When you think of pine gel, your mind probably goes straight to cleaning floors and surfaces around your home. But did you know that pine gel can also help keep insects at bay? Combine it with lavender oil, and you have a naturally pleasant-smelling bug repellent.
Why does this matter? More than convenience, it’s useful in the fight against diseases spread by insects. In Africa especially, mosquitoes spread serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Flies, too, can spread diseases, such as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.
Why Pine Oil Works
Pine oil comes from the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees. It has a fresh, forest-like smell that a lot of people love. However, insects like mosquitoes, ants, and flies find the scent quite off-putting. The strong smell of pine oil can mask the scents that attract these pests, which keeps them away from your living spaces.
Lavender Oil: More Than Just a Soothing Scent
Lavender oil is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties. It’s used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote sleep, and it’ll even help your dog snooze. But this lovely floral oil has another talent – it’s a potent insect repellent.
Combining Pine and Lavender Oils in Pine Gel
Using pine gel infused with both pine oil and lavender oil not only cleans and disinfects, but it also leaves behind a scent that bugs hate. Here’s how to use it:
- Cleaning Surfaces: Wipe down all surfaces to create a bug barrier.
- Floor Cleaning: Mop your floors with a solution of pine gel to stop creepy-crawlies in their tracks.
- Rubbish Bins: Deep clean your rubbish bins with pine gel to deter mosquitoes and flies, and spray with a diluted mixture for a boost.
- Scented Jars: Fill a few glass jars with pine gel and place them around your home for an extra punch of pest protection, and your home will smell great too.
Happy cleaning and bug-free living!
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16294807/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6925501/
https://www.mosquitosquad.com/blog/tips-prevention/essential-oils-mosquitoes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448690/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982929/
