Make your own bug repellent

I’ve officially ditched the DEET. I have no excuses ⏤ I have the ability to customize the products I make and all of the ingredients are easy to pronounce, it’s a win-win! Try saying N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide 3 times fast, I dare you! Here’s another question: have you smelled that stuff? Gross stanky chemicals 😵 I would rather spray myself with essential oils that are good for your health and have an aroma safe enough to inhale (and actually enjoy)! And, this stuff really works. Mother nature knows what she’s doing. Scroll down and I’ll share how to make your own bug repellent.

This stuff works great on the go, or spray it around the house as needed. Have fruit flies got you down? Try my fruit fly trap which I use year-round in my kitchen. Or did you wait too long to make this bug repellent and have a few itchies already? Here’s my easy bug bite itch relief, give it a shot!

About the ingredients and supplies

Witch hazel

• Contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties
• Soothes insect bites and burns
• Is an effective natural cleanser

Distilled water

• Best option for the cleanest bug repellent possible
• If you don’t have distilled water on hand, filtered water is a close second
• But, distilled water doesn’t have any of the nasty chemicals found in tap water

Citronella essential oil

• Repels mosquitoes
• Contains antiseptic, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties
• Can remove toxins that cause pain and inflammation

Lavender essential oil

• Repels mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas and flies
• Contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Has calming and relaxing effects

Peppermint essential oil

• Repels beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mosquitoes, moths, spiders and ants (and also mice)
• Has antiseptic and antibacterial properties
• Also has a cooling effect on the body

Glass spray bottle

• Glass is always the preference when working with essential oils
• Dark, frosted or UV-protected glass helps to retain the effective properties of the essential oils

How to make

1. Remove the cap on your spray bottle and get ready to add:
2. 1/4 cup of Witch hazel
3. Followed by 15 drops each of Citronella and Lavender essential oils
4. Then, add 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
5. Fill the remainder of the bottle with approximately 1/4 cup of distilled water, making sure to leave room for the cap
6. All done!

Ways to use

• Give the bottle a good shake before each use
• Spray liberally to exposed skin
• Rub in with hands so it absorbs well
• Apply as often as necessary

Did you make this recipe?

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