There’s nothing quite like a warm summer evening, whether relaxing in your backyard, enjoying a beach barbecue, or camping in the woods. Unfortunately, however, these enjoyable moments often come with a persistent and annoying buzz—mosquitoes. These tiny creatures can quickly turn a pleasant time into a swatting frenzy, not to mention the itchy bites they leave behind.
Luckily, there’s a solution that doesn’t involve spraying yourself with harsh, chemical-laden repellants.
Welcome to the world of DIY mosquito repellants.
With a few natural ingredients, you can create an effective, eco-friendly deterrent against these pesky intruders. Let’s dive into how to make your mosquito repellant at home.
Materials Needed:
Essential oils (Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, or Peppermint)
Witch hazel
Distilled water
Vegetable glycerin (optional)
A spray bottle
Procedure:
Choosing the Essential Oils
Essential oils are the main repelling agents. Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellant, but other oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and peppermint are also effective. Choose the one that appeals to your senses, or create a blend for a unique scent.
Mixing the Ingredients
Fill your spray bottle halfway with distilled water. Fill the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, leaving a little space at the top for the essential oils and vegetable glycerin.
Adding Essential Oils
You will need about 30-50 drops of essential oils for every eight oz of liquid. The more fat you use, the stronger your repellant will be. If you’re using multiple oils, ensure the total number of drops adds up to the recommended amount.
Optional Step – Vegetable Glycerin
Add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to your mixture. This step is optional, but it can help the scent last longer.
Shake and Spray
Once all the ingredients are in the bottle, give it a good shake to ensure everything is mixed well. And there you have it – your homemade mosquito repellant is ready for use! Remember to shake it before each use.
This DIY mosquito repellant not only wards off mosquitoes but also can be a skin-friendly option compared to chemical repellants. Always patch-test any homemade solution to ensure no adverse skin reactions.
Remember that no mosquito repellant—store-bought or homemade—offers 100% protection. Therefore, it’s still essential to wear protective clothing when possible and install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Additionally, it’s crucial to eliminate standing water around your property where mosquitoes breed.
Armed with your homemade, natural mosquito repellant, you can enjoy your summer nights with fewer unwanted guests, knowing you’re using a solution that’s kinder to your skin and the environment. Happy DIY-ing!
