Child Safe Bug Repellants made with essential oils. Like our page on Facebook for more great ideas! (b)

Homemade Insect Repellant

The essential oils that work effectively against the biting insects are: Cinnamon Oil (mosquitoes) Lemon Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus Oil (mosquitoes, ticks and lice) Citronella Oil (mosquitoes and biting flies) Castor Oil (mosquitoes) Orange Oil (fleas) Rose Geranium (ticks and lice) Catnip Oil  Safe Carrier Oils and Alcohols: Olive oil Sunflower oil Witch Hazel Apple Cider Vinegar White Vinegar Rubbing alcohol Vodka

Now that spring has arrived, soon the bugs will be out wreaking chaos into our time outside.  Bugs won’t be bugging you after you use your homemade, child safe insect spray.  My grandmother often used 2 different recipes.  She made essential oils with dried herbs that she grew in her garden.  She then mixed the oils in different variations with a carrier oil or alcohol to make her own insect repellent.   Every person’s metabolism is different, and you may want to experiment with different oils and herbs to achieve the repellent that works best for you and your family.  You can use this spray on your, pet!  Just spray it on a dry cloth and wipe down your pet’s coat.  As with humans, pets can have sensitive skin, so test a small area first.  Always contact your doctor and veterinarian before applying any substance to your kids or pets, natural or otherwise.

Tips for using oils versus alcohol:

Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is registered with the EPA and states it is just as effective as low percentage DEET.

Oil based repellents are sprayed and rubbed onto the skin, and will take a little bit to absorb, were as the alcohol based ones can be sprayed onto the skin or clothing, and dries quickly.

A Basic recipe:

1/8 c. Apple cider vinegar

1/8 c. Rubbing alcohol or vodka

1/8 c. Distilled water (cooled tap   water that has been boiled is ok)

¼ t. (25 drops) Lemon eucalyptus or eucalyptus essential oil

¼ t. (25 drops) citronella essential oil

½ t. (50 drops) peppermint, spearmint, or catnip essential oil

Spray bottle

Pour everything into the spray bottle, and shake well.  Shake well before each use.  This can be kept for months, in a cool, dark place. This does not need to be refrigerated, but may feel good being spritzed with the cold mixture.  For sensitive skin members of your family, use less eucalyptus and citronella, and add lavender oil to get the full amount of oils in the recipe.

“Aug. 28, 2001 — CHICAGO, August 27 — Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm

Super Strong Repellant

32 (oz). Bottle apple cider vinegar

2 T. Each of dried Mint, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Sage.

Quart glass jar with tight fitting lid

Place vinegar and dried herbs in a glass jar. Seal tightly.  Store jar on a counter or a place where you will see it daily.  Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.  After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the mixture.  To do this, put a couple of pieces of cheesecloth over a clean bowl and hold it with clothespins around the rim.  Be sure to get the cloth loose so that it will keep the dried herbs as the mixture is poured.  Pour the mixture slowly to avoid overflowing. Let this strain for an hour.

Dilute this mixture!  It is too strong to be applied directly to the skin.  Fill spray bottle half full with water then finish off with the mixture.  Shake to mix together, and it is ready to use!

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm