Bug repellent or Natural oil options to use around my Conure?

We have been trying to figure out what Bug repellent or Natural oil options to use around my Conure?

I don't know. I am SUPER paranoid in the "fume" department, but in my paranoid opinion, I haven't found any that are ideal. That having been said, natural is likely be safer (although still potentially dangerous due to the types of oils and spreading agents therein). I just feel like there is so much mixed information on essential oils and, despite their use in medicine for years, it is a fairly recent trend that has led to their widespread resurgence at major retailers.


I hope someone with a lifetime of bird experience answers this, because I am scared to base decisions on anecdotal reports (for instance," __is safe because I use it daily and my 5 year old bird is alive") ...Now if a 90 year old with 3 birds of 80 + years of age said that, it would be a different story lol. GOOD LUCK!

Oh, I agree with our noodles!

If it repels/kills/disturbs bugs, it may do the same to birds (remember the coal mine canaries? Yipes!)

If you must use repellant, maye keep it in the car, apply it after leavig the house, and shower when you get home?

Marigolds seem to repel bugs and rabbits and deer... maybe grow some and rub on yourself?

We have a dear member on here that used the same oven cleaner for years, and last year it killed his baby!

SO SAD.... I try not to take risks because I would crack if I could find a way to blame myself (even if it really wasn't my fault)...but that is why I am so worried about the stuff I can prevent. I feel so bad for that member, because obviously after years he/she figured there was no harm.


ps- If I wear repellent, I apply it outside and then as soon as I get in I take a shower with Dawn lol (it cuts the oils in sunscreen and bugspray better than bathroom soaps)
If I have to touch the birds things cage/stuff before showering, I wash my hands thoroughly and I only do that briefly IF I am sure that the fumes have dissipated since application hours ago. I about killed my dad when he picked up my bird while wearing "Cutter" (He claimed it was all washed off by sweat at that point, but I wasn't too happy about that, as I didn't find out until she had been preening him and climbing all over him for 30+ minutes!)

Thanks everyone for your info and comments

I'm pretty picky with anything fume related myself. I don't wear deodorant or perfume (I shower regularly and apply it at work if needed).
I remember reading that a birds respratory system is more sensitive than ours, when birds respire they absorb oxygen/toxins etc. on the inhale and exhale, meaning they absorb things twice as fast, making fumes, smoke an so on rather dangerous.

It is saddening to hear someone losing their bird to something they used for years. That goes to show you that something you use regularly could quite easily cause accidents.

Essential Oils are risky, as each one has it's own dangers, some do not, but you must investigate and research each one individually...

What does work to repel most insects and is safe for birds Peppermint Oil..If you get a spray bottle, fill it with water, and add just a few drops of natural Peppermint Oil, then spray it around where the insects are coming-in or where they are, it typically works pretty well..

I have this garlic based one that I bought at the farmers market. It's literally garlic oil and herms and you rub it on and is basically scentless.