Tired of being miserable after spending time outside? Check out this guide to helpful essential oils for bug bites, and you will get relief in no time! Learn about what the best oils to use are, and how to safely get relief for you and your children.
Don't let bugs get you down! Use natural remedies to find comfort.
Essential Oils for Bug Bites Backstory
There is one in every crowd.
You know the person I'm talking about. The one standing by the grill swatting at the air like a maniacwhile everyone else enjoys casual conversation.
That person is usually me.
Since childhood, bugs have always been attracted to me. Growing up in Florida, I could play outside with friends, and they would all come in bite-free while I would be covered in itchy red welts.
Not only was it super-attractive, but it was also downright miserable.
I can remember not being able to sleep at night because I was too busy scratching. Oh, how I wish we had had some sort of relief other than the pink stuff my Mom slathered me in.
It was better than what she had for cuts, which stung like crazy, but it stunk. And wasn't all that helpful.
If you are someone you love is like me and prone to getting bitten, you may have wondered why that is.
Why Do Some People Get Bitten By Bugs More Often?
Studies show that your kairomones - the odors your body produces - influence how attractive you are to bugs. According to Missy Henriksen, the vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association,
Humans can't detect these scents, but mosquitoes can identify them from 50 meters away"
The amount of odor and type of smell that you give off is determined mainly by genetics. (This explains why my youngest son has the same propensity to be bitten as I do.). Other factors include how much heat your skin gives off and how much carbon dioxide you exhale.
Luckily, essential oils for bites can be very effective at dealing with the itchy, painful redness that comes with the territory.
The following are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links I make a small commission at no additional charge to you.
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I've fallen in love with both the company. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Tips for Dealing with Bug Bites with Essential Oils
Relief will be the strongest if you treat the bites as soon as possible.
While it can difficult, it is best to refrain from scratching bites. This can not only lead to infection, but it typically will slow down the healing process and make the itching worse.
Essential Oils for Bug Bites and Stings
Lavender
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Basil
German Chamomile
Eucalyptus
Helichrysum
If I had to pick the single best essential oil for insect bites, I would pick lavender.
Add carrier and fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel.
Shake well and spray affected area.
Notes
Many people will tell you that peppermint is safe for very small children. The fact is that while many little ones will do just fine with it, it isn't worth the risk. Some, my daughter being one of them, will react to it. There are other safer options out there - please don't be tempted to use this recipe on babies or toddlers.
Kid Safe Recipe - Use this Recipe for Children Under 6
Add carrier oil and fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel.
Shake well and spray affected area.
How to Use Tea Tree for Bug Bites
Tea tree can help to stop the itching associated with bug bites, and also help to prevent infection.
One drop may be used neat on adults and children over 16.
(Note: I don’t typically recommend using essential oils undiluted. Tea Tree and Lavender are the only two I make an exception for. I would suggest using neat Tea Tree oil only in cases where you do not have access to a carrier oil, or you have tried diluting and are still dealing with extreme itchiness.)
For younger children, elderly and those with compromised immune systems, dilute the tea tree with an equal amount of carrier oil.
If you are out around dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, your chances of getting bitten are much greater than at other times. I like to keep this blend on hand all the time! It is my favorite blend for when mosquito have left me miserable - I recommend using this if the simpler recipes above are not getting the job done.
Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!
Reader Interactions
Comments
craig
This was very helpful, thanks a lot for this. I never knew there was so many options, I usually end up using one of the bug bite treatment sticks but they never really work that well so will try these next time.
Thanks Wendy, for sharing this helpful piece of information about essential oils. Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, and Peppermint Oil worked well for me. I have also tried Lemon Grass for bug bites, it worked, but it is not the best essential oil for treating bug bites.
Wendy, some of the ingredients on your EO remedies are missing. It gives the amounts but not the oils. It may be my computer for some reason, but thought you should know. Thanks.
I don’t have any spray bottles.. can I use these recipes in a roller bottle? My eldest son (along with having severe food allergies) is VERY attractive to mosquitoes and the bites well up really big on him (I’m wondering if he may be allergic.)
craig
This was very helpful, thanks a lot for this. I never knew there was so many options, I usually end up using one of the bug bite treatment sticks but they never really work that well so will try these next time.
Wendy Polisi
Hope it works as well for you as it does us!
Dinesh Kumar
Thanks Wendy, for sharing this helpful piece of information about essential oils. Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, and Peppermint Oil worked well for me. I have also tried Lemon Grass for bug bites, it worked, but it is not the best essential oil for treating bug bites.
Phyllis
Wendy, some of the ingredients on your EO remedies are missing. It gives the amounts but not the oils. It may be my computer for some reason, but thought you should know. Thanks.
Phyllis
Wendy Polisi
Hi Phyllis,
Would you mind sending me a screenshot? It looks fine on my computer so I need to try get my tech support to figure out what is going on.
Ashley
I don’t have any spray bottles.. can I use these recipes in a roller bottle? My eldest son (along with having severe food allergies) is VERY attractive to mosquitoes and the bites well up really big on him (I’m wondering if he may be allergic.)
Wendy Polisi
Yes, that should work! It may be a little difficult to get it spread but it is definitely an option.