The 14 Best Essential Oils for Bug Bites 2021 (Plus Recipes)

Most bug bites are harmless, but they can be uncomfortable. It can lead to redness, swelling, and constant itching, among other side effects.

From mosquitoes to bed bugs, bug bites can exist in different forms. Most of the time, they will not need medical intervention and will heal quickly.

The instant reaction for most people is to reach over-the-counter ointments to treat bug bites. While it can help, there is another promising solution – the best essential oils for bug bites.

Derived from highly concentrated plant extracts, essential oils can relieve itchiness and inflammation from bug bites.

If you are clueless about the right essential oil to use, keep on reading and learn from some of my recommendations.

Types of Bug Bites

A bug bite is a general term that encompasses several conditions depending on what bit you. Here are some of the most common types:

• Mosquitoes: One of the most common bug bites, it creates raised, itchy, and pink bumps on the skin. Scratching mosquito bites can result in an infection.
• Ticks: A common bug that you will find outdoors, ticks are difficult to notice. They can cause serious health conditions, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
• Bed Bugs: Less than 1mm in size, bed bugs are reddish-brown and commonly found in beds. It creates red and raised skin bumps.
• Flea: These blood-sucking bugs are commonly found in pets. On average, they are 2.5mm in length, wingless, and reddish brown.
• Bees: As soon as you are bitten by a bee, there will be a sharp sting and it will fade within minutes. It can cause a red skin bump with a white area around.
• Spider: While most spider bites are harmless, some can be venomous. Black widow and brown recluse spiders, for instance, can result in severe pain and will require medical attention as soon as possible.

How Essential Oils Can Help

There are two main ways by which you can use the best essential oils for bug bites – as a prevention and as a cure.

When used for preventive measures, essential oils can send signals that will keep the bugs away. On the other hand, as a treatment, the topical application of essential oils can minimize redness, swelling, itching, and other common signs of bug bites.

For the direct application of essential oil, make sure that you dilute it first. Otherwise, the oil is too strong, and it can only make the problem worse. It can cause stinging and burning on the skin. A good practice is to use five drops of carrier oil for every ounce of essential oil. You can create a diluted spray or DIY ointment using essential oils.

You can also use essential oils for your bath. Add a few drops in the bathtub and this can help heal your bug bites.

The Best Essential Oils for Bug Bites

If you have no idea about the right essential oils to use to effectively deal with bug bites, below are some of the top options that should be on your list.

Artizen Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil has the potential to reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation (1). As an antihistamine, it can reduce the activities of the histamine receptors in the body, especially after being bitten by a bug.

As an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, this can also be used in cleaning bug bites to reduce the possibility that the infection will spread.

The application of tea tree oil will reduce swelling and itching.

Orchid & Temple Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is recognized as one of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety. It is believed to have a sedative effect. It can also be equally promising when used for bug bites.

Itchiness and pain are common for anyone who has bug bites. With this, lavender can help as it has a soothing effect. This will be effective in calming you down.

As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it will also help to speed up healing from bug bites.

It can also work as a natural bug repellent, especially against mosquitoes. The best thing is that it has a pleasant smell!

Essence Lux Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Like lavender, chamomile is another common choice for essential oils for relaxation. Aside from keeping you calm, it can also be effective in soothing bug bites.

In one study, the authors found that chamomile has the same effect as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (2). Because of this, it can be a great choice for natural pain relief from bug bites.

SVA Organics Lemongrass Essential Oil

The antimicrobial property of this lemongrass essential oil makes it effective when used for bug bites. It can inhibit the spread of insect-borne diseases.

Like many of the essential oils that are included on our list, this also has anti-inflammatory compounds. This will reduce inflammation once you are bitten by bugs. As a result, there will be lesser pain and inflammation. It prevents discomfort associated with bug bites.

Plant Therapy Pine Essential Oil

This pine essential oil can be highly effective in repelling bugs, especially mosquitoes.

In a study completed by Indian researchers, it has been concluded that pine oil, in high doses, is effective against mosquito larvae (3). No wonder, it makes a great choice for a natural mosquito repellent.

Ola Prima Eucalyptus Essential Oil

As one of the most popular menthol oils, eucalyptus is known for its cooling benefit. Therefore, immediately after application, this will create a cooling sensation. In turn, this can soothe the area of the bug bite and will make the pain less evident.

Because of its safety and effectiveness, it is also commonly used in commercially available bug repellents. It is also considered a safe DEET alternative.

L&I Apothecary Organic Basil Essential Oil

Basil is more than just an herb you can use for cooking. This basil essential oil is an impressive choice for bug bites.

It has natural antimicrobial properties, making it effective for treating bug bites. It will help in minimizing the possibility of an infection.

This essential oil also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It will be effective in the treatment of swelling and can also help minimize pain.

Sun Essential Oils Rosemary Essential Oil

This aromatic herb can be useful beyond the kitchen. It is also a great natural alternative for the best essential oils for bug bites.

It is another essential oil that can be effective in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It also has anti-bacterial compounds, so cleaning your wound with this diluted essential oil will help prevent infection.

Healing Solutions Organic Camphor Essential Oil

With this camphor essential oil, you can enjoy a natural insecticide. Use it as a natural spray to keep bugs away from your home.

It is also known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This will help to speed up the healing of bug bites.

The topical application of camphor essential oil, as long as you combine it with a carrier oil, will warm your skin and provide temporary pain relief.

Eden’s Garden Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum is not as popular as the other essential oils that are listed in this guide, but it is equally effective against bug bites.

It will help in killing allergic reactions, so this will prevent bug bites from getting worse. It can also kill infections.

This essential oil also has anti-allergen and analgesic properties, so you can enjoy effective relief against bug bites.

Diffuse Essential Oils Coriander Essential Oil

This is great for the treatment of itchiness as a result of bug bites. It can soothe inflammation and reduce redness, among other things that can happen when you have been bitten by bugs.

Like other essential oils, be careful with its application. It has potent compounds, so it can cause an adverse reaction. The best way to prevent this from happening is to dilute it with your choice of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil.

Gya Labs Thyme Essential Oil

For a long time now, thyme has been used as an effective flea repellent. It has insecticide properties that can make it kill fleas. It is equally effective when used in killing bed bugs. This will kill pests and their eggs, which will prevent their reproduction.

However, be careful with the application of this essential oil. It can elevate blood pressure levels, so this is not recommended for people who have hypertension.

Majestic Pure Close Essential Oil

Eugenol, a compound that you will find in clove essential oil, is the one responsible for its effectiveness against bugs. Among others, it is most effective when used against bed bugs.

To use this essential oil, you will need to apply this directly on bed bugs to stop their infestation. It is best to use this as a spray.

Nature’s Star Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to other menthol oils that are included in our list, the cooling effect of this essential oil will make it effective against bugs. This will soothe the affected area, which will also make it less painful. In the same way, this can minimize the temptation to scratch the bug bites.

The strong scent of peppermint can be a double-edged sword. Some of you might not like it. However, even bed bugs and other bugs do not like it, making it another effective choice if you are looking for a natural repellent.

Before applying peppermint essential oil, even in its diluted form, check the skin first. Make sure that there is no broken skin. Otherwise, it can burn and aggravate the bug bite.

Essential Oil Recipes for Bug Bites

Here are some recipes you can try at home. They are cheap, effective, and best of all, natural! They do not include any chemicals.

DIY Roller for Itchy Bug Bites

Bug bites can result in uncomfortable itchiness. Because of scratching, it can make the problem worse, making your skin red and swollen. This DIY roller can offer a promising solution.

• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops of chamomile essential oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Roll-on bottle

Add all the essential oils in a roll-on bottle. Add fractionated coconut oil and place the lid. To use, start by cleaning the bug bite area with mild soap and warm water. Finish by directly applying the roll-on.

Essential Oil Spray to Keep Bugs Away

To prevent bugs from infesting your household, this DIY natural spray can help. It will naturally disinfect surfaces to prevent bugs.

• 4 drops of pine essential oil
• 4 drops of orange essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• ¼ cup Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
• ¼ cup Murphy oil soap

Combine all the ingredients in a bottle. Spray the surfaces where bugs can be present. Leave on the surface or wipe using a clean cloth.

Essential Oil Spray for Itching

Bug bites, especially mosquitoes, can make you itchy. As you scratch the bite, it will turn red and can worsen. It can even cause infection. For effective relief from itching, try this simple recipe.

• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• Fractionated coconut oil

In a spray bottle, add all the essential oils on the list. Add the fractionated coconut oil. When it is time to use, start by spraying on the palm and rub it on the affected area.

Conclusion

The best essential oils for bug bites can be a lifesaver! They use pure oil extracts diluted with carrier oils, often for topical application. They have natural compounds that can soothe inflammation and redness, among other common signs of different types of bug bites!

Sources: 

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.05034.x, Accessed 05 Sep 2020
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320509003853, Accessed 05 Sep 2020
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16294807, Accessed 05 Sep 2020