Homemade Bug Spray
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Summer is getting closer here in Chicago…which means sitting outside could become a nuisance. How do you keep yourself protected?
I don't like bugs to ruin my summer and like to keep myself and my family from getting bitten. However, I hate covering myself in conventional bug sprays.
Now, I will admit, if we are going deep in the woods or if I am headed to my annual trip to Honduras, I will use a powerful mosquito repellent with DEET.
Homemade Bug Spray:
- Distilled Water
- Witch Hazel or Alcohol
- Pinch of sea salt
- Thieves
- Purification
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Citronella
- Peppermint
Homemade Bug Spray
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces distilled water
- 1.5 ounces witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3 drops each: Thieves Purification Citronella
- 1-2 drops each: Lavender Lemon, Peppermint
Instructions
- Put salt and essential oils in spray bottle.
- Add witch hazel and water
- Spray on skin and clothing before heading outdoors!
http://youtu.be/32vv_gKYZCY
Curious about where to buy quality essential oils? Oh Lardy has the info for you!
For Further Reading:
The Dangers of DEET from Dr. Mercola
Bug Spray Poisoning from Medline Plus
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I’ve tried homemade insect repellent with lavender and with peppermint in olive oil, and didn’t notice that it was effective… did this recipe work for you?
It has worked. My daughter has it at school for recess since they make all the children use bug spray since we have a lot of wooded areas and wetlands. I didn’t want her using OFF every day and this has worked fine. I haven’t tried it dead of summer on a crazy buggy day yet. Will keep you posted!
Tamara,
The citronella is a key ingredient in this I’m guessing based off my experience. I had every ingredient except for the citronella, and I was hoping it would work regardless, but I got eaten alive with this sprayed on me. I will try to get a hold of some soon and add it to the mixture! Hoping it works, as those pesky mosquitoes ruin my backyard! Also, this mixture smelled really nice!
You got eaten alive even with the Purification? Often Purification works well on its own! Bummer about getting eaten alive.
I did! Maybe it’s just me…I eat bananas, and I know mosquitoes love that, ha! I included 2 drops of purification in a 2 oz bottle, and I used half rubbing alcohol. Maybe I’ll add more purification. 🙂
Just curious, why the sea salt? Your recipe is similar to most DIYs Ive seen online, but none call for salt. Also, do the witch hazel and EO’s blend in together or do you have to shake it with every use? Ive made a sunburn spray once and the oils always settle at the top so Ive got to shake it every time I use it.
The salt helps the oils blend together in the water and witch hazel!