Midges can be a nuisance when spending time outdoors, especially during the warmer months. These tiny flies are known for their irritating bites and can quickly ruin a peaceful outing. While there are many chemical repellents available on the market, some people prefer natural alternatives to keep these pests at bay.
If you’re looking for effective natural midge repellent options, there are several ingredients that have been proven to be effective. Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree have long been used to repel insects, including midges. These oils not only deter midges but also have a pleasant scent.
Other natural repellents include ingredients like lemon balm, peppermint, and neem oil. These ingredients are known for their insect-repelling properties and can provide a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional bug sprays. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, these natural midge repellents can help keep these pesky insects away.
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is a popular natural repellent for midges due to its strong scent that masks human odors and makes it difficult for insects to locate their target. This oil is derived from the leaves and stems of the citronella plant, a type of lemongrass native to Southeast Asia.
How to Use:
To use citronella oil as a midge repellent, you can mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and apply it to your skin or clothing. You can also diffuse citronella oil in a diffuser to create a mosquito-free zone around your patio or outdoor area.
Keep in mind that citronella oil may cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it’s recommended to do a patch test before applying it to larger areas of the skin.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep midges at bay. The strong scent of peppermint oil is known to deter insects, including midges, due to its powerful aroma that they find unpleasant. To use peppermint oil as a midge repellent, simply apply a few drops onto your skin or clothing before heading outdoors. Alternatively, you can mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to your skin for a longer-lasting effect.
How to Use Peppermint Oil as a Midge Repellent
| Method | Instructions |
| Direct Application | Apply a few drops of peppermint oil directly onto your skin or clothing before going outside. |
| Diluted Application | Mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, in a 1:1 ratio and apply to skin for a longer-lasting effect. |
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep midges at bay. Its strong scent is disliked by insects, making it an effective deterrent. Simply dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it to your skin or clothes to help repel midges. Additionally, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser or spray bottle to create a natural midge repellent spray for your home or outdoor areas.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a natural insect repellent, including midges. It has a pleasant aroma that humans find appealing but insects, like midges, find repulsive. You can apply lavender oil directly to your skin or mix it with a carrier oil before applying. It provides protection against midges while also leaving you smelling fresh and relaxed.
How to Use Lavender Oil as a Midge Repellent
To use lavender oil as a midge repellent, simply apply a few drops to your skin before heading outdoors. You can also mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to create a spray. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser to keep midges at bay indoors.
Key Benefits of Lavender Oil:
- Repels midges naturally
- Pleasant aroma for humans
- Can be used directly on skin or in a spray
- Leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep midges at bay. It has a strong scent that can mask the attractants that draw midges to humans. When applied to the skin, eucalyptus oil can help deter midges from biting.
How to Use:
To use eucalyptus oil as a midge repellent, simply dilute a few drops of the oil in water and apply it to exposed skin. You can also mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for a longer-lasting effect.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent that has been found to be effective in warding off midges. The oil is derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree and contains a compound called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol) which has been shown to repel insects.
To use lemon eucalyptus oil as a midge repellent, simply apply a small amount to your skin or clothing. Some people also mix the oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil before applying it to the skin.
It is important to note that lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under the age of three and should be used with caution on children under the age of 12. Additionally, it is always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any essential oil to the skin to check for sensitivity.
Overall, lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural and effective option for repelling midges without the use of harsh chemicals. It has a refreshing citrus scent and can be a pleasant alternative to traditional insect repellents.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent that is effective against midges. It is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India. Neem oil has a strong odor that repels midges and other insects.
Neem oil can be diluted with water and sprayed onto the skin or clothing to deter midges. It can also be mixed with other essential oils, such as lavender or citronella, for added protection.
How to Use Neem Oil as a Midge Repellent:
- Dilute neem oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto exposed skin or clothing before heading outdoors.
- Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is a popular natural insect repellent that can help keep midges at bay. Its strong scent is effective in deterring these pesky pests, making it a great option for outdoor activities. Simply apply a few drops of cedarwood oil to your skin or clothes to help repel midges and enjoy your time outside without constantly swatting away bugs.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is a natural midge repellent that can be used to keep these pests at bay. It has a strong scent that is effective in repelling midges and other insects. Thyme oil can be applied directly to the skin or diluted with a carrier oil for a milder scent.
How to Use Thyme Oil as a Midge Repellent
To use thyme oil as a midge repellent, simply mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil and apply it to any exposed skin. You can also add thyme oil to a diffuser to create a natural insect repelling scent in your home or outdoor space.
| Pros of Thyme Oil | Cons of Thyme Oil |
| Effective natural repellent | Strong scent may not be appealing to everyone |
| Easy to use | May cause skin irritation in some individuals |
Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is a popular natural insect repellent that can help keep midges at bay. It is derived from the leaves and flowers of the geranium plant and has a pleasant floral scent.
How It Works
The strong aroma of geranium oil acts as a deterrent to midges, making them less likely to approach and bite. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help protect against infections that may result from midge bites.
How to Use
To use geranium oil as a midge repellent, simply dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and apply it to your skin. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to create a natural barrier against midges indoors.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural insect repellent that can effectively keep midges away. Its strong and pungent smell overwhelms their senses, making them avoid areas where it is applied.
- Has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various insects, including midges.
- Can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin or mixed with water to create a spray.
- Should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a natural repellent that can help keep midges at bay. It contains compounds that are known to repel insects, making it an effective choice for those looking to avoid midge bites.
To use soybean oil as a repellent, simply apply it to exposed skin before heading outdoors. You can also mix it with other essential oils for added protection. Some people find that soybean oil works better than commercial insect repellents, as it is natural and has a pleasant scent.
Additionally, soybean oil is an environmentally friendly option, as it does not contain harsh chemicals that can harm the ecosystem. It is safe for use around children and pets, making it a versatile choice for families looking to stay protected from midges.
Consider using soybean oil as a natural alternative to traditional insect repellents, and enjoy a bite-free outdoor experience!