Vegetation have advanced 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 will even comprise them.
“Important oils all comprise a number of chemical constituents with names like geraniol, citronellol, citronellal, and linalool. Research are sparse on particular person parts, however some (like geraniol and vetiverol) are extra energetic towards bugs than others,” Villafranco explains.
Some generally obtainable important oils which can 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 were researched for his or her repellent properties.
“All of them work moderately effectively, however as a result of they’re risky, that means they evaporate into the air pretty rapidly, they should be reapplied often to stay efficient. For that purpose, I like vetiver, which stays on the pores and skin for much longer than most different important oils,” Villafranco notes.
