There’s nothing like a few mosquito bites to ruin your day outside.
Not only are bites itchy and annoying, they can also transmit diseases like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus, and malaria. Other pests, like ticks, can cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (1).
Conventional bug spray contains harmful ingredients like N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, commonly known as DEET(2).
This chemical is known to cause motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction when applied to the skin or inhaled.
DEET products should be applied onto clothing instead of skin and shouldn’t be used on children (3).
Homemade Non-Toxic Bug Repellent
This easy mixture smells wonderful and it won’t stick to your skin like conventional bug sprays. Plus, this all-natural mixture won’t harm the environment or your skin.
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
- one 15 oz. bottle of witch hazel
- 10-12 drops of Citronella essential oil
- 10-12 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
- 10-12 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
Lavender can deter ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and houseflies. Apply a bit to pulse points (behind your ear and inside your wrists) to allow the essential oils to be dissipated by your body heat (4).
Lemongrass, which closely resembles citronella keeps mosquitos at bay for hours on end. You can even plant it in your garden to keep pests away from your home (5).
Citronella is perhaps the best-known bug repellent for mosquitoes, but it works even better in combination with the other essential oils on this list.
Lemon Eucalyptus not only prevents mosquito and deer tick bites, it can also be used to treat muscle spasms and toenail fungus (6).
Instructions:
- Grab a few small glass bottles and divide the witch hazel between them, leaving 1/2’” of space at the top. If possible, pick bottles with a cap that allows you to spray the solution onto your skin.
- Add the essential oil to each bottle, screw on the lids of the bottles and shake well. You’ll have to shake the bottle again before each use.
- Store the bottles in a dark, cool place.