You Can Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellant With Essential Oils
Every summer and early fall, many of us love nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors or even on an outdoor patio behind a home or a restaurant. Unfortunately, so do our insect friends. When we’re getting ‘eaten alive’ by mosquitos and other pesky bugs, frequently, the first thing we reach for is a bottle of industrial-strength bug spray or repellant.
While these powerful sprays may be unparalleled in their effectiveness, there comes a cost.
What Is DEET And Why You Should Avoid It
Many, if not most, of the major brands these days contain a powerful chemical called N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. You may see this listed as DEET for short. Roughly ⅓ of the United States uses DEET every year to protect against biting pests. Some of the potential adverse effects associated with DEET overuse include nerve damage, skin irritation, burning, and blistering. More serious health effects may include neurotoxicity and kidney and liver damage.
As you can see, there is reason to be concerned with putting such harsh chemicals on your body repeatedly during the summer and fall months. There are some natural options, though! Take a look at our essential oil-based insect repellant blend below.
Related Article: Essential Oils: Natural Wellness With Aromatherapy
The Recipe For Your Own Blend
Ingredients
20 drops of Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
20 drops of Citronella Java Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus)
10 drops of Peppermint Oil (Mentha x piperita)
5 drops of Vetiver Oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)
100 mls of Yarrow Hydrosol (Achillea millefolium)
11 mls of Solubol (Dispersant)
Mixing Directions
1st Step: Combine the essential oils and Solubol into a 100 ml bottle of yarrow hydrosol.
2nd Step: Shake well after capping the bottle.
3rd Step: Apply as needed. Typically natural bug sprays require more frequent application than harsh insect repellants, so don’t be afraid to reapply when you feel like the effectiveness is waning.
Information On Safety
Be sure to test the blend on a small patch of your skin before applying it everywhere. This will ensure there is no skin sensitivity to the mixture. We recommend using this repellant for people aged 10 years and older.
Shelf Life
This spray is preservative-free, so its natural ingredients allow it to be used for roughly three to six months.