Plants have developed to emit aromatic compounds that supply some stage of safety from insect assaults. These are preserved throughout the distillation course of, so any high-quality important oil may also include them.
“Essential oils all comprise multiple chemical constituents with names like geraniol, citronellol, citronellal, and linalool. Studies are sparse on individual components, but some (like geraniol and vetiverol) are more active against insects than others,” Villafranco explains.
Some generally obtainable important oils which might be usually used to maintain bugs at bay embody lemongrass, citronella, and geranium, says Villafranco. Mint, basil, and turmeric are additionally skin-safe oils which have been researched for his or her repellent properties.
“They all work reasonably well, but because they are volatile, meaning they evaporate into the air fairly quickly, they need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective. For that reason, I like vetiver, which stays on the skin much longer than most other essential oils,” Villafranco notes.