Pest Control with Natural Essential Oils- How to Get Rid of Pests the Natural & Safe Way

May 10, 2011 - PRLog -- The first thing to remember is we do not need chemicals to keep our house clean and free of pests. Using chemicals allows insects to become resistant, and thus creating superbugs. It is also important to remember that natural essential oils can repel and kill insects because of the scent, but also because of the oil. Insects have an exoskeleton, and those shells are composed of oil-based molecules and when they are exposed to oil it dissolves them. Humans and other animals are not oil based, so it does not harm us. However, it is important to dilute essential oils with body oils (jojoba oil, extra virgin coconut oil) if and when you decide you want to wear them as an insect repellent or even as a fragrance.

Safe Insect Repellents

As mentioned above it is best to combine essential oils with body oils when applying to the skin. The reason for this is that some people are sensitive to essential oils and their skin may get irritated because of the high concentration. So add just a few drops (about 5-10 drops) to an ounce or two of extra virgin coconut oil or jojoba oil. Almond, sesame, and avocado oils also work.

When camping, hiking, or exploring the outdoors, add 10 drops lavender oil to half an ounce of body oil and apply the mixture around ankles, wrists, behind the neck, and waistband. This mixture will keep away the ticks and chiggers. Lemongrass also works but instead of using body oils, use water, mix vigorously, and apply the mix to clothing in unnoticeable areas (say on the inside of the clothing rather than the outside) around the ankles, wrists, waist and neck.

For pets, it is important to know that they will absorb the oil differently, the best way to keep fleas and other pests off your four legged family member is to keep it’s living space clean. Also add a few cotton balls with a few drops of Texas Cedarwood oil to the area, where the pet cannot swallow it. If you are worried that your pet might eat the cotton ball, you may want to add 7 to 10 drops of Texas Cedarwood, with 2 to 3 drops lavender oil to an ounce of jojoba oil or almond oil. Rub the mixed oils onto the fur. Or add a few drops to a bandana or collar. Also be sure to use a flea repellent shampoo before applying the oils.

Specific Oils for Specific Insects

Ants- Peppermint, Spearmint (add a line of it to window and door seals)
Aphids- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Peppermint, Spearmint
Beetles- Peppermint, Thyme
Caterpillars- Peppermint, Spearmint
Chiggers- Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
Cutworm- Thyme, Sage
Fleas- Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Texas Cedarwood
Flies- Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage
Gnats- Patchouli, Spearmint
Mosquitoes- Lavender, Lemongrass
Plant Lice- Peppermint, Spearmint
Mice- 2 teaspoons peppermint to 1 cup water- spray through out house
Moths- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
Roaches- Cedarwood, Eucalyptus
Slugs- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Pine
Snails- Cedarwood, Pine, Patchouli
Spiders- Peppermint, Spearmint
Ticks- Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
Weevils- Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood

These Essentials alone will act as repellants, to transform them into natural insect killers, simply add water.

When shopping for Essential oils it is best to use good quality oils from a natural source. Aura Cacia is an amazing company and can be found on many online and local stores. A great online store is Eco Healthy Living Shop as they are cheaper than Whole Foods. They also have great promotions and are very friendly. They are based in Texas and have many products to choose from. Something that sets them a part is that they often have fundraisers for Relief Efforts. In April they donated 5% of their profits to the Relief Efforts in Japan. This May they are allowing the customer choose between the Japan Relief Effort or, Feeding the Hungry here in the States.

For more information head over to http://www.ecoHealthyLivingShop.com.
To Purchase the Essential oils head to http://www.ecohealthylivingshop.com/aura-cacia-organic-es...
To purchase the skin care oils visit http://www.ecohealthylivingshop.com/aura-cacia-skin-care-...

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