How to Use Essential Oils for Insect Bite Relief & Repellent

When the warm weather rolls in, so do the unwelcome guests that nobody wants - insects and mosquitoes. While these tiny creatures play vital roles in ecosystems, they can be a nuisance, especially when their bites lead to itching, swelling, or even infections.

Fortunately, essential oils offer natural solutions to repel and relieve insect and mosquito bites. This guide highlights essential oils, providing a comprehensive and natural approach to pest control and bite relief.

Top Essential Oils to Repel Insects

1. Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is one of the most widely known natural insect repellents. Derived from the leaves and stems of lemongrass plants, it’s highly effective in keeping mosquitoes, flies and other insects at bay. Its strong, citrusy aroma masks scents that attract insects, making it a must-have in any natural repellent blend. Higher concentrations of Citronella Oil allow it to last longer and provide more effective mosquito protection.

2. Kunzea Oil

Kunzea Essential Oil, an Australian native essential oil, is becoming more researched and recognised in the world of natural repellents. Known for its subtle, refreshing and earthy aroma, Kunzea Essential Oil contains bioactive compounds that repel insects while also offering anti-inflammatory benefits. This dual action makes it ideal for preventing bites and soothing irritation if you do get bitten.

Diffusing Kunzea oil can help keep mosquitoes, midges and sandflies at bay, making it an excellent option for natural protection. Our Kunzea Roll-On Liniment is also an excellent natural mosquito repellent. The blend of Tasmanian Kunzea and Australian Nerolina provides an effective and natural solution for repelling bugs.

3. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Extracted from the lemon eucalyptus tree, oil of lemon eucalyptus is another powerful natural repellent. It is rich in its active ingredient, para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), used for the sole purpose of repelling insects and mosquitoes. Studies have shown its efficacy in keeping mosquitoes, midges, sandflies, black flies, stable flies and ticks away for hours, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities.

4. Lemon Ironbark (Eucalyptus staigeriana) Oil

Lemon Ironbark, derived from the Eucalyptus Staigeriana tree, is also high in citronellal, a compound well-known for its powerful insect-repelling properties. Citronellal is commonly used in natural mosquito repellents due to its ability to effectively deter insects, making Lemon Ironbark a great option for creating a natural barrier against mosquitoes and other pests.

5. Lemon Tea Tree Oil

Lemon tea tree oil, another Australian native, combines the insect-repellent properties of tea tree with the citrusy freshness of lemon. It is particularly effective against mosquitoes and midges, offering a long-lasting natural solution. Native to Australia, tea tree oil not only repels insects but also has antimicrobial properties that make it effective for treating bites. It can reduce swelling, redness and itching, helping to prevent infections.

6. Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil has shown promising results as a mosquito repellent. Its earthy aroma deters pests, while its calming properties make it ideal for nighttime use.

7. Cymbopogon spp. (Lemongrass) Oil

Lemongrass oil, derived from the Cymbopogon plant, is highly effective in repelling insects like mosquitoes and midges. Its refreshing citrus scent masks human odors that attract insects, making it a great addition to DIY repellent sprays.

8. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil’s strong, minty aroma is highly effective at repelling ants, spiders, mosquitoes and black flies. Additionally, its cooling sensation can provide instant relief from bite-induced itching.

9. Lavender Oil

Lavender not only repels insects but also soothes and heals bites. Its gentle properties make it safe for children and those with sensitive skin.

How to Use Essential Oils for Insect Repellents

DIY Spray: Combine 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils (e.g., citronella, Kunzea Essential Oil, and lemon eucalyptus) with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Shake well before use and spray generously on exposed skin.
Diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser to keep your space insect-free.
Topical Application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) before applying directly to the skin. This is especially useful for oils like Kunzea Essential Oil and tea tree, which have additional skin-healing benefits.

Essential Oils for Bite Relief

1. Kunzea Oil

Kunzea Essential Oil shines as a post-bite remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Applying a diluted mix of Kunzea Essential Oil can reduce swelling and itching, accelerating the healing process. Our Multi-Purpose Rescue Balm is an excellent choice for relieving bites thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. With the added benefits of arnica, this balm offers comprehensive skin support while helping to calm redness and discomfort.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties make it ideal for preventing infection in bites. Its soothing effects help calm irritation and redness.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender provides a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on insect bites, relieving discomfort and supporting the healing process.

4. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil is a gentle option for soothing irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

5. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil offers a cooling sensation that can provide instant relief from the itchiness of insect bites. Its antimicrobial properties also help prevent infection.

Tips for Safe Essential Oil Use

Dilute Properly: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to avoid irritation.
Patch Test: Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
Avoid Eyes and Mouth: Keep essential oils away from sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth.
Store Correctly: Keep essential oils in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.

Conclusion

Essential oils offer a natural and effective way to repel insects and soothe bites, these natural solutions cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or dealing with pesky bites, incorporating these oils into your routine can help you stay comfortable and protected.

Discover our Zea Essentials range of 100% natural aromatherapy products, including the versatile Kunzea Essential Oil. Check out our unique Kunzea Roll-On Liniment for mosquito protection and our Multi-Purpose Rescue Balm for soothing bite relief, to enhance your natural insect-repellent toolkit.

References

Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601-611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.05.007
Fonseca-Santos, B., Pacheco, C. D. M., Pinto, M. C., & Chorilli, M. (2019). An effective mosquito-repellent topical product from liquid crystal-based tea tree oil. Industrial Crops and Products, 128, 488-495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.11.020
Maia, M. F., & Moore, S. J. (2011). Plant-based insect repellents: A review of their efficacy, development, and testing. Malaria Journal, 10(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
Seladi-Schulman, J. (2020, February 26). About lemon eucalyptus oils. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/oil-of-lemon-eucalyptus
Web MD. (2025). Citronella oil - uses, side effects, and more. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-627/citronella-oil
Yasin, K. & Marcin, A. (2023, February 8). 10 natural ingredients that repel mosquitoes. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant

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