Tired of dealing with mosquitoes and annoying bugs every time you step outside? Chemical store-bought bug sprays work, but they usually smell awful and are full of toxic ingredients that can make you sick or have allergic reactions to. I love making my own Tea Tree Oil Bug Repellent!
Tea tree oil is great at keeping insects away and safe enough for the whole family to use. This simple DIY recipe with natural ingredients will help you make an eco-friendly bug spray that keeps pests away while giving you peace of mind about what’s going on your skin.
Tea tree oil is an incredibly versatile essential oil – there are many Tea Tree Oil Uses beyond repelling bugs and preventing insect bites. With its powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it’s an excellent remedy for treating minor cuts, wounds, and skin irritations. Many incorporate it into their skincare routines to combat acne, as it reduces inflammation and targets the bacteria responsible for breakouts.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia.
This versatile oil is a go-to for tackling skin issues like acne, eczema, and fungal infections. It’s also great for calming inflammation and helping wounds heal – I always keep a tea tree oil cream at home.
Another great tip on how to use tea tree oil for bugs is by making an indoor bug repellent spray of tea tree oil mixed in a cup of water and spray on cupboards, windows and doorways where insects are likely to be or come through. I always keep tea tree oil handy to mix with my cleaning spray as well.
Does Tea Tree Oil Repel Bugs?
Tea tree oil is a popular natural bug repellent, thanks to its strong scent and ability to keep pests away. Its active ingredients terpinen-4-ol, can help prevent mosquito bites ad deter ants and flies. While it might not last as long as chemical options like DEET, it’s a safer, effective solution against bugs and an eco-friendly choice for anyone avoiding synthetic products.
Tea tree oil is a natural bug repellent that has proven to be a natural insecticide effective against bugs when used as a repellent on skin. Studies conducted have shown that individuals were less likely to be bitten by insects when they had tea tree oil applied to the skin.
Plus, it’s gentle enough to use around kids and pets. Just keep in mind—you may need to reapply it if you’re outside for a while.
Tea Tree Oil Uses
- Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
- Tea Tree Oil Recipe for Eczema
- Tea Tree Oil for Spider Bites
- Best Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Uses
Which Bugs Does Tea Tree Oil Repel?
Tea tree oil has a proven effect against bed bugs, lice, mosquitos, ticks, flies, bush flies and biting midges, otherwise known as sandflies. It’s especially good at repelling mosquitoes, so you can avoid those annoying bites. It also helps keep ants out of your home and garden, and flies don’t seem to like the smell either—perfect for making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Some studies even suggest it might help repel lice and ticks, making it a super versatile option for pest control. With tea tree oil, you’ve got an easy, natural solution for handling multiple pest problems at once. Tea tree oil can combat a bed bug infestation by directly spraying a tea tree oil solution over them.
Is tea tree oil safe to use on children or pets when used as a bug repellent?
Tea tree oil can work as a bug repellent for kids and pets, but you need to be careful and always dilute it properly.
- For kids, mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, to get a 0.5%-1% concentration.
- For pets, it’s super important to dilute it even more since animals, especially cats, can be sensitive to essential oils. A 0.1%-0.5% dilution is best to keep it safe.
Always do a patch test before using it widely to check for skin irritation, and check with a pediatrician or vet if you’re unsure. Never use undiluted tea tree oil directly on skin or fur—it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, especially on sensitive skin.
Natural Pest Control
- DIY Homemade Bug Repellent
- Natural Insect Bite Treatment
- Tea Tree Oil Bug Bite Ointment
- Natural Mosquito Repellent
What Other Essential Oils Can Be Combined with Tea Tree Oil to Keep Bugs Away?
Tea tree oil is a great natural way to keep bugs away on its own, but mixing it with different essential oils can make it even more effective.
- Citronella Oil: A popular choice because its strong scent works wonders against mosquitoes and other pests.
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This is another great option—it’s natural, smells fresh, and does a solid job of repelling bugs.
- Lavender Oil: It not only smells amazing but also helps ward off moths and mosquitoes.
- Peppermint Oil: It has a cool, minty scent, is perfect for tackling ants and spiders.
When making your bug-repellent mix, be sure to dilute the oils with a carrier oil and test it on a small area first to make sure it’s safe and works well.
How should this bug spray be stored to maintain its potency?
To keep your tea tree oil bug repellent effective, store it in a cool, dark spot, away from sunlight and heat. Light and heat can break down the essential oils and make them less effective. Use an airtight container, like a dark glass bottle, to protect it from oxidation and keep its properties intact.
Make sure the bottle is sealed tightly after each use to avoid exposure to air and moisture. And, of course, keep it safely out of reach of kids and pets!
Tea Tree Oil Bug Repellent
This simple and natural tea tree oil insect repellent recipe provides a safe and effective way to keep bugs away without the use of harsh chemicals.
Materials
- 1/2 Cup Witch Hazel
- 1/2 Cup Distilled Water
- 20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
- 10 Drops of Citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint)
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin, optional but helpful (see note)
- 4oz spray bottle
Instructions
Bug Repellent Spray:
- Add ingredients to spray bottle and fill almost to the top with distilled water.
- For best results, shake the spray bottle well before each use to ensure the mixture remains evenly distributed and apply as needed.
Roll On Bug Repellent:
- To make a roller ball version, mix ten drops of tea tree oil to 4 drops of your preferred carrier oil (olive, almond, jojoba).
- Apply topically to any exposed part of your body twice or three times a day.
Diffuser Bug Repellent:
- Add 10-15 drops of essential oils to your diffuser with water and let it run in your home to keep the pesky bugs away.
Notes
- Vegetable glycerin works as a natural emulsifier, helping the oils mix better with water so everything is evenly blended. It also helps the mixture stick to surfaces or skin longer, which means it keeps bugs away for more time.
- Distilled water can be made at home by boiling tap water and letting it cool before using.
Tea tree oil is particularly effective against certain insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. However, it may not repel every type of bug, so it’s often combined with other essential oils for broader effectiveness.
When properly diluted, tea tree oil bug repellents are usually safe to use on clothing. However, it’s recommended to test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause staining.
The effectiveness of tea tree oil bug repellent can vary, but generally, it should be reapplied every couple of hours, especially if you are sweating or after being exposed to water.
While tea tree oil is considered natural, it can be toxic if ingested and may irritate sensitive skin. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using it on children or around pets, and avoid direct application on pets.
Tea tree oil should always be diluted before applying to the skin, as undiluted oil can cause irritation in some people. A properly formulated bug repellent spray or lotion is safe when diluted correctly.
