Caring for your lawn goes beyond mowing and watering. it also involves managing pests that can damage your grass or pose risks to your family and pets. One of the most natural and effective solutions available today is cedar oil. Unlike harsh chemical pesticides, cedarwood oil is known for its ability to interfere with the pheromones of insects, making your lawn an unwelcome place for unwanted bugs.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about spraying your lawn with cedar oil from when and how to apply it, to the common pests it controls, and tips to get the best results.
Why Use Cedar Oil on Your Lawn?
Cedar oil, derived from the wood of cedar trees, has been used for centuries to repel insects. It works by disrupting the pheromone signals that insects rely on for survival activities like breeding, feeding, and locating hosts. As a result, pests become disoriented and are naturally driven away.
For homeowners, the benefits go beyond simple pest control:
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Safe for children and pets
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Free from harsh synthetic chemicals
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Biodegradable and eco-friendly
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Suitable for lawns, gardens, and home perimeters
Pests Controlled by Cedar Oil
When applied properly, cedar oil is effective against a variety of lawn pests. These include both visible insects and those hidden in the grass or soil.
Common Lawn Pests Repelled by Cedar Oil
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Fleas – Often found in shady patches and areas frequented by pets
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Ticks – Known carriers of Lyme disease, usually found near wooded edges
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Ants – Especially fire ants that build mounds in soil
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Mosquitoes – Rest in cool, damp spots during the day
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Chinch Bugs – Damage grass by sucking moisture from blades
Fungal Support Benefits
While not a fungicide, cedar oil’s anti-fungal properties may help prevent conditions like:
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Lawn mildew
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Soil fungus from overwatering
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Early signs of root rot

Best Time to Spray Cedar Oil on Lawns
Timing is important to ensure the treatment is effective and long-lasting. Applying it during unfavorable conditions can result in poor absorption and wasted effort.
Ideal Conditions for Spraying:
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Time of Day: Early morning or late evening when temperatures are mild
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Weather: Avoid spraying right before or after rain
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Season: Late spring through early fall, depending on pest pressure
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, it’s best to gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Cedar oil is easy to apply, but a smooth application depends on having the right setup.
Basic Supplies Checklist:
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Cedar oil concentrate (such as those offered by Cedar Oil Store)
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Hose-end sprayer – For covering large lawns
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Pump sprayer – Ideal for small areas or spot treatment
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Measuring cup – For accurate dilution
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Protective gloves and eyewear – Optional but helpful
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Water supply – To mix and rinse as needed
How to Spray Your Lawn with Cedar Oil – Step-by-Step
The application process is simple, but attention to detail ensures better results. Follow these steps for effective lawn coverage.
Step 1 – Dilute the Cedar Oil
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Most cedar oil products require mixing 1–2 oz of concentrate per gallon of water
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Use a clean container or the reservoir in your sprayer
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Shake or stir to ensure an even mixture
Step 2 – Set Up Your Sprayer
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Hose-end sprayer: Connect to a garden hose, fill the container with the diluted mixture
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Pump sprayer: Fill the tank, pump until pressurized, and adjust nozzle for even spraying
Step 3 – Divide Lawn into Sections
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Visually divide your lawn into 4–6 sections
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Spray one section at a time, making sure to overlap slightly to avoid missed spots
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Pay extra attention to shaded, moist areas where insects hide
Step 4 – Let the Lawn Dry
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After spraying, keep kids and pets off the lawn for at least 1–2 hours
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Let the lawn dry naturally before watering or walking over it
Step 5 – Reapply Periodically
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For ongoing protection, repeat the process every 30 to 45 days
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During peak mosquito or flea seasons, increase frequency to every 2–3 weeks
Cedar Oil vs Chemical Lawn Sprays
Many homeowners wonder whether natural solutions like cedar oil are as effective as traditional insecticides. While both have their roles, cedar oil is the preferred option for family-safe lawn care.
Feature |
Cedar Oil |
Synthetic Sprays |
Child & Pet Safety |
Safe |
Often unsafe |
Eco Impact |
Low |
Can pollute soil/water |
Scent |
Mild, woodsy aroma |
Often strong, chemical smell |
Application Frequency |
Monthly (varies) |
Usually bi-weekly |
Affects Pollinators |
No |
Can harm bees and butterflies |
Tips for Best Results
To ensure the cedar oil works efficiently and lasts as long as possible, keep the following tips in mind:
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Mow your lawn before spraying so that oil reaches the base of the grass
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Avoid applying before watering or rainy days
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Spot treat high-risk areas like pet zones, shaded corners, and garden edges
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Rotate with other natural treatments if pest pressure remains high
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few common missteps can reduce the effectiveness of your cedar oil spray. Be sure to avoid these:
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Applying during direct sunlight or peak heat
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Spraying during or right before rain
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Using the wrong dilution ratio
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Failing to shake the sprayer before and during application
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Skipping reapplication during peak pest seasons
Final Thoughts
Spraying your lawn with cedar oil is a straightforward and effective way to deal with common pests while keeping your home environment safe and chemical-free. With consistent applications and a little planning, you can protect your yard from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and more all while avoiding the harsh ingredients found in conventional lawn treatments.
For best results, use high-quality cedar oil from trusted sources like Cedar Oil Store, which specializes in natural, safe, and effective pest control products for lawns, pets, and homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 1 Will cedar oil kill the insects or just repel them?
A: Cedar oil primarily repels by affecting the insects’ sense of smell and direction. In some cases, it may also dehydrate small insects like fleas and ticks.
Q: 2 Is it safe for edible gardens or vegetable patches?
A: Yes, cedar oil is plant-safe and non-toxic. Still, avoid direct spraying on edible leaves close to harvest.
Q: 3 Can I apply it on wet grass?
A: It’s best applied on dry grass so it can stick to the blades and soil more effectively.
Q: 4 Does it smell strong?
A: Cedar oil has a mild, woodsy scent that fades within a few hours.
Follow @cedaroilstore for tips on spraying cedar oil the right way—no chemicals, just natural protection that works.