Tea tree oil may help keep pesky insects away.
One study found that 24 hours after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows not treated with tea tree oil
Furthermore, a test-tube study revealed that tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents
SUMMARY:Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.
Additives
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is highly potent per drop, so do not use it undiluted on your skin or you risk causing a rash or irritation. Choose 16 oz. of a base oil, such as jojoba, olive, almond or coconut oil, and add a few drops of tea tree oil, about 1/8 oz., before applying to your skin. Add an additional 1/2 oz. of citronella, 1/4 oz. of lavender oil and 1/8 oz. of pennyroyal oil to the mix for increased potency. Shake your oil mixture with 16 oz. of vodka in a spray bottle for a convenient, all-natural bug spray.
How to Use
Spray or rub your natural insect repellent over your body, avoiding your mouth, eyes, nose and hands to keep the strong-smelling concoction from irritating sight or smell. If you want to avoid applying bug repellent to your skin on a frequent basis, spray the mixture onto your clothing, bedding or tent while camping or add the oil mixture to your shampoo or body soap. Pour a few drops of tea tree oil onto strips of paper to hang near doors and window to keep bugs at bay or place a few drops of your oil mixture onto a candle for more natural bug repellent.
Proper Storage
Keep tea tree oil out of reach of children or pets as it can be toxic when taken internally. Tea tree oil has a long shelf life because of its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. When mixed with another base oil for a bug repellent, keep the oil mixture out of direct sunlight for best results and follow storage directions according to the base oil you have chosen.
