Natural Bug Repellent~ 3 Ways to Make Your Own

As dusk begins, on a southern summer night, you can see fireflies dancing all around. Seems like such a peaceful moment, then before you know it, mosquitoes are attacking. I am not talking normal size mosquitoes ~ these things are straight from Jurassic Park. Once, when I was a little girl, I got into a nest of southern style, Jurassic Park mosquitoes and was almost eaten alive. I remember setting in a tub with lots of rubbing alcohol to relieve the itching.

Two of my main summer objectives are keeping the mosquitoes from attacking and not using commercial bug spays. I do this by making my own bug sprays.

Here are 3 simple and effective bug sprays you can make at home.

 

1. Essential Oil Bug Spray
   1. Fill 8 spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water

    2. Add witch hazel almost to the top

    3. Add 40-50 drops of any combination of the following essential oils to desired scent. Choose from Cedar Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Mint. My favorite mix is: Rosemary, Lavender, Lemongrass and Tea Tree


2. Herbal Bug Spray ~ Using dired herbs~

    1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 1 tablespoon each of peppermint, spearmint, lavender and rosemary. Add ¼ teaspoon dried cloves.

    2. Mix well, cover and let cool ( you must cover to keep the volatile oils in)

    3. Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel. Store in a spray bottle, in a cool place, like a fridge. Will keep for up to 2 weeks. 


3. Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent ~

Four Thieves Vinegar (also called Marseilles Vinegar, Marseilles Remedy, Prophylactic Vinegar, Vinegar of the Four Thieves, camphorated acetic acid, Vinaigre des Quatre Voleurs, and Acetum Quator Furum) is a blend of vinegar infused with herbs and spices that was believed to protect users from the plague. The recipe for this vinegar has almost as many variations as its legend.

This version of The Vinegar of the Four Thieves is a super-strong insect repellent. Spray it on for mosquitoes. Splashed on your socks or shoes will discourage ticks, chiggers, and mites. An herbal cloth kept in your pocket and rubbed on your skin ever hour or so would be a great way to keep bugs away while working outside or camping.

CAUTION: This does smell strongly when first applied. It works great for serious bug control.

Ingredients:
 2 quarts of Apple Cider Vinegar

 2 tablespoon each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Wormwood and Mint

 2 tablespoons of chopped, fresh garlic

Directions:
1. Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar

2. Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2 weeks.

3. When ready strain the herbs out and store in fridge.

4. To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.

5. Use whenever you need serious bug control!


EXTRA TIP ~ Try planting lavender and basil around your patio or deck. Both of these have been known to deter mosquitoes!