How To
How to Make Homemade Insect Repellents
Jul
There are many wonderful things about summertime, but one thing that we could all do without is the constant plague of bugs that insist on turning up whenever the temperatures rise.
Insects such as wasps and mosquitos cause no end of hassle and there’s nothing more annoying than the constant itch of a bug bite to take the shine off your summer. Bugs often come out as the sun goes down, particularly if you are around the sea or a river, so it’s important to remember your bug repellent wherever you go, day or night.
Make your own!
The good news is that whether you’re relaxing in your garden or you’re heading for sunnier climes, there are many great ways to make your own homemade insect repellent. Shop-bought formulas tend to be crammed with chemicals and additives that can be harmful to your skin (and they’re not nice to inhale, either).
Instead, kit yourself out with your very own personalised bug-buster that will keep the little beasties at bay in the most natural way possible. Mosquitoes, flies, mites and ticks are known to hate the scent of essential oils, so this is your secret weapon in the fight against the bite!
A delicious and effective recipe
To make your insect repellent smell really delicious you can choose your favourite from one of the many essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, tea tree, rosemary, mint or lavender. Simply take an empty spray bottle and fill half of it with distilled water (or boiled will do). You’ll then need to fill the bottle almost to the top with natural witch hazel, and add a dash of vegetable glycerin too if you have any hanging around the cupboards.
Add 30-50 drops of your favourite essential oils to make a scent that you love, give it a good shake and that’s it – you’re good to go! The more oil you use, the stronger your potion will be. Spray liberally over your face and body and watch those pesky critters go and bug someone else. Keep a small amount in your handbag so that you’re ever-ready with a gorgeously scented insect repellent that only the bugs will hate.
And for those times when you’re not ready with your natural, chemical-free spray in time, remember that tea tree oil is a fantastic way to take the itch and sting out of your bites. It’ll speed up the healing process and should help to avoid scarring, too.