Tired of being driven inside when it is warm 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 your children.
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 maniac while 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 I 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 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!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
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 the 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.
Essential Oils for Bug Bites in Adults
Ingredients
- 24 drops lavender
- 24 drops peppermint
- 2 oz carrier oil
- 2 oz witch hazel
Directions
Add oils to a four-ounce oil safe spray bottle. Add carrier and fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel. Shake well and spray affected area.
A Safe Recipe for Kids
Ingredients
- 12 drops tea tree
- 12 drops lavender
- 2 oz carrier oil
- 2 oz witch hazel
Directions
Add oils to a four-ounce oil safe spray bottle. 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.
Repeat application every 2 hours.
Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites
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 bites.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces lavender aloe jelly
- 6 drops German chamomile
- 10 drops lavender
- 10 drops helichrysum
- 2 drop peppermint (adults and children over 6 only)
Place aloe vera gel in a small oil safe container. (I like to use a container with either a pump or a flip top.)
Add other ingredients and shake well.
Shake before application and apply as needed to the affected area.
Other Natural Remedies for Bug Bites:
- Tamanu Oil – Helps to relieve swelling and kill bacteria.
- Manuka Honey – Helps to soothe skin and moisturize. It is naturally antibacterial.
- Arnica – Relieves pain and helps to speed healing.
- Green Tea or Peppermint Tea – Try placing a cool, wet tea bag on the bite to ease swelling.
- Turmeric – Turmeric is antimicrobial. Try mixing it with a carrier oil to form a paste and applying it to the affected area.is one
You can read more about natural remedies for bug bites here.
If You Like This Post You May Also Like:
- DIY Bug Spray
- Natural Pest Control with Essential Oils
- DIY Bug Balm with Essential Oils (the best natural bug repellant I have tried)
- Motion Sickness Inhaler with Essential Oils
- Get in the Groove Workout Blend
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.
Hope it works as well for you as it does us!
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.
Phyllis
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.
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.)
Yes, that should work! It may be a little difficult to get it spread but it is definitely an option.