Bugs are a nasty thing to deal with but there are many natural options to keep them at bay with the many tea tree oil uses. Here are some Effective Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil For Bugs.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil For Bugs
As winter makes way for spring, the sun will glow brighter, and the weather will definitely become warmer. Sadly, with this warm weather come all sorts of annoying insects like; spiders, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and then the almighty bed bugs!
How do you get rid of those?
Well, there are lots of essential oils that have proven effective in dealing with insects and pests. One of them is tea tree oil.
However, there are controversies concerning how effective tea tree oil is when it comes to eliminating some stubborn household insects — like bed bugs, for instance.
That’s why the next question is very important;
What Bugs Does Tea Tree Oil Repel?
Tea tree oil, otherwise known as melaleuca oil, was originally discovered in Australia. With its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities, the essential oil is multipurpose. And according to research, it can be effective in dealing with a wide range of household bugs — including; mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges. It also subdues fleas, ticks, wasps, bees, and spiders.
But then, the effectiveness of tea tree oil (and other home remedies) in dealing with bed bugs remains questionable.
As you might already know, bed bugs are very difficult household pests to eliminate. Given their tiny size, flat shape, tough skin, and ability to live in the tightest corners of the house, targeting bed bugs is extremely difficult.
Another complicating factor is that this set of insects are nocturnal. So, you don’t easily get to find them during the day. They are usually patient till the dead hours of the night when sleeping is most interesting. That’s when they creep out of their covers just like midnight witches to feast on human flesh and blood.
Despite how tough and tricky these little ghouls can be, fortunately, concentrated tea tree oil can provide a short-term solution to a mild bed bug infestation. Yet, in severe cases, you might want to invite a professional exterminator.
How Do You Use Tea Tree Oil to Keep Bugs Away?
I’m sure you want to learn the recipe for using tea tree oil for bugs?
Well, as earlier mentioned, tea tree oil is multipurpose and can serve as a natural DIY solution for a lot of household issues.
For example, the antiseptic composition of tea tree oil makes it effective as a disinfectant for your bathroom or laundry. It can also serve as a toilet deodorant when mixed with lavender oil. But most importantly, due to its harsh scent, tea tree oil can serve as a powerful tool to eliminate a wide range of bugs from your home!
Tea Tree Oil for Pantry Bugs;
- Mix three teaspoons of tea tree oil to 12oz of white vinegar.
- Clean your shelves and other parts of your kitchen that might be infested.
NOTE: While cleaning the shelves, ensure that the mixture doesn’t get close to anything edible.
Read more about Pantry Bugs here.
For Prevention Of Head Lice
- Add between 3-5 drops of tea tree oil into the usual quantity of shampoo (used for washing your hair).
- Rub and stir your hair with the mixture and leave for about 5 minutes (for more efficacy).
- Then wash your hair with water as usual.
For Repelling Spiders;
- Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with another 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle and add one cup of water.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for a few seconds. Then spray around your home — especially where you usually see spiders.
To Keep Household Pests Away
- Mix 20 drops of tea tree essential oil and 10 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle.
- Pour a cup of water and shake very well.
- Spray generously around every entry port for pests such as doorways and windows. Don’t forget the cracks and little openings on the wall. Also, remember to spray the less frequently used areas of the house.
For Managing Bed Bugs
Can you use it to eliminate bed bugs? Yes, you can use tea tree oil to manage a less severe bed bug infestation. However, the mixture should be more concentrated.
Although some sources maintain that 20 drops of tea tree oil mixed in a cup of water is enough to destroy bed bugs, that’s not exactly the case. Because bed bugs are very tricky and stubborn.
Here is a DIY solution for bed bugs;
Laundry
After washing your linens and bedspreads with detergents;
- Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with another 20 drops of lavender oil in about 5 liters of water.
- Soak your washed bedsheet in the mixture for about 3 minutes. Then rinse and spread as normal.
Mattress, cracks, holes, and other hidden spaces
- Mix a full bottle of tea tree oil with a cup of vodka, and pour the mixture into a spray container.
- Add 20 drops of eucalyptus and shake very well.
- Spray on or around your bed, cracks, holes, and other hidden places where bed bugs can be found. When traveling or lodging in a hotel, go along with a small bottle of this mixture and spray it on your bed and suitcase to prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride to your home.
As long as you use tea tree oil for bugs, most insects will find it difficult to survive the harsh smell. But sadly, the smell is not pleasant for humans as well. That’s why it’s important to blend it with other nice-smelling essential oils.
Moreover, while tea tree oil can be quite helpful at home for many good reasons, this essential oil can also cause certain skin irritations when applied directly on the skin — especially if you are allergic to it.