I don't know about you, but mosquitoes love me. Each summer I will inevitably become covered with golf ball sized welts. Additionally, I hate the thought of covering myself in a choking haze of bug spray. So now my first line of defense is some homemade spray.
There are actually plants that bugs don't like. Citronella is a big one. Yes, citronella is a plant, not just a type of candle! And if you add the right combo of things bugs don't like to smell, then they'll stay away for the most part.
You don't need too many supplies, but once you have everything you can make enough for yourself and others. You could also use the same essential oils for bug repelling candles, but that's a post for another day. You'll need...
- A 2 oz, dark spray bottle in blue or brown. They sell them in Whole Foods or a site like, Specialty Bottle
- Witch Hazel, which you can pick up at any drug store
- Essential Oils: Citronella, Cedarwood, Tea Tree and Lavender
Fill the bottle 3/4 of the way with witch hazel. Then add 20 drops of citronella, 10 of cedarwood, 10 of tea tree and 10 lavender. You can spray it liberally on your legs and arms, but I wouldn't spray it close to your face and eyes. I keep this by the door so it's handy for a spritz on my legs before I go in the garden or take the dog for a walk. I won't tout that it works as well as any chemically enhanced stuff, but if you're concerned about what goes on your skin, this is a great alternative.
I may or may not have spent the last 10 minutes on the site looking at all the different bottles..
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