Summer is not only the time of sunshine, nice weather and sea breeze, it also has some negative aspects and one of them is insects. To keep them away you’ll need some citronella candles, tiki torches and a good bug repellent. An insect repellent (also commonly called “bug spray”) is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface. Insect repellents help prevent and control the outbreak of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, bubonic plague, and West Nile fever. Today I’d like to share some simple and working recipes to make your own bug spray to keep them all away from you.
The first DIY is based on 150 drops of essential oils: citronella, eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils will be perfect for your spray. Jojoba oil to add a moisturizing effect to the spray, so it can be used by literally everyone, even if your skin is dry, it’ll be ok with this spray.
DIY essential oils bug spray (via www.designertrapped.com).
The next idea includes 2 oz of witch hazel, 2 oz of distilled water, essential oils: 20-25 drops for kids age 3+, 40-50 drops for adults and kids age 10+. Oils and water don’t mix, so be sure to shake the bug spray before you use it, avoid spraying on face and avoid touching eyes and mouth if you have bug spray on your fingers.
DIY bug spray with kid safe options (via blog.oneessentialcommunity.com).
The third idea in addition to keeping away bugs, also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin. It contains apple cider vinegar, essential oils and witch hazel.
DIY bug spray that nourishes skin (via https:).
This recipe includes tea tree essential oil, geranium essential oil and vegetable glycerine. Tea tree and geranium oils have antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
DIY bug repellent with anti-inflammatory properties (via www.scratchmommy.com).
The citronella bug spray consists of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka, citronella essential oil, cedarwood atlas or cedarwood Virginia, geranium oil. Because essential oils don’t mix well with water, start by adding them to the apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka. Add a squirt of castile soap if desired and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes before giving the mixture a stir. This will disperse the essential oils in the liquid.
DIY bug spray with several options (via www.mommypotamus.com).
This insect repellent spray includes various essential oils. Lavender and tea tree oils are the only essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, all others should always be diluted. This mixture could also be sprayed on your dog’s collar to help keep pests off of him/her, but please do not use on cats, as many essential oils are toxic to cats.
DIY repellent spray suitable for people and pets (via tasty-yummies.com).
The next spray can be purposed at various types of insects, the base is the same but the essential oils can be differentiated. Mosquitoes: Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Geranium, Clove, Sage, Cinnamon, Rosemary. Flies/Gnats: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Melaleuca, Rosemary. Ticks: Peppermint, Geranium, Thyme, Melaleuca, Cedarwood.
DIY bug spray purposed at various types of insects (via dontwastethecrumbs.com).
This natural bug spray is very refreshing: citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, mint and eucalyptus oils make it super fresh and effective against almost all types of bugs.
DIY refreshing oils bug spray (via gardentherapy.ca).
Going to a camp? Take this spray with you! It includes citronella, cedarwood, peppermint and lavender oils, the first two are perfect against bugs, the rest are added for a cool scent.
DIY bug repellent for camping (via simplemedicine.co).
This tutorial includes not essential oils but dried herbs. Peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, you should use at least one herb from the mint family. Herbs not only work well but also smell amazingly.
DIY dried herbs bug spray (via wellnessmama.com).