Most of us know that essential oils can be used for health and wellness purposes in a whole host of ways – from managing pain to massaging sore bodies. But did you know that you can use essential oils for bites and rashes caused by critters and creepy crawlies?
Insect bites can be highly irritating, not to mention leaving your skin with scars, wounds and even infected if left untreated. Thankfully, there are many solutions and remedies that could ease the discomfort of insect bites – essential oils among them.
If you are looking for a more natural solution for insect bites, read on and learn how certain essential oils may be your answer to relieving those itches.
Why Use Essential Oils for Bug Bite Relief?
Imagine you’re enjoying a relaxing afternoon in your outdoor space, when... OUCH! You feel something nip your ankle sharply and the next thing you know, there’s a large red swelling on your skin that's itching like crazy! So much for relaxing – off to the first aid box you go, frantically hunting for something to calm the pain and stop that itch.
Yet you don’t have to settle for a traditional bite gel or cream which has little to no impact.
Next time an insect bite leaves you with itching, swelling, or redness, you might want to reach for an essential oil instead of a synthetic cream. Here's why:
1. Packed with skin-loving properties
Many essential oils boast anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds. These natural agents can help calm redness, reduce irritation, and guard against potential infection — all while supporting the skin’s healing process by soothing dryness, improving texture, and even minimising the appearance of scars.
2. Protection and relief in one
Some essential oils offer double the goodness: acting as a gentle, plant-based barrier to help deter insects, and providing comfort and care if a bite or sting does happen.
Some essential oils offer double the goodness: acting as a gentle, plant-based barrier to help deter insects, and providing comfort and care if a bite or sting does happen.
3. Kind to the skin – and planet
Because they’re derived from plants rather than made synthetically, essential oils are not only gentle on skin when used correctly but also offer a more eco-friendly alternative to many chemical-based insect repellents and treatments.
Because they’re derived from plants rather than made synthetically, essential oils are not only gentle on skin when used correctly but also offer a more eco-friendly alternative to many chemical-based insect repellents and treatments.
Top 6 Essential Oils for Bites to Calm Itching and Reduce Swelling
Bites are extremely irritating, not to mention painful. Even the smallest one can drive you crazy! When it comes to calming the itch, reducing swelling - even protecting against critters in the first place – which essential oils are good for insect bites?
Every essential oil has versatile properties, and some can be used for insect bites in different ways. So, here are six stand-out essential oils for bites to reduce pain, repair the skin and restore wellbeing.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella Essential Oil is known to be one of the most popular oils used in insect repellent formulations - and for good reason.
The key compound in Citronella Oil is citronellal, which repels insects by masking scents that are attractive to them. This makes it difficult for mosquitoes and other annoying critters to locate their target to feed.
What's more, the preventative powers in Citronella are long-lasting. In fact, a 2011 review found that when Citronella Oil is mixed with vanillin (found in vanilla beans), it provided natural protection against mosquitoes for up to three hours.
Additionally, Citronella is considered a biopesticide, meaning it is a natural nontoxic solution against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes, with amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities to boot. All up, it’s no wonder Citronella is considered one of the best essential oils for bites and stings!
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil shares a similar chemical profile to Citronella Essential Oil – both are high in citral and geraniol – and, as such, works as an effective, natural insect repellent.
This plant-derived oil from the Cymbopogon genus grown abundantly in South East Asis is a great option for anyone who wants to create a natural repellent but less keen on Citronella Oil’s aroma.
As it goes, Lemongrass Essential Oil is known to be as potent as commercial insecticides – without the chemicals. It helps protect people against a wide range of biting insects, including mosquitoes, fleas, lice and ticks.
Camphor Essential Oil
Camphor Essential Oil has long been used as a natural remedy for irritated or inflamed skin, making it a powerful ally against insect bites.
When diluted and applied topically, it delivers a cooling sensation that helps to immediately calm itchiness and discomfort, while soothing redness, swelling, and rashes. Its potent antiseptic properties also work to clean and protect minor abrasions caused by scratching, helping to prevent further infection.
Beyond its role in bite relief, Camphor is valued for its invigorating scent, which is known to deter certain insects naturally - a bonus for those looking for a plant-derived alternative to synthetic repellents. This combination of skin-soothing, protective, and repellent qualities makes Camphor a versatile essential oil for summer months and outdoor adventures.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Few essential oils rival Tea Tree for its is sheer versatility - and when it comes to insect bites, it shines!
Renowned for its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Oil (also called Melaleuca Oil) works on multiple levels: it helps clean and disinfect the bite area, soothes irritation, and supports the skin’s natural healing process. Its analgesic qualities offer fast relief from pain and itchiness, while its reputation as a natural deterrent makes it a smart additive to any insect repellant blend.
Tea Tree is also highly effective for managing swelling and redness, helping to minimise the visible signs of a bite while actively reducing the risk of secondary infection from scratching.
With its sharp, fresh aroma and powerful plant-derived properties, Tea Tree is both a protector and a healer in one.
Lavender Essential Oil
You may already know how Lavender Essential Oil is a common ingredient in skincare products. No wonder, with this soothing classic loved for its calming aroma and gentle yet effective skin-healing properties.
When diluted and applied to bites, Lavender Oil can help to reduce redness, ease swelling, and promote faster skin recovery. Its mild antiseptic qualities work to cleanse the affected area, while its natural anti-inflammatory action brings much-needed relief from itching and irritation. It’s also reputed to subtly deter certain insects, making it a pleasant-smelling alternative to harsher repellents.
What makes Lavender particularly special is its ability to care for the skin after the initial bite, supporting the fading of marks or scars so the skin can return to its natural, healthy appearance. These restorative superpowers help make Lavender one of the most popular essential oils for mozzie bites.
Gentle enough for most skin types, it’s clear how Lavender has become a must-have oil for any natural bite-care toolkit.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil is prized for its high menthol content, the natural compound behind its cooling, soothing and mildly numbing effect. When diluted and applied topically, it dilates blood vessels, helping to relieve pain, reduce itching and calm inflammation – all common reactions to insect bites.
With natural antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Peppermint Oil also supports the skin’s healing process while helping to keep the area clean. Its fresh, minty aroma may even act as a gentle deterrent to insects.
Peppermint Essential Oil comes in several variants, including Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Arvensis) and Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita), which all share menthol as their key constituent – and the reason this oil feels instantly refreshing and comforting on irritated skin.
How to Use Essential Oils for Insect Bites: DIY Home Remedies, Dilution and Safe Application Tips
How to use Citronella Oil for insect bites
Topical: Dilute your Citronella Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as an insect repellent. We recommend a 2 – 3% dilution for skin application and a 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application.
Note that research shows you need to reapply Citronella Oil every 30 – 60 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last.
Diffuser: You can also add a few drops of Citronella Essential Oil to a diffuser to experience its benefits through aromatherapy. This is also a perfect solution to repel insects from your area.
How to use Lemongrass Oil for insect bites
Topical: Dilute your Lemongrass Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the skin to repel wasps, mosquitoes and other biting insects. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Diffuser: You can also add a few drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil to a diffuser to repel flying insects on those warm summer nights.
How to use Camphor Oil for insect bites
Topical: Dilute your Camphor Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as an insect repellent. We recommend a maximum 1% dilution for skin application as Camphor Essential Oil is so potent.
Diffuser: You can also add a few drops of Camphor Essential Oil to a diffuser to repel insects from around your space.
How to use Tea Tree Oil for insect bites
Topical: To use Tea Tree for bites from mosquitoes, midges and wasps, dilute it in a carrier oil at a 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and a 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application. Add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area.
How to use Lavender for insect bites
Topical: Dilute your Lavender Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to areas of the skin affected by bites. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
How to use Peppermint Oil for insect bites
Topical: To soothe and repair the skin after an insect bite, dilute your Peppermint Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area. We recommend a 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Safe Use of Essential Oil for Bites
While essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting Essential Oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential Oils are highly concentrated and likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). See our topical dilution guide for more information about safe use, as well as advice given in each individual oil section above.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Insect Bites
Whether you're using essential oil for itchy bites or another natural solution, most can be managed at home. Yet if those irritating bite symptoms are not going away or worsening, you might require medical help.
When managing a bite, keep a close eye out for any of the following:
- Severe swelling, redness, or pain that worsens over time
- Signs of infection such as pus, warmth, or red streaks spreading from the bite
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness (possible allergic reaction)
- High fever or chills following a bite
- Bite accompanied by a rash or flu-like symptoms
- Persistent itching or discomfort lasting more than a week
If in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure proper treatment and peace of mind.
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less - allowing us to offer our high-quality products to our customers for less. We are also based right here in Australia!
FAQs
Does Tea Tree help mosquito bites?
Yes - in fact, you could say Tea Tree and mosquito bites go hand in hand! Using Tea Tree (also called Melaleuca Oil) for mosquito bites is incredibly beneficial to the skin for several reasons, with its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties helping to soothe skin, reduce redness, and prevent infection. While its one of the best oils for mosquito bites, these properties work equally well on other insect bites and stings too!
What is considered the best essential oil for spider bites?
For mild, non-dangerous spider bites, Tea Tree Oil is a good choice thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender and Peppermint Oils can also help reduce itching, swelling, and discomfort. However, many spiders in Australia are venomous and their bite can cause a serious risk to health. A bite from a venomous spider requires immediate medical attention.
Do essential oils work for ant bites?
Yes, some Essential Oils like Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Lavender can help ease pain, reduce swelling, and prevent infection from mild ant bites. As with any oil, they are best used diluted (see our guidelines for safe use). Severe allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional.