Sunshine, picnics, beach outings are all great. But unfortunately, there will be the participation of annoying pests like mosquitoes, flies, and midges. Commercial repellents are easily available, but they often contain chemicals that many prefer to avoid. If you’re leaning towards a more natural solution, this homemade repellent is for you.
Benefits of a Homemade Repellent:
Natural Ingredients: By making your own repellent, you know exactly what’s going into it. No hidden chemicals or additives.
Cost-Effective: Most ingredients can be found in your pantry or at your local grocery store.
Environmentally Friendly: By using natural ingredients, you’re reducing the environmental impact that can come from the manufacturing and disposal of commercial repellents.
Homemade Repellent Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup witch hazel
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
40 drops essential oils (e.g., citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil)
Instructions:
Mix witch hazel and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
Add 40 drops of your chosen essential oil(s). Citronella and lemon are particularly effective for mosquitoes, eucalyptus for flies, and lavender for midges.
Shake well before each use.
Spray over exposed skin and clothing. Avoid spraying on the face, but if you need to, spray on hands first and then pat onto the face. Be sure to avoid the eye and mouth area.
Reapply every 2-3 hours or as needed.
Safety Tips:
Always do a patch test on a small section of your skin to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions to the ingredients.
Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult with their doctors before using any essential oils.
Store the repellent in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Keep out of reach of children.
In Conclusion:
Nature has blessed us with natural repellents in the form of essential oils. By harnessing these gifts, we can keep pesky bugs at bay without resorting to chemicals. Not only is this homemade repellent effective, but it also has a pleasant aroma, making it a delightful addition to your summer toolkit.
