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Top 8 Best Essential Oil Bug Repellents

UpdatedJuly 23, 2024

Essential oils are a popular natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including insect bites and stings. Essential oil bug repellents are a great alternative to traditional chemical sprays, which can be harmful to both people and the environment. These repellents are made from a combination of essential oils, which have been shown to be effective at keeping bugs at bay.

When looking for the best essential oil bug repellent, it is important to consider the type of bugs you are trying to repel. Different oils are effective against different types of insects, so it is important to choose a repellent that targets the specific bugs you are trying to avoid. Additionally, you should consider the concentration of the essential oils in the repellent, as well as any potential allergens or irritants.

We spent hours researching and testing various essential oil bug repellents to identify the best options on the market. Our goal was to find repellents that were both effective and safe, using a combination of natural ingredients to keep bugs away. After extensive testing, we have identified the top essential oil bug repellents that are sure to keep you bug-free all summer long.

Top 3 Best Essential Oil Bug Repellent

1. UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend

2. Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil

3. Victoria's Lavender Organic “Don’t Bug Me” Insect Spray

We all know how annoying it is to be constantly swatting away pesky bugs during outdoor activities. Luckily, there are many essential oil bug repellents on the market that can keep those bugs at bay without the use of harmful chemicals. In this article, we've rounded up the best essential oil bug repellents that are both effective and safe for you and your family. Whether you're camping, hiking, or just spending time in your backyard, these products will help keep those bugs away so you can enjoy the outdoors.


UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend

Editor's Choice

UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend

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If you're looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes and bugs away, UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Made with pure and natural ingredients, without any additives or harmful chemicals.
  • Has a pleasant earthy scent that won't attract bugs.
  • Can be used with a carrier oil for a cooling sensation that helps alleviate discomfort.

Cons

  • May require dilution with a carrier oil before applying to your skin to minimize adverse reactions.
  • Patch test is recommended before topical use.
  • External use only.

We've been using UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend during our camping trips, and it has been an effective natural bug repellent. The blend of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Coconut Essential Oil, Vanilla Oil, Virginia Cedarwood Oil, Nootka Wood Oil, Litsea cubeba Oil, Catnip Oil, and Western Red Cedarwood Oil creates a pleasant earthy scent that we love. We also use it in our diffuser at home to keep bugs away and enjoy the invigorating scent.

One thing to keep in mind is that the oil may require dilution with a carrier oil before applying to your skin to minimize adverse reactions. We recommend patch testing the oils for topical use. Dilute a small amount of the essential oil with a carrier oil of choice to clean skin on the inside of your elbow or wrist. Cover with a bandage and leave for 24-hours. If a rash or redness appears, discontinue use of the product.

Overall, we highly recommend UpNature Trail Guard Essential Oil Blend for anyone looking for a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes and bugs away.


Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil

Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil

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We highly recommend the Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil for anyone looking for an all-natural, effective bug repellent.

Pros

  • The blend of Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass Essential Oils works together to effectively repel bugs.
  • The amber glass bottle with euro dropper cap ensures easy and precise application.
  • The essential oil is undiluted, pure, and great for aromatherapy.

Cons

  • The bottle may leak during shipping.
  • The scent may not be appealing to everyone.
  • The essential oil may need to be reapplied frequently for maximum effectiveness.

We recently used the Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil during a camping trip and were pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The blend of essential oils worked together to keep bugs away without the use of harsh chemicals. The amber glass bottle with euro dropper cap made for easy and precise application, and we appreciated that the essential oil was undiluted and pure.

While we did experience some leaking during shipping, the essential oil itself was not messy to use. The scent may not be appealing to everyone, but we found it to be pleasant and not overpowering. We did need to reapply the essential oil frequently to maintain its effectiveness, but we didn't mind since it was an all-natural option.

Overall, we highly recommend the Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil for anyone looking for an effective and all-natural bug repellent.


Victoria's Lavender Organic “Don’t Bug Me” Insect Spray

Victoria's Lavender Organic “Don’t Bug Me” Insect Spray

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If you're looking for a DEET-free mosquito repellent that actually works, Victoria's Lavender “Don’t Bug Me” spray is a great choice.

Pros

  • Highly effective on a variety of insects including mosquitos, flies, ticks, horse and deer flies.
  • Made with essential oils plus organic Aloe Vera, which is soothing and cooling.
  • Refreshingly scented and lasts up to 6 hours.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that it doesn't work as well as chemical-based repellents.
  • While the scent is refreshing, it may not be for everyone.
  • May need to be reapplied more frequently in areas with heavy insect populations.

We've used Victoria's Lavender “Don’t Bug Me” spray on camping trips and outdoor dinners and have found it to be highly effective in keeping insects at bay. The formula is not oily, greasy, or sticky, and the addition of organic Aloe Vera makes it soothing and cooling on the skin. We appreciate that it's made with essential oils and is DEET-free. The scent is refreshing and not overpowering, but may not be for everyone. While it may need to be reapplied more frequently in areas with heavy insect populations, we've found that it lasts up to 6 hours in most situations. Overall, we recommend Victoria's Lavender “Don’t Bug Me” spray for anyone looking for a natural and effective insect repellent.


Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray

Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray

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If you're looking for an all-natural, plant-based solution to ward off mosquitoes and ticks, Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray is worth considering.

Pros

  • Provides up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes without DEET
  • Protects against deer ticks for up to 4 hours and lone star and brown dog ticks for up to 8 hours
  • Natural, plant-based ingredients that won't harm your skin or gear

Cons

  • May need to reapply frequently in areas with heavy mosquito activity
  • Strong lemon scent may not be appealing to everyone
  • May not be as effective as chemical-based repellents in extreme conditions

We recently used Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray on a camping trip and were pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The spray provided up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes without any harsh chemicals like DEET. We also appreciated that the natural ingredients didn't harm our skin or gear.

However, we did find that in areas with heavy mosquito activity, we needed to reapply the spray frequently to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, the strong lemon scent may not be appealing to everyone, but we found it to be a pleasant alternative to the chemical smell of other repellents.

Overall, if you're looking for a natural, plant-based solution to ward off mosquitoes and ticks, Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared to reapply frequently in areas with heavy mosquito activity.


Wondercide Repellent with Natural Essential Oils

Wondercide Repellent with Natural Essential Oils

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If you're looking for a safe and effective insect repellent that's gentle on the skin, Wondercide is a great option.

Pros

  • Repels and protects against 98% of mosquitoes and other common pests.
  • Safe for use on people of all ages, including kids and babies.
  • Made with natural, sustainable ingredients and free of harmful pesticides.

Cons

  • Strong cedarwood scent may not be appealing to everyone.
  • Some users report needing to reapply frequently for maximum effectiveness.
  • May not be 100% effective against all types of insects.

We recently tried out Wondercide on a camping trip and were impressed with its effectiveness. The spray formula was easy to apply and provided quick protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. We also appreciated that it's safe for use on kids and pets, and made with natural ingredients.

One thing to note is that the cedarwood scent is quite strong and may not be everyone's cup of tea. Additionally, some users have reported needing to reapply the spray frequently for maximum effectiveness. However, overall we found Wondercide to be a great alternative to traditional bug sprays and a more versatile option than bracelets or candles. Plus, it's made in the USA and cruelty-free.


Plant Therapy Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend

Plant Therapy Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend

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We highly recommend Plant Therapy Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend for anyone who wants to enjoy their time outside without being bothered by annoying bugs.

Pros

  • Natural bug repellent
  • Unique blend of essential oils
  • High-quality and affordable

Cons

  • Strong, green scent
  • Need to dilute for use
  • May need to reapply frequently

This essential oil blend is a natural and effective way to keep outdoor annoyances away. It contains a unique blend of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Litsea Cubeba, Tea Tree, and Patchouli oils. We love that it's 100% pure and undiluted, making it ideal for making tiki torch candles or using in an oil burner.

However, the scent is quite strong and green, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Additionally, you need to dilute it for use, which can be a bit of a hassle. Lastly, you may need to reapply it frequently to ensure it remains effective.

Overall, Plant Therapy Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend is a high-quality and affordable product that we highly recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy their time outside without being bothered by bugs.


doTERRA - TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend

doTERRA - TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend

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If you're looking for an effective and natural bug repellent, we recommend trying doTERRA - TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend.

Pros

  • Acts as an effective, natural barrier
  • Can be used safely by everyone in the family
  • Helps calm and soothe dry, scratchy throats

Cons

  • May need to reapply frequently
  • Some users may not like the scent
  • Not as effective as chemical-based repellents in heavily infested areas

We've used TerraShield on camping trips and outdoor events and found it to be highly effective against mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects. It's made with a blend of essential oils, including Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean Absolute, all of which are known for their insect-repelling properties. Additionally, Tamanu oil is included in the formula, which not only provides added support but also helps support harvesters in Madagascar through doTERRA's Co-Impact Sourcing.

One of the things we love about TerraShield is that it's safe for everyone in the family to use, including children and pets. It's also great for those who prefer natural products or who have sensitive skin. We've found that it helps soothe dry, scratchy throats, which is a nice bonus.

While TerraShield is highly effective, it may need to be reapplied more frequently than chemical-based repellents, especially in heavily infested areas. Some users may not like the scent, which is earthy and nutty, but we find it pleasant and not overpowering.

Overall, if you're looking for a natural and safe bug repellent, we highly recommend doTERRA - TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend.


3 Moms Organics TickWise

3 Moms Organics TickWise

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If you're looking for a natural and effective way to keep ticks and mosquitoes away, 3 Moms Organics TickWise is a great choice.

Pros

  • Made with pure plant-based ingredients that are highly effective at keeping ticks and mosquitoes away.
  • Safe to use on your clothing, gear, skin, and even your dog!
  • Great for humans of all ages, dogs of all ages, and even your horse.

Cons

  • The scent might not be suitable for everyone.
  • Needs to be reapplied every few hours for maximum effectiveness.
  • May not work as well in heavily infested areas.

We recently tried 3 Moms Organics TickWise on a camping trip, and we were impressed with its effectiveness. The spray is easy to apply, and the fresh lemony scent is quite pleasant. We also appreciate the fact that it's made with all-natural ingredients and doesn't contain any harmful chemicals.

While it's not 100% effective in heavily infested areas, we found that it did a great job of keeping ticks and mosquitoes at bay. We also used it on our dog, and it seemed to work just as well for him as it did for us.

Overall, we highly recommend 3 Moms Organics TickWise for anyone looking for a safe and effective way to keep ticks and mosquitoes away.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best essential oil bug repellent, there are several features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The ingredients of the bug repellent are crucial. Look for natural essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender. These oils have been proven to repel insects effectively. Avoid products that contain DEET or other harmful chemicals.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the bug repellent is another critical factor to consider. Look for products that have been tested and proven to repel insects. Check the product reviews and ratings to see what other customers have to say about the product's effectiveness.

Application

Consider the application method of the bug repellent. Some products come in spray bottles, while others come in roll-on or lotion form. Choose a product that is easy to apply and convenient for your needs.

Duration

The duration of the bug repellent's effectiveness is also essential. Look for products that provide long-lasting protection against insects. Some products offer protection for up to 8 hours, while others may only provide protection for a few hours.

Price

Price is always a factor to consider when purchasing any product. Look for bug repellents that offer good value for money. Keep in mind that the most expensive product is not always the best option.

In summary, when choosing the best essential oil bug repellent, look for products with natural ingredients, proven effectiveness, easy application, long-lasting protection, and good value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What smells do bugs hate?

Bugs hate many smells, including peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender. These essential oils are effective in repelling a wide range of insects.

Does lavender oil repel bugs?

Yes, lavender oil can repel bugs, but it is not as effective as some other essential oils. Lavender oil is most effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and fleas. However, it is not as effective at repelling ticks and other biting insects.

What essential oil repels the most bugs?

Citronella oil is the most effective essential oil for repelling bugs. It is especially effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Other effective essential oils for repelling bugs include peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and geranium.

What essential oils make the best mosquito repellent?

Peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are all effective at repelling mosquitoes. These essential oils can be combined to make a powerful mosquito repellent. Other effective essential oils for repelling mosquitoes include lavender, tea tree, and cedarwood.

What to mix with essential oils for bug repellent?

Essential oils can be mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, to make a bug repellent. The ratio of essential oil to carrier oil should be 1:10. For example, if you are using 10 drops of essential oil, you should mix it with 100 drops of carrier oil.

Geranium oil bug repellent

Geranium oil is effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. It can be mixed with other essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, to make a powerful bug repellent. Geranium oil can also be mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.

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