So, firstly some oils you can use to repel insects – citronella, tea tree, peppermint, lemongrass, lavender , thyme. If you don’t want to blend up your own oils, we have our own Midges & Mozzie Balm ready made that can do the trick. You you can simply pop a jar into your rucksack, or have on the table when you have your BBQ to get the problem sorted. The Balm comes in four different sizes.
However, if you wish to blend your own – a suggested blend to repel insects such as midges, flies etc is citronella 8 drops, tea tree 5 drops, lavender 4 drops and peppermint 3 drops, put in around 30ml of water in a spray bottle and shake each time before use (avoid eyes). If it is a few weeks before you use again, make up a new batch. This blend can be used in an oil burner in a room to help deter insects, such as in the kitchen or 2 to 3 drops on a tissue or cotton wool ball.
Alternatively, if abroad and mosquitoes are the problem, I like to use the above blend with the addition of 4 drops of lemon scented tea tree (which will be available in our essential oil collection very soon) or lemongrass. I usually make up around 5-10ml of this blend – just simply multiply the blend equally to make a larger quantity. Its easy to transport a 5 or 10ml bottle. I take a 30ml spray bottle with me, and once abroad, I dispense around 20-25 drops into the bottle and fill with water – shake before each use (avoid eye) and refresh the blend every few days or when finished. I can’t go out in the evening without this blend, but it helps avoid unsightly and painful, itchy insect bites.
If you have concerns on medications or medical conditions, always check with the GP or a qualified aromatherapist. For any specific aromatherapy questions contact a fully qualified clinical aromatherapist.