Midges, also known as no-see-ums, are tiny insects that can cause itchy bites and irritation. They are especially common in humid and warm environments, making outdoor activities in the summer months a bit of a challenge. While store-bought insect repellents can be effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that may not be suitable for everyone. Luckily, there are several home remedies that can help repel midges naturally.
One effective method is to create a mixture of essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, and dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. These oils have strong scents that midges find unpleasant, helping to keep them at bay. Simply apply the mixture to exposed skin before heading outside to enjoy a midge-free experience.
Another natural remedy is to plant midge-repelling herbs around your home and outdoor living spaces. Herbs like citronella, mint, and basil have strong scents that can deter midges from hanging around. Not only will these herbs help keep midges away, but they will also add a pleasant aroma to your garden or patio.
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is a natural essential oil that is known for its strong, citrusy scent. This scent is effective at repelling midges and other flying insects. You can easily create a homemade insect repellent by mixing citronella oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
How to Use Citronella Oil as a Midge Repellent
To use citronella oil as a midge repellent, simply apply a few drops of the oil onto your skin or clothing before heading outdoors. You can also add citronella oil to candles or diffusers to create a barrier against midges in your home or patio area.
Note: Citronella oil can cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it’s important to do a patch test before applying it to a larger area of skin. Avoid applying citronella oil near the eyes or mouth.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural repellent that can help keep midges away from your home. Its strong aroma is effective at deterring these pests from entering your living space. You can create a simple spray by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spraying it around windows, doors, and other entry points. Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where midges are most commonly found. Reapply as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective natural repellent | May need to reapply frequently |
| Pleasant aroma | Strong scent may not be desirable for all |
| Easy to use and apply | Not as long-lasting as some chemical repellents |
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries for its soothing and calming properties. It has also been found to be an effective repellent against midges and other insects. The strong scent of lavender oil is known to deter these pests and keep them at bay.
How to use:
Simply dilute a few drops of lavender oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and apply it to exposed skin before heading outdoors. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser to keep midges away from your home or outdoor gathering areas.
Benefits:
In addition to repelling midges, lavender oil has the added bonus of promoting relaxation and reducing stress. So not only will you be protecting yourself from pesky insects, but you’ll also be enjoying the calming effects of this natural remedy.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can help repel midges by masking human scents that attract them. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to exposed skin before heading outdoors. Reapply every few hours for maximum effectiveness. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your body lotion or sunscreen for added protection against midges.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for its strong scent that repels midges effectively. You can create a natural insect repellent spray by mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using and apply it to exposed skin to keep midges away.
You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser to keep midges out of your home. The strong scent will deter them from entering your living spaces.
Alternatively, you can apply undiluted eucalyptus oil directly to your skin as a natural insect repellent. Be sure to do a patch test first to check for any irritation.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent that can effectively ward off midges. This essential oil is derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree, also known as Corymbia citriodora or Eucalyptus citriodora.
How to Use:
To use lemon eucalyptus oil as a midge repellent, simply dilute a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, and apply it to exposed areas of skin. You can also mix it with water in a spray bottle and spritz it on clothing or around your home to keep midges at bay.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent that is effective at keeping midges at bay. It contains compounds that repel insects and can be diluted with water to create a spray that you can use in your home or garden. Simply mix neem oil with water and spray it around areas where midges are commonly found to keep them away.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is a natural repellent that can be effective in keeping midges away from your home. Its strong aroma acts as a deterrent for these pesky insects, making them less likely to invade your space.
To use cedarwood oil as a midge repellent, simply mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around windows, doors, and other entry points where midges may be entering your home. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to create a repellent mist throughout your living space.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil is a natural remedy that can help repel midges due to its strong scent that these insects find unpleasant. You can dilute basil essential oil with water and spray it around your home or outdoor areas where midges are a problem. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of basil essential oil to a diffuser to keep midges at bay.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is a natural insect repellent that can effectively keep midges away from your home and outdoor areas. The strong scent of lemongrass oil masks the attractants that draw midges in, such as human sweat and body odors.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil:
To use lemongrass oil to repel midges, dilute a few drops of the oil in water and spray it around your home or outdoor seating area. You can also mix lemongrass oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it directly to your skin as a natural bug repellent.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of lemongrass oil to a diffuser to create a fragrant barrier that will help keep midges at bay.
DIY Midge Repellent Spray Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup distilled water
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
– 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
– 10 drops citronella essential oil
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the repellent evenly on exposed skin before heading outdoors.
3. Reapply every few hours or as needed to keep midges at bay.