Mosquitoes, those persistent bloodsuckers, transmit diseases that kill over 725,000 people worldwide every year. Thankfully, they can be controlled with insect repellent.
Instead of buying insect repellents from the store, which have harsh chemicals, you can make your own insect repellent.
In this guide, we’ll learn how to make insect repellents using essential oils and herbs right at home.
Why use essential oils and herbs?
Essential oils and herbs are powerful natural substances. They come from plants and are known for their strong smells. Bugs don’t like these smells, so they stay away. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are great for keeping insects away.
Herbs like rosemary, mint, and basil also work well. Plus, these oils and herbs smell wonderful to us!
What you will need
To make your own insect repellent, you will need a few simple things:
- Essential oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint)
- Fresh or dried herbs (like rosemary, mint, basil, or thyme)
- A carrier oil (like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil)
- Witch hazel or vodka (to help mix the oils)
- A spray bottle or small jar
- Distilled water
Making a spray repellent
1. Gather your ingredients:
- Choose essential oils you like. Lavender and eucalyptus are good choices.
- Pick a carrier oil. Coconut oil is great because it also moisturises your skin.
- Get witch hazel or vodka to help mix everything together.
2. Mix the ingredients:
- In a spray bottle, add 1/2 cup of distilled water.
- Add 1/2 cup of witch hazel or vodka.
- Add about 50 drops of essential oils. You can mix different oils, like 20 drops of lavender and 30 drops of eucalyptus.
- Shake the bottle well to mix everything.
3. Using the spray:
- Spray the mixture on your skin before going outside.
- Avoid spraying on your face. Instead, spray on your hands and then rub on your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
Making an oil-based repellent
1. Gather your ingredients:
- Choose essential oils.
- Pick a carrier oil. Olive oil is a good choice for this.
2. Mix the ingredients:
- In a small jar, add 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- Add about 20 drops of essential oils.
- Stir well to mix everything.
3. Using the oil:
- Rub a small amount of the oil mixture on your skin.
- Focus on areas where insects like mosquitoes usually bite, like your ankles, wrists, and neck.
Making a herbal repellent
1. Gather your ingredients:
- Choose fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, mint, or basil.
- Get a small pot and some water.
2. Boil the herbs:
- Put a handful of herbs in the pot.
- Add about 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
3. Cool and strain:
- Let the mixture cool.
- Strain out the herbs, keeping the liquid.
4. Using the herbal repellent:
- Pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Spray it on your skin as needed.
- Test first: Before using any new mixture, test a small amount on your skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Reapply often: Natural repellents may need to be reapplied more often than store-bought ones, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Store properly: Keep your repellents in a cool, dark place to help them last longer.
Making your own insect repellent using essential oils and herbs is a great way to keep those pesky insects away naturally. It’s safe, easy, and smells nice too. Whether you make a spray, an oil blend, or a herbal mixture, you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about insect bites. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your repellent, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
