Insect Repellent Diy

Insect bites are often painful and can cause severe health hazards. To ward off these pesky little critters, you can make your own DIY insect repellent from common kitchen ingredients. The entire process of repelling insects from your body can be broken down into two steps. Step one being the initial preparation, followed by step two which is where the insect repellent is applied.

Insect Repellent Diy

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 No-See-Ums) are repelled by citronella, lemongrass, and rose geranium.
• Ticks and lice avoid lemon eucalyptus and geranium.

Make an All-Purpose Insect Repellent

Since different scents repel different bugs, you can target specific ones or use a combination of oils to make an all-purpose repellent.

Here are four simple homemade bug sprays you can make using essential oils, based on your scent preference:

1. 2 cups witch hazel, ½ tsp. lemongrass or citronella oil, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
2. 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, 1 cup water, ½ tsp. catnip oil.
3. 1 cup alcohol or witch hazel and 10-20 drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, or lemon eucalyptus.
4. 1 qt. vinegar, ½ tsp. pennyroyal oil, 1 tsp. lemon eucalyptus oil, 1 tsp. orange oil, and 1 tsp. citronella oil.

Herbal Bug Spray

No essential oils on-hand? Use dried or fresh herbs instead. If you can make tea, you can make these concoctions. Keep them in the fridge for a cooling spray.

Here are two herbal recipes:

1. Steep 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh mint, basil, and lavender leaves in 1 cup boiling water until cooled. Strain, add 1 cup witch hazel and shake.
2. Boil 1 cup water, add a few cloves and 3-4 tablespoons of dried herbs including peppermint, catnip, and lavender. Mix, cover, cool, and strain. Add 1 cup witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol.

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.

Label your mixture with its ingredients and store in a dark-colored bottle or keep in a dark spot to prolong its effectiveness.

Insect Repellent Diy

If you’re looking for a natural way to repel bugs, look no further. This DIY insect repellent is easy to make, affordable and effective.

It’s also made from ingredients found in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:

2 tbsps of apple cider vinegar (ACV)

1/4 cup of water

1/1 tsp of sugar or honey

Mix these ingredients together in a spray bottle and apply on exposed skin areas as needed.

List Of Insect Repellent Diy