The summer months mean lots of outdoor activities and lots of insects. A bottle of bug repellent is a necessity if you love to be outdoors.
Why not try making your own?
You can customize the scent and avoid harsh chemicals because of course, it's natural.
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Here are three easy DIY options:
Option #1
Ingredients
- Essential Oil: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint (any 1 or mixture of these)
- All-natural witch hazel
- Distilled or boiled Water
- Vegetable glycerin
Directions
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- Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounces) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water.
- Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top.
- Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (if using).
- Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be. A great-smelling mixture consists of Rosemary, Clove, Cajeput, Lavender, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus.
RELATED: How To Protect Yourself From Summer Health Hazards
Option #2
Ingredients
- Distilled water
- Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
- Dried herbs: peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, etc.
Directions
- Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in any combination from the above. A great mixture consists of peppermint, spearmint, catnip and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves.
- Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oils in!)
- Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
- Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (the fridge is the
best option, especially in the warm months).
Option #3 (Extra Strength)
Ingredients
- 1- 32 ounce bottle of apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
- At least quart size glass jar with an airtight lid
Directions
- Put the vinegar and dried herbs into a large glass jar.
- Seal tightly and store on a counter or place somewhere you will see it daily.
- Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store them in a spray bottle.
- To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.
Option #4 (BONUS): Lime
Take a couple of limes and either slice them into 1/2-inch slices or just cut them in half.
Place them in a bowl or plate with cloves on top and place them around the area that you want to keep bugs from (as if they are a wall).
That should keep out some of those pesky bugs!
For more DIY tips, follow me on Instagram: @Ooolala_laa
