Learn how to make your own natural “bug spray” without toxic chemicals!
Whether it’s mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks, we all need protection from biting insects. DEET is he most common insect repellent but it is just not very safe for our skin and health, many of us would rather use an all-natural product if we can.
There are also several other bug-repelling essential oils, though none as effective as lemon eucalyptus. Here’s a list of effective essential oils if you’d like to make a blended insect repellent:
• Lavender
• Thyme
• Basil
• Bergamot
• Peppermint
• Tea Tree Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil
All homemade insect repellent sprays have three basic ingredients: water, the oil or blend of oils of your choice, and a carrier to dilute the oil. A common rule of thumb is to make sure that your mixture is 10% essential oil, with the rest being a half-and-half mixture of water and the carrying agent.
Here’s are a couple basic recipes, just mix and apply to exposed skin before heading outdoors:
• 4½ ounces carrier
• 1-ounce essential oil
Mix the three ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before using.
• 6 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 6 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil
The best part about homemade bug repellent is that it lasts just as long as store-bought chemical repellents. A 10% mixture of either DEET or a DIY essential oil recipe, will need to be reapplied every hour or two. Stronger mixtures will last much longer, so if you’re looking for an all-day repellent, simply increase the amount of essential oil in your bug spray. Mixtures that contain 30% DEET or essential oil typically last five to six hours, which means one or two applications will let you be bug-free outside all day long!
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