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DIY Insect Repellants
6 ESSENTIAL OILS THAT REPEL INSECTS
· Rosemary · Thyme · Citronella · Sage · Lavender · Peppermint ·
Spring has sprung…well Mother Nature may still be playing with us but warm weather will still come…along with the bugs!
1st…Know Thy Enemy...
1st…Know Thy Enemy...
As soon as we step outside, bugs have a way of finding us. Some use the carbon dioxide that we exhale to locate us, others go by scent, body heat, vibrations, or even the colors we wear. For example, deerflies are attracted to CO2, warmth, motion, and dark colors. One way to make yourself less attractive to insects is to avoid using fragrant soaps, lotions, perfume, hairspray, or aftershave. Instead, use scents that block their receptors, making you harder to find.
Mosquitoes hate citronella, lemon eucalyptus, basil, and garlic.
Ants and flies dislike mint, basil, and bay.
Tiny gnats (such as those hateful No-See-Ums) are repelled by citronella, lemongrass, and rose geranium.
Ticks and lice avoid lemon eucalyptus and geranium.
2nd…Words of Caution
2nd…Words of Caution
Be aware that some herbs and oils can be harmful or irritating. Lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 or on pregnant or nursing mothers.
Pregnant women should also avoid pennyroyal.
Test any homemade bug spray for possible allergic reactions before using it more liberally.
Sprays made with vinegar may sting and smell a bit pickle-y until they dry.
Oils may stain clothing.
3rd…Taking Action
3rd…Taking Action
Create a Homemade Natural Spray to ward off those pests with Essential Oils & a few household items! Label your mixture with its ingredients and store in a dark-colored bottle or keep in a dark spot to prolong its effectiveness.
Plant insect-repelling herbs like lavender, thyme, catnip, mint, basil, and citronella in your yard. Plant them close to the areas where you spend the most time outside. These herbs have many other health benefits too.
Grab a handful of lavender flowers (or use lavender oil) and rub onto your skin to repel bugs.
Rub fresh or dried leaves of any plant in the mint family onto skin (peppermint, spearmint, catnip, pennyroyal, etc). Citronella and lemongrass also work in herb form.
Some Items you will need:
Here are 6 simple homemade bug sprays you can make using essential oils,
based on your scent preference.
Pick Your Favorite…my go to is #3!
Equipment
1 Atomizer for smaller quantities or 1 16oz or 32oz for larger batches…I like the pictured brown one.
Instructions
Pour all of the ingredients into an atomizer or your favorite spray bottle.
Shake Well to combine.
Keep in a cool, dry place & spritz yourself or your desired area & watch those pesky bugs leave!
#1 #2
2 cups witch hazel 1 cup isopropyl alcohol
½ tsp. lemongrass or citronella oil 1 cup water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp. catnip oil
#3 #4
1 cup alcohol or witch hazel 1 qt. Vinegar mix w/
10-20 drops of essential oils such as: ½ tsp. Pennyroyal oil
lemongrass, peppermint, or lemon eucalyptus 1 tsp. Each:
(Use 1 or more...Mix it up!) Lemon oil, Eucalyptus oil
Orange oil, & Citronella oil
#5 #6
¼ cup Witch Hazel 1/2 cup witch hazel
mix w/ 4 drops each: mix w/ 20 drops each:
Citronella essential oil Citronella essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil Geranium essential oil
Rosemary essential oil Lemongrass essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil Peppermint essential oil
Mint essential oil Purification essential oil
Thieves essential oil
1 1/2 cups distilled water
Note: some essential oils can be strong enough that they can irritate delicate, sensitive skin, such as children's.
Note: some essential oils can be strong enough that they can irritate delicate, sensitive skin, such as children's.
In this case, it is recommended to spray this bug spray onto clothing instead of the skin itself.
In this case, it is recommended to spray this bug spray onto clothing instead of the skin itself.
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