There are different ways to use essential oil on your skin and around your home. The different oil will drive away different types of insects, so find what is best for you. This is just a few.
Citronella: mosquitoes
Lemongrass: most flying insects
Basil, Tea Tree: most flying insects, fleas, ants
Thyme: most hopping/ crawling insects
Lavender: flies, moths
Peppermint: mosquitoes, ants
Simply mix about 15 drops of your choice essential oil to 100ml warm water in a pump action spray bottle. Shake before each use and spray around the room. Avoid any silk, velvet, and wood surfaces as the water might stain them. When using to get rid of cockroaches or ants, simply spray where they might walk.
Pets: You can use this method to rid your pet of
fleas. Simply ruffle the fur to ensure it gets everywhere and spray on
avoiding their eyes.
Try these combinations:
6 drops Geranium, 5 drops Lavender, and 4 drops Tea Tree in
100ml of warm water.
8 drops Tea Tree 7 drops Thyme in 100ml of warm water.
Place a few drops of your choice of essential oil in an oil burner, after filling it with water according to the instructions. Place oil burner as close to the center of the room as possible.
This method is for household use only. Never apply essential oil directly on the skin unless otherwise indicated.
Cloth: Place about five drops on a damp cloth and
rub inside wardrobes, windows frames, or shelves to keep bugs away.
Curtains: You could also try placing a few drops of essential oil
on the hems of curtains
Beds: A few drops of oil on your pillowcase, mattress, or
bedclothes is useful to keep fleas from your bed and also scare away any
mosquitoes.
Cloth Strips: You can hang pieces of ribbon or strips of paper
(like tissue paper) above windows or on balconies to deter insects.
Clothes: If you are planning on going out and are nervous about bug
bites, simply place a drop of oil where appropriate on your clothing. For
instance, if you want to keep the bugs away from your ankles when walking on the
beach, place a drop at the top of your sock or at the bottom of your
trousers. But remember that essential oil can leave oil stains on
clothing.
Using essential oils diluted on your skin can be a wonderful way to keep the bugs away and to smell nice as well. Simply apply before you go outside like you would any other insect repellent. To make a skin lotion, skin oil, or a flower water follow the instructions on the Methods of Use for essential oils page.