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Summertime is just about upon us, and if you’re planning on going out to the woods at all to enjoy these long days, that can mean battling bugs. Most commercial bug sprays are filled with nasty neurotoxins like DEET. Making your own bug repellant can be easy and effective. I travelled South East Asia with a spray I made from lavender essential oil and I didn’t get a single bite (sleeping in a mosquito net also helped I suppose). Give it a try and let me know what you think. You may need to re-apply more often than you would with commercial products.
Natural Bug Spray:
1. Fill spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
2 .Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
3. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils. Choose from any combination of: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint
And voila!
Happy Summer!
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for this recipe.
I look forward to trying this come the summer.
What proportion of Ess oils to liquid is used? there is much variance with 30 – 50 drops.
Would 30 drops in a 100 mL container be about right?
Thank you for your blog!
HI Cathy,
The ratio would depend on how strong you want the scent to be. I think the ratio you mentioned sounds like a great place to start :)
Warmly.
Caroline