With an increasing number of consumers investigating the possibilities of natural substances to control pests, cedar oil is growing in popularity. While many consumers are aware of the fact that non-toxic cedar oil is an extremely effective solution for repelling insects, mice and rats, and a variety of other pesky varmints, the science behind why it is so effective is not widely understood.
All of the way back in ancient times people used cedar trunks, chests and drawers to protect treasured belongings from insects, mice, molds and even fungus. Ancient Egyptians even used the oil to assist with embalming due to its unique repellant properties. Cedar trees thrive for thousands of years because the oil they produce protects them from damaging insects and other varmints. So how does cedar oil actually work?
Unlike dangerous poisons that need to be digested or touched in order to be effective, cedar oil merely needs to permeate in order to eliminate or repel an insect. Insects that follow a trail (like ants) will be destroyed, while other types of varmints like wasps or mice will simply avoid the oil.
Cedar oil works in a variety of ways:
• The oil dissolves the insects eggs, larvae and pupae
• It erodes the exoskeleton in order to cause premature death
• The oil irritates the respiratory system and prevents breathing
• Cedar oil interrupts the ability to maintain regulation of movement, behavior, feeding and reproduction
Cedar oil can be applied to rooms and furnishings as a fog, powder or liquid that can effectively penetrate nooks and crannies in order to repel or destroy insects, it can be safely used in vegetable gardens to prevent insect infestation, or it can be applied to animals in order to protect them from fleas.