Many insects such as roaches, ants and silverfish do not care for the scent of orange oil and will avoid it. Placing bits of orange peel or zest around the garden repels flies and mosquitoes. Rubbing orange peel on the skin is a home remedy for preventing mosquito bites.Click to see full answer. Regarding this, which essential oils repel which bugs? Essential Oils That Repel Bugs Naturally Basil and Kaffir Lime. In an earlier 2001 study from Thailand (where the mosquitoes can be downright dreadful), mosquitoes in cage conditions were repelled by turmeric, citronella grass, and hairy basil oils. Catnip. Citronella. Clove. Geranium. Lavender. Lemon Eucalyptus. Lemongrass. Also Know, what scent do insects hate? Lavender Subsequently, one may also ask, do bugs like orange oil? In general, most insects hate citrus, making orange essential oil a great choice for repelling insects in your home. It is actually one of the more underused oils that most people underestimate. Orange oil is especially effective at keeping ants away, as well as other household pests such as crickets and spiders.Does peppermint oil keep bugs away?Not only does peppermint oil repel ants, it also repels spiders. In fact, peppermint keeps most pests away, including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mice and moths.