Nothing beats summer with flowers blooming everywhere, warm weather, picnics in the garden and getting some much needed vitamin D. Unfortunately, with summer, you also have to deal with bugs. Today, I am sharing easy homemade bug spray recipes for your yard and skin that are natural and friendly to the environment. These recipes are not just effective, but they are also safe to use.
Easy Homemade Bug Spray Recipes for Skin and Everyday Home Use
Natural Ingredients That Repel Bugs
While most topically applied insect repellents must be registered with the EPA for effectiveness and safety, the agency listed the following natural ingredients as low risk pesticides. Even though, they are safe for humans to use, they are not evaluated for effectiveness. Here are some of the popular natural ingredients that you can use for repelling bugs in your yard and home.
Citrus Oils
Citrus oils like limonene and citronella oils are popular choices for repelling insects. Many individuals use citronella to keep mosquitos away, but it is also effective for repelling fleas, kissing bugs, flies, aphids, and mites.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
The oil of the lemon eucalyptus is another excellent oil for deterring mosquitos, however, this oil must not be confused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil which is not an effective mosquito repellent.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is used for keeping ticks away and it is often used as a natural tick repellent for gardens and yards.
Thyme Essential Oil
Studies suggest that thyme essential oil can be effective for repelling mosquitos, however, if you are using it as a topical remedy, remember to dilute it with a carrier oil first.
Cinnamon Oil
If you have a major problem with mosquitos, try cinnamon oil as a mosquito repellent. This oil is also believed to be efficient for killing mosquito larvae. The oil must be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent skin reactions if you’re using it as a topical remedy.
Dill Essential Oil
Dill is highly effective for deterring cockroaches indoors.
Lavender Essential Oil
Not only is lavender oil excellent for promoting better sleep and relaxation. It can also be used as a mosquito repellent. It is also considered as a safe option for topical application without dilution.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is considered a good option for killing and repelling mosquitos, plus you can also use it to keep spiders away.
Safety Warning
Many of the above mentioned ingredients are thought of to be safe for human use. However, most essential oils must be diluted with carrier oils before using it topically. Some essential oils are phototoxic when applied to the skin, which means it could lead to severe burns when exposed to UV rays, or worse, skin cancer.
Easy Homemade Bug Spray Recipes for Everyday Use
Bug Spray Recipe for Skin
Be sure to choose essential oils that are both effective and safe for skin use.
Ingredients:
- Spray bottle
- Witch Hazel
- Lavender essential oil or oil of lemon eucalyptus
Method:
- Mix one part of lavender essential oil or oil of lemon eucyluptus with ten parts of witch hazel in the spray bottle(for one drop of oil, use ten drops of witch hazel).
- Use as a spray.
Bug Spray Recipe for Yard or Home use
You can use this recipe for spraying in and around your home and yard to keep certain insects away. Essential oils used as a bug repellent for outside or inside your home is not necessarily safe for topical use.
Ingredients:
- Spray bottle
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Lavender essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
Method:
- Mix 10-20 drops of each essential oil with two ounces white vinegar and two ounces distilled water.
- Gently shake to mix.
- Use as a spray.
More Useful Tips for Preventing Bug Bites
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing when you are in the outdoors.
- Make sure your legs, arms, feet and ankles are covered.
- For preventing mosquito bites, try to remain inside at dusk or dawn.
- Place citronella candles outside for deterring mosquitos and other bugs.
- Avoid wearing perfumes or scented lotions when you are outside.
- Get rid of still standing water in birdbaths, gutters, pots, wheelbarrows and planters.
- Keep drinks and foods covered.
Conclusion
I hope you have found these homemade bug spray recipes for everyday use helpful and that you will give them a try to keep those unwanted flying and crawling visitors at bay. Even though synthetic insect repellents are typically considered safe for use on humans, more and more people opt for natural ingredients.
Before making homemade recipes, using natural ingredients, always make sure if the ingredients are safe for the intended use. Even natural products can be unsafe in particular situations.
Sending you much love, light, and summary vibes.
Anthea