Clove oil is an essential oil that is derived from the clove plant, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. The oil is extracted from the flower buds, leaves and stems of the plant through a distillation process. Clove oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but has also gained popularity as a natural insect repellent.
The active ingredient in clove oil that makes it effective against insects is eugenol. Eugenol makes up 60-90% of the essential oil and has insecticidal properties. It can act as both a contact and fumigant insecticide. This means it can kill insects upon direct contact, but the vapors can also be toxic to bugs. Other active components in clove oil like beta-caryophyllene also contribute to its insect repelling abilities.
Clove oil has been shown to be effective against a wide variety of household pests including ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and more. It can deter these insects from entering the home as well as kill them on contact. Using clove oil is a natural way to keep bugs at bay without exposing yourself or your family to potentially toxic chemicals found in many conventional insecticides.
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Bugs That Clove Oil Repels
Ants
Ants are common household pests that can be bothersome when they invade homes in search of food. Clove oil is highly effective at repelling ants and disrupting ant trails.
In one study, clove oil was tested against three common ant species – Pharaoh ants, pavement ants, and house ants. It was found to be toxic to the ants in very low concentrations. The vapors alone could repel and kill the ants, disrupting their scent communication and ability to follow pheromone trails back to the nest.
Sprinkling small amounts of clove oil around ant nests or entry points into the home can help deter ants. Combining it with other natural ant repellents like vinegar and cinnamon can also be effective. The strong scent overwhelms the ants’ senses so they are unable to pick up pheromone trails.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be difficult pests to control as they reproduce quickly and are adept at hiding in small spaces. Clove oil has been shown in studies to have potent insecticidal effects on German cockroaches, a common household species.
The vapors alone from clove oil can be toxic to cockroaches and repel them from treated areas. When directly sprayed on cockroaches, the oil can deliver a lethal dose in minutes. The eugenol compounds disrupt the nervous system and digestive tract of cockroaches.
Using clove oil in cracks, crevices, entry points, and other areas frequented by roaches can help keep an infestation at bay. It can also kill any roaches on contact and repel additional roaches.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes transmit a variety of dangerous diseases like Zika, West Nile, malaria and more. Clove oil can effectively repel mosquitoes due to its strong aroma.
In lab studies, clove oil was tested against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Results showed clove oil could repel mosquitoes for up to 4 hours when applied to human skin. The oil also disrupted the mosquito’s sense of smell, preventing them from locating hosts to bite.
Burning a candle or diffusing clove oil can help create a mosquito-free outdoor space. Topical application to the skin can protect against bites when spending time outdoors.
Flies
Flies are another pest that can easily make their way into homes to contaminate food and surfaces. Clove oil makes an effective natural fly repellent.
In lab studies, clove oil showed toxicity to housefly species when used as a fumigant. The vapors disrupt the octopamine neurotransmitter receptors in flies, leading to mortality. Eugenol compounds in clove oil also exhibit anti-feedant properties against flies.
Diffusing clove oil in areas where flies are problematic can help control infestations. Spraying the oil on window screens and other entry points can also repel flies.
Ticks
Ticks are dangerous pests known to transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses. Clove oil has been shown to kill and repel ticks even at low concentrations.
One laboratory study found that clove oil killed up to 100% of deer ticks after 24 hours of exposure. The vapors can effectively penetrate tick exoskeletons and disrupt their bodily functions. Ticks are repelled by the strong aroma of clove oil.
Using clove oil topically on skin, clothing, and gear can help repel ticks when spending time outdoors. Treating lawns and properties can also reduce tick abundance.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic pests that live in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other fabric materials in the home. They feed on dead skin flakes people shed and can trigger allergies and asthma.
Clove oil has been found to have potent acaricidal effects on dust mites. In lab studies, clove oil killed up to 100% of adult dust mites after direct exposure. It disrupts the mites’ cuticular lipids which leads to death. The oil also hindered reproduction by killing mite eggs and larvae.
Using clove oil on mattresses, bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture can help control dust mite populations. This is a safer alternative to acaricidal chemicals.
Stored Product Insects
Many types of insects can infest stored grains, flours, and other dried goods. These include granary weevils, rice weevils, flour beetles, and merchant grain beetles. Clove oil can be used as a natural fumigant to control these pests.
Studies show that clove oil vapor is highly toxic to many stored product insects. It significantly reduces mobility, food intake and overall survival rates. Using clove oil to fumigate stored products can eliminate infestations and prevent losses.
Termites
Termites are destructive pests that damage wood structures and trees. Clove oil exhibits anti-feedant and fumigant effects against termites.
One lab study tested clove oil on the termite species Coptotermes formosanus. Results showed that termites avoided treated wood. The oil deterred feeding, disrupted locomotion, and eventually caused mortality due to the vapors.
Using clove oil on vulnerable wood and trees can deter termite infestations. It provides a safer alternative to traditional termite pesticides.
How To Use Clove Oil as an Insect Repellent
Here are some tips on using clove oil to effectively repel insects:
– For flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, diffuse 5-10 drops of clove oil in the room. Can also place a few drops on a cloth and leave near open windows.
– To make a topical repellent, mix 5-10 drops of clove oil with 1 tablespoon carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Apply to exposed skin.
– Add 20 drops of clove oil diluted in water to a spray bottle. Use on entry points, window sills, and anywhere bugs may enter.
– Mix 5-10 drops of clove oil with water and spray onto plants, lawns, and trees to repel insects. Avoid plant leaves as clove oil can burn them.
– Place cotton balls soaked with clove oil in cupboards, drawers, and areas where roaches hide. Replace cotton balls regularly.
– Make clove oil traps – Add 10 drops onto cotton balls and place on small plates near ant nests, roach infestations, etc.
– For stored products, put 1-2 drops of clove oil on cotton balls. Place them with the products in sealed containers to fumigate.
Tips for Using Clove Oil as an Insect Repellent
– Always use clove oil diluted – Never apply undiluted oil directly to your skin or plants as it can cause irritation
– Test clove oil on a small patch of skin first to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity
– Avoid getting clove oil near eyes and mucous membranes
– Start with lower concentrations and increase strength if needed
– Combine clove oil with other insect-deterrent herbs like peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus etc. for added effectiveness
– Reapply clove oil repellents frequently for continued protection
– Check regularly for signs of insect infestations and treat hot spots with clove oil before they spread
– Use clove oil along with environmental pest-proofing like sealing entry points, removing standing water etc. for optimal control
Is Clove Oil Safe?
When used properly, clove oil is generally considered safe for adults. However, some potential side effects can occur:
– Skin irritation – Clove oil can cause dermatitis, itching, swelling, and burning sensation when applied directly to the skin, especially in high concentrations. Always dilute it first.
– Allergic reactions – Some people may be allergic or sensitive to clove oil. Discontinue use if any signs of reaction occur like rash, hives, swelling, or breathing problems.
– Oral toxicity – Clove oil should never be ingested undiluted as it can cause liver damage, seizures, fluid imbalances or other dangerous effects. Keep out of reach of children.
– Eye damage – Getting clove oil in the eyes can lead to corneal burns, inflammation, and eye pain. Avoid contact with eyes and rinse immediately if exposure occurs.
– Interactions – Clove oil may potentially interact with blood thinners, sedatives, diabetes medications or other drugs. Consult a doctor before using clove oil if you take any medications.
As long as you take proper safety precautions, clove oil can be an effective, natural pest control option in your home. But be sure to keep it safely out of reach from children and pets. And do a patch test before applying topically to check for skin sensitivity. With careful use, clove oil can help protect your home from invasive bugs.
Conclusion
In summary, clove oil is a natural insect repellent that can deter a wide array of household pests. Its active ingredient, eugenol, has insecticidal properties that can kill bugs like ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies and ticks. Clove oil also exhibits toxicity against dust mites, stored product insects, and termites.
Using clove oil in your home can provide a safer, botanical alternative to conventional bug sprays and pesticides. It can effectively repel insects and also kill many common insect pests on contact. Diluting clove oil and using proper safety precautions can help avoid potential side effects like skin irritation. Overall, clove oil is a multipurpose, natural pest control solution for protecting your home from insect invaders.