Essential Oils and Insects

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Essential Oils and Insects

 

Many essential oils exist that have uses as pesticides such as citrus

oils, mint oil, pine oil, capsicum (pepper) extracts, tree oils and

vegetable oils. The essential oil of Bergamot, Anise, Sage, Tea tree,

Geranium, Mint, and Thyme, Hyssop, Rosemary, Thyme, and White Clover

can be used to control certain pests on plants. They have been shown

to reduce the number of eggs laid and the amount of feeding damage by

certain insects, particularly lepidopteran caterpillars.

 

Sprays made from Tansy have demonstrated a repellent effect on

imported cabbageworm on cabbage, reducing the number of eggs laid on

the plants. Teas made from Wormwood or Nasturtiums are reputed to

repel aphids from fruit trees, and sprays made from ground or blended

Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Marigolds, or Rue have also been used by

gardeners against pests that feed on leaves.

 

How to Make: In general, herbal sprays are made by mashing or

blending 1 to 2 cups of fresh leaves with 2 to 4 cups of water and

leaving them to soak overnight. Or you can make an herbal tea by

pouring the same amount of boiling water over 2 to 4 cups fresh or 1

to 2 cups dry leaves and leaving them to steep until cool. Strain the

water through a cheesecloth before spraying and dilute further with 2

to 4 cups water. Add a very small amount of non-detergent liquid soap

(1/4 teaspoon in 1 to 2 quarts of water) to help spray stick to

leaves and spread better. You can also buy commercial essential

herbal oils and dilute with water to make a spray. Experiment with

proportions, starting with a few drops of oil per cup of water.

 

How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves,

and repeat when necessary. Do not use more than once a week on some

plants.

 

 

Some common botanical pesticides made from essential plant oils are

listed below:

 

Canola Oil: Canola oil is an edible vegetable oil obtained from the

seeds of two species of rape plants, Brassica napus and B. campestris

of the family Cruciferae (mustard family). It is used to control

insects on a wide variety of crops. Canola oil is considered safe for

human consumption. Scientists believe that canola oil repels insects

by altering the outer layer of the leaf surface or by acting as an

insect irritant. Canola oil appears to have no adverse effects on

humans or the environment.

 

Catnip Oil: Research by Iowa State University and the US Forest

Service announced that nepatalactone, the essential oil in catnip,

can be used as a very effective mosquito repellent. The authors

stated that nepetalactone is about 10 times more effective than DEET.

The researchers believe that catnip repels mosquitoes by an irritant

reaction.

 

How to make: in a hand-held spray bottle, mix 1/4-1/2 tsp. of

essential oil of catnip (Nepata cataria), 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol,

and 1 cup of water.

 

How to use: Shake well and then spray lightly on clothing, arms, and

legs, being careful to avoid eyes or open cuts. Do not use on the

skin of small children. Some persons may be sensitive to catnip oil.

Keep the contents of the spray away from children and pets.

 

Cedarwood Oil: Cedarwood oil is often used in mothproofing, and may

contribute to the control of certain other insects. The US Army

tested various forms of cedar, including cedar chips, cedar oil and

sachet bags of cedar shavings. Their conclusions were that cedar

works best in confined spaces such as clothes storage bins, but had

little effect in other applications. A commercial cedar wood oil

spray made by Safers® had little residual effect, but works when

applied directly to the pests.

 

Citronella Oil: Oil of Citronella is a volatile, liquid oil derived

from dried cultivated grasses. Citronella has been used for over 50

years as an insect repellent and as an animal repellent. It is found

in many familiar insect repellent products: candles, lotions, gels,

sprays and towelette wipes for use on clothing and people. These

products repel various insects, some of which are public health

pests, such as mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas. Citronella is also

present in some pellet and tablet products for use around home lawns

and gardens to repel dogs and cats. When used according to the label,

citronella products are not expected to cause harm to humans, pets or

the environment. It works by repelling animals and insects without

harming or killing them. It has a distinctive odor, which repels

certain animals. In tablet or pellet form it is also used in

recreational areas, outdoor household areas, and around trees and

shrubs. Animal collars and tags containing citronella are used on

pets and other domestic animals to repel fleas and ticks.

 

Clove Oil: which can be mixed in a spray bottle with warm water and

sprayed where ever you do not want bugs to go. This numbing oil is

also good when the pain of a bug bite or sting is bothering you.

 

Cottonseed Oil: Cottonseed oil is generally considered the most

insecticidal of the vegetable oils. Several commercial products are

available that contain cottonseed oil, however this oil is not

generally available for wide spread use.

 

Neem Oil: Neem oil is extracted from the tropical neem tree,

Azadirachta indica, contains insecticidal properties that are

composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. It

has a strong, slightly garlic-like odor that some people describe as

unpleasant. Its various active ingredients act as repellents, feeding

inhibitors, egg laying deterrents, growth retardants, sterilants and

direct toxins. Neem has both contact and systemic action in plants.

The active ingredients biodegrade rapidly in sunlight and within a

few weeks in the soil. Neem oil has very low toxicity to mammals.

Clarified hydrophobic extracts of neem oil are used to control some

fungal diseases of plants. In India, neem products have been used in

toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, and as a grain protectant for centuries

without apparent harm to humans.

 

Patchouli Oil: whose botanical name is pogostemom cablin, can be used

to stimulate new cell growth, tightens tissues, speeds healing of

sores, wounds, reducing body odor, cools fever, and repels insects.

 

Tea Tree Oil: Keep a spray bottle mixed with 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil

and a quart of water to repel insects close by. In the summer ants

tend to come in our patio door or along the exposed wall. When that

begins, spray this natural Bug Buster several times a day for several

days and they'll find somewhere else to go. Natural doesn't work fast

like chemicals, but then it doesn't kill a little bit of you either!

 

Specific Insects and What Works

 

Ants - Several drops of Peppermint oil may be sprinkled strategically

along counters and walls to deter ants. It is very important to test

surface area to make sure the oil will not destroy the finish. Water

may be used as a base to make up a spray for areas where ants like to

gather. Add 4 oz. of water into a spritzer bottle and add 20 drops of

Peppermint, Citronella or Spearmint oil to give repelling power.

 

Cockroaches - Add a few drops of Citronella to cotton and place in

the back of cupboard. An additional drop of Peppermint or Lemongrass

can be added for extra strength.

 

Dust Mites - Mix 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil to the rinse cycle of your

washing machine. Into a spray bottle add 8 oz. methylated spirits and

40 drops Eucalyptus oil. Add 6 oz. water and lightly spray under

beds.

 

Fleas - Pennyroyal oil is specific against fleas. For a spray, place

20 drops into a spray bottle and add 4 oz. water. One to two extra

drops of Cedarwood, Citronella, Lemongrass or Lavender may also be

added. Lightly spray your animal (without saturating and avoiding

eyes) and its bedding areas.

 

Use 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 8 oz. of water and spray on animal's

coat as you rub it in. It will be good for their skin also. This

needs to be done daily until the problem is under control in the

home. After all fleas are gone you can put it in a spray bottle and

give your animal a spritz all over once or twice a day if fleas are

in the area.

 

Flies - Place a handful of dried cloves in a bowl and sprinkle with a

few drops of Clove and Lavender, Citronella or Peppermint oil.

Recharge with additional oil from time to time.

 

Mice - Add a few drops of Peppermint, Eucalyptus or Spearmint to

cotton and place in the ceiling and anywhere mice might enter the

house.

 

Moth/Silverfish - Add a few drops of Cedarwood to cotton and place in

wardrobes and drawers. An extra drop of Spearmint, Lavender,

Citronella or Peppermint can be added for reinforcement.

 

Ticks and Leeches - Apply Tea Tree Oil to the live tick or leech and

surrounding skin. Leave for 20 minutes. The tick may fall off. If

not, remove it carefully (make certain no part of the tick is left in

the skin). Continue applying the oil to the bite three times per day

for up to seven days.

 

First Aid: Insect Bites and Stings

 

For blue bottles-mozzies-midgies-sandflies

10 drops Lavender oil

into Aloe ointment or gel

Dab directly onto bites or stings for soothing relief.

 

Insect Repellant Spray

 

For mozzies-midgies-sandflies

In a Spritzer Bottle

4 oz.water

5 drops Penneyroyal oil

10 drops Citronella

10 drops Lavender

10 Drops Lemongrass

 

Shake well before using and lightly spray onto exposed skin areas.

****Do not use during pregnancy.

 

 

References

 

1. Bio-Integral Resource Center. 1987. " Update: Neem - A New Era in

Pest Control Products? " The IPM Practitioner 9(10). U.S. EPA. 1999.

 

2. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings. EPA 735-R-98-

003. Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances.

Washington, DC.

 

3. National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP).

2002. " Pesticides and You " NCAMP, Washington D.C. Vol. 21, No.4, 2001

 

4. EPA Biopesticides Factsheets. Plant Oils. www.epa.gov

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit