Summer (calendar wise) hasn’t even begun and we are already infested with bugs here in Texas! If you’re like me, aka “The Human Mosquito Magnet,” the thought of being in the great outdoors and becoming a “drinking fountain” for every mosquito in a 100 mile radius can be a nightmare! If you’re looking for a natural alternative to potentially harmful commercial insect repellants that contain many harmful ingredients, are irritating to the skin and the eyes, and are potentially damaging to the immune system & environment…give all natural essential oils a try! They are equally, if not more, effective and are better for your skin and overall health.So what is it that causes these ”blood sucking beasts” to hunt us down for a cocktail? The things about humans that mosquitoes are attracted too are the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that we routinely exhale everyday. Mosquitoes smell these elements and are drawn to its source. When you apply the appropriate essential oils (in the right proportions…as many oils can not be used unless diluted with a carrier oil) to your skin, it can cover the scent of your exhalations and, as a result, prevent bug bites.
According to the Department of Agriculture, soybean oil (as found in Scandle Lotion Candles and Body Massage Candles) can be an effective deterrent for mosquitoes. It is estimated that the amount of time of effectiveness ranges anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.
Geraniol, which can be extracted from lemon grass (found in Scandle’s Healing & Deep Muscle Blends) and geranium (found in Scandle’s Tranquility Blend) has also been shown in tests to be quite an effective repellent against mosquitoes as well as many other types of bugs. The University of Florida conducted tests on approximately 3,900 mixtures over a 15-year period, and geraniol proved to be among the most proficient in providing protection against mosquitoes.
Tea Tree Oil (found in Scandle’s Soothing & Healing Blends) are also effective for repelling mosquitoes, it also works to repel ants and lice, and can aid in the removal of ticks. It can be applied to insect bites as an antiseptic.
