The Top Five Best Natural Insect Repellents
When summer arrives, we welcome open windows, outdoor meals and warm breezes, but we brace for the onslaught of bugs. For those seeking effective yet gentle solutions, turning to the best natural insect repellents is a smart choice.
Whether you want a natural wasp repellent or are simply looking for chemical-free repellents to use around pets and children, here are five of the best harmless insect solutions to keep your space bite-free and breezy.
What are the Top Five Best Natural Insect Repellent?
1. Citronella oil
Citronella is one of the most widely used natural insect repellents. Derived from lemongrass, citronella masks scents that attract mosquitoes and midges. You can use it in oil burners, candles or sprays. It’s ideal for patios, conservatories, or by open doors where flying insects like to enter. For best results, reapply sprays every couple of hours.
2. Lavender
Lavender smells delightful to us, but not to insects. Its strong scent deters mosquitoes, flies, moths and even wasps, making it one of the best natural insect repellents for inside and outside your home. Use dried lavender in sachets near windows or rub the essential oil onto exposed skin (diluted with a carrier oil).
3. Peppermint oil
Known for its cooling scent, peppermint is another effective natural insect repellent. It’s particularly good at keeping spiders and ants away. Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water and spray along entry points such as windowsills, skirting boards and door frames. Not only does it repel bugs, it leaves a fresh scent in your home too.
4. Clove and citrus
Wasps are sensitive to strong scents, especially cloves, citrus, and eucalyptus. A popular natural wasp repellent involves halving a lemon and pushing cloves into the flesh. Place the citrus halves near food, conservatory doors or on garden tables. It’s a chemical-free way to deter unwanted buzzing guests during outdoor dining.
5. Neem oil
Neem oil is lesser known but a highly effective harmless insect repellent. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, it repels over 200 types of insects. You can add it to lotions or sprays and apply it to the skin before spending time outdoors. Neem oil is particularly good for repelling biting insects like sandflies and gnats.
Permanent Protection That Gives Back to Your Home
While these are some of the best harmless insect solutions available, it’s worth remembering that prevention is better than cure. The most effective way to stop bugs from entering your home is to install physical protection, like high-quality insect screens. They pair perfectly with chemical-free repellents to create an environment that is both comfortable and bug-free.
At Phantom Screens, we offer bespoke insect screens for doors and windows that let in the fresh air, not the flies. From discreet manual options to automated screens that blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture, our solutions are a natural companion to your eco-conscious lifestyle. Take a look at how our screens have improved homes around the UK in our case studies.
Insect Repellents or Fly Screens?
Natural bug repellents can only help so much, but why not combine them with insect screens? With the right blend of natural insect repellents and well-designed screens, you can enjoy your ventilation through your home without the bugs. Get a quote from our team here and read our blogs about the benefits of screens for doors and windows to learn more.