Introduction: Flies and mosquitoes can turn a relaxing day into a constant battle, especially when you’re trying to enjoy outdoor activities or spend time in your home. Rather than relying on chemical-laden sprays that can be harsh on your skin and the environment, you can make a natural, effective repellent in just a few minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This DIY natural spray harnesses the power of essential oils and simple ingredients to keep these pesky insects away—offering an eco-friendly, safe, and affordable solution to your insect problems.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
10-15 drops of essential oils (such as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint)
1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin (optional, for added moisture)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bottle: Start by selecting a clean spray bottle. A 4-ounce or 8-ounce spray bottle works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re reusing an old bottle, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before use.
Mix the Ingredients: Pour 1 cup of water into the spray bottle. Add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. These ingredients help to blend the essential oils with the water, ensuring they don’t separate easily.
Add Essential Oils: Choose 10-15 drops of essential oils. Citronella is a well-known insect repellent, while lavender and eucalyptus are both effective at deterring mosquitoes and flies. Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent that also repels insects. Drop the essential oils into the mixture.
Add Glycerin (Optional): If you’d like the spray to have a moisturizing effect on your skin, you can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. This is optional but helps prevent the solution from drying out your skin, making it a great choice for use on the body.
Shake Well: Secure the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the oils mix evenly with the water. You may need to shake the bottle before each use to keep the oils and water well blended.
Apply the Spray: Spray generously on your skin, clothes, or around your outdoor space to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay. You can also spray it on doorways, windowsills, or patio areas to prevent insects from entering your home.
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