Essential oils are increasingly being used in pest control products – in lieu of synthetic pesticides. Pest control product manufacturers are creating formulations that incorporate essential oils, and pest control professionals are applying them in both home and industrial facilities.
Consumers are demanding natural, pet-safe, and environmentally-friendly pest control products, both for their homes and for their home gardens
Essential oils are biodegradable and non-toxic to the soil and water. In organic farming and organic food product processing, essential oils offer a safe, natural alternative to chemical pesticides prohibited for use by USDA National Organic Program.
Neem Oil – not an essential oil, but a fixed oil that is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) -- is an EPA-approved biopesticide which is widely used in both home garden and agricultural applications. Other oils used for pest control are Castor oil, Citronella oil, Lavender oil, Lavandin oil, Rosemary oil, Thyme oil, Clove oil, Oregano oil, Peppermint oil, and Tea Tree oil.
Pest Control
Pet Care (Essential Oils)
In agribusiness, essential oils are natural “biopesticides” that can treat pest infestation of crops and prevent pest contamination of stored foodstuffs. Several essential oils used for pest control in industrial food storage also offer benefits as food preservatives
1. Clove Oil
Pest Control:
Deters rodents and insects like moths and flour beetles.
Food Preservation:
Possesses strong antibacterial and antifungal activity, extending shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and cured meats.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Pest Control:
Deters rodents and insects like moths and flour beetles.
Food Preservation:
Has antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi, potentially increasing shelf life of preserved meats, baked goods, and dried fruits.
3. Rosemary Oil
Pest Control:
Repels flies, mosquitoes, and moths.
Food Preservation:
Exhibits antioxidant properties, potentially delaying rancidity in oils and fats, and possesses some antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Pest Control:
Discourages flies and mosquitoes.
Food Preservation:
Offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeast, potentially extending shelf life of various food products.
5. Thyme Oil
Pest Control:
Repels rodents and insects like flies and grain beetles.
Food Preservation:
Has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, potentially extending shelf life of meat, fish, and fruits.
Types of Pests Targeted
Inspect: Essential oils, such as citronella, clove, and peppermint, exhibit repellent and insecticidal activities against various insects like mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, and flies. Their volatile nature allows them to reach hidden areas and disrupt insect communication.
Rodents: Some oils, like peppermint and spearmint, can irritate rodents' respiratory systems and deter them from entering treated areas.
Bacteria and Fungi: Essential oils like lemongrass and tea tree have antimicrobial properties, making them useful for controlling mold and mildew in warehouses and food processing facilities.
Rodents: Some oils, like peppermint and spearmint, can irritate rodents' respiratory systems and deter them from entering treated areas.
Bacteria and Fungi: Essential oils like lemongrass and tea tree have antimicrobial properties, making them useful for controlling mold and mildew in warehouses and food processing facilities.
Key advantages of using essential oils in pest control products
Natural and biodegradable: Unlike synthetic pesticides, essential oils are derived from plants and readily decompose, minimizing environmental impact.
Reduced resistance risk: Unlike traditional pesticides, pests develop resistance to essential oils less quickly due to their complex compositions and multiple modes of action.
Safer for humans and pets: Many essential oils are considered relatively safe for use around humans and pets when applied at appropriate concentrations. considered relatively safe for use around humans and pets when applied at appropriate concentrations.
Multifuntionality:Certain oils offer additional benefits like odor control and air purification, enhancing their value in pest control strategies.
Reduced resistance risk: Unlike traditional pesticides, pests develop resistance to essential oils less quickly due to their complex compositions and multiple modes of action.
Safer for humans and pets: Many essential oils are considered relatively safe for use around humans and pets when applied at appropriate concentrations. considered relatively safe for use around humans and pets when applied at appropriate concentrations.
Multifuntionality:Certain oils offer additional benefits like odor control and air purification, enhancing their value in pest control strategies.
Application Methods
Spraying: Essential oils can be diluted in water, sometimes mixed with other ingredients, and sprayed directly on surfaces or into infested areas, or applied around the perimeter of the facility being protected.
Fumigation: Diffusing oils through a diffuser fills enclosed spaces with their vapors, repelling and potentially killing pests.
Baiting: Oils can be incorporated into baits to attract and kill, or deter, specific pests.
Soak-and-wipe: Surfaces can be mopped wiped down with a solution containing essential oils for disinfecting and pest control.
Fumigation: Diffusing oils through a diffuser fills enclosed spaces with their vapors, repelling and potentially killing pests.
Baiting: Oils can be incorporated into baits to attract and kill, or deter, specific pests.
Soak-and-wipe: Surfaces can be mopped wiped down with a solution containing essential oils for disinfecting and pest control.
Many essential oils are used in personal insect repellents. Here are some essential oils commonly used as insect repellents
Citronella Oil: The champion of natural repellents, citronella effectively deters mosquitoes and other biting insects. Its efficacy lasts for about 2 hours, needing frequent reapplication.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This oil, registered with the EPA for insect repellency, offers strong protection against mosquitoes for up to 3 hours. However, it can cause skin irritation and shouldn't be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Geranium Oil: A milder option, geranium offers around 2 hours of mosquito protection and has a pleasant floral scent. It's generally safe for most people but may irritate sensitive skin.
Lavender Oil: While not as potent as others, lavender oil provides some mosquito and tick repellency with a pleasant (to humans) aroma. It's considered safe for most people but may irritate sensitive skin.
Lavender Oil: Known for its strong scent, peppermint oil repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. However, it can be irritating to skin and shouldn't be used by children or pregnant women.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This oil, registered with the EPA for insect repellency, offers strong protection against mosquitoes for up to 3 hours. However, it can cause skin irritation and shouldn't be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Geranium Oil: A milder option, geranium offers around 2 hours of mosquito protection and has a pleasant floral scent. It's generally safe for most people but may irritate sensitive skin.
Lavender Oil: While not as potent as others, lavender oil provides some mosquito and tick repellency with a pleasant (to humans) aroma. It's considered safe for most people but may irritate sensitive skin.
Lavender Oil: Known for its strong scent, peppermint oil repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. However, it can be irritating to skin and shouldn't be used by children or pregnant women.
