With rising temperatures and lengthening days, many of us look forward to outdoor fun. But with the sunshine come unpleasant flies, mosquitoes, and other annoying insects that can quickly transform a good day into an itching ordeal. Luckily for us, there is a simple strategy I depend on to keep these pests away and give back outdoor spaces for nice summer gatherings.
Primarily, it is important to comprehend the theory behind this effective bug repellent method. Rather than just relying on chemical sprays or harsh insecticides, this approach makes use of natural ingredients to form a barrier through which bugs do not pass. We can repel them from buzzing around our outside spaces and spoiling our time without employing dangerous poisons by using substances that insects naturally shun.
Essential oils are one of the primary ingredients in this tactic to repel bugs. Some essential oils such as citronella, lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus have insect repellent properties. You can make a scented barrier that is unpleasant to these insects but by diluting them with water and spraying them around. These essential oils not only deter insects effectively, but also leave behind a pleasant scent that adds value to the outdoor environment.
This approach could be more effective if other natural bug repellents were included alongside the use of essential oils. For example, marigold plants or lemongrass among others planted around outdoor living areas help prevent insects from gathering there. Besides, fitting up screens on windows and doors can keep away insects from entering indoor spaces thereby making it an insect-free haven for relaxation and enjoyment. Combining these organic ways of deterring insects enables you do away with flies, mosquitoes and other pests in your outdoor environment so that you fully enjoy warmer days.
Ingredients:
-10-15 drops citronella essential oil
-10-15 drops lavender essential oil
-5-10 drops peppermint essential oil
-5-10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
-1 tablespoon witch hazel or vodka (emulsifying agent)
– Distilled water
– 4 oz (120 ml) spray bottle
Instructions:
Start by dropping the essential oils into the bottle, you can adjust the number of drops according to your preference however this mixture is an extremely potent bug-repelling blend.
After that, pour in witch hazel or vodka. This helps mix with the essential oils and aids in making them spray evenly.
The rest of the spray bottle should be filled with distilled water until it reaches slightly below the top so that there is enough room for shaking it.
Shake well after tightly sealing the spray bottle thus ensuring thorough mixing of all components.
Your homemade bug repellent spray is now ready to use!
Before each use, shake the bottle well so that essential oils are equally distributed in it.
To apply, just spritz on exposed skin and clothing avoiding eyes and mucous membranes, reapply as necessary especially if you go swimming or have sweated a lot.
The DIY insect sprays are effective, harmless and eco-friendly solutions to keep insects away during warm days. It also makes your outdoor excursions smell fresh when using natural oils with fragrance!