils that have been tested for safety and effectiveness on humans (not just animals).
• Using a combination of the following ingredients will provide broad spectrum protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other pests: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Citronella Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar with 5% acidity or higher by volume (acetic acid), Mint Oil (Mentha piperita), Basil Oil (Ocimum basilicum) and Neem Leaf Extract Oils derived from the neem tree have been found to be very effective against various insects including mosquitoes as well as mites & ticks due to their potent anti-microbial properties which help kill off bacteria that are responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria & yellow fever!

Conclusion

When it comes to repelling insects, natural remedies are just as effective as commercial products. What’s more, they can be used safely around pets and children without causing any harm! In addition, keeping a houseplant or two in your home will go a long way toward keeping mosquitoes away from your family.