Looking for an all-natural bug spray?
PLANTiful has been kind enough to pass along a recipe you can make at home
- 1/4 c. white vinegar
- 1/3 c. witch hazel
- 2 tbsp. aloe-vera gel
- tea tree essential oil
- lavender essential oil
- citronella essential oil
- geranium essential oil
- clove essential oil
- rosemary essential oil
- eucalyptus essential oil
- cinnamon leaf essential oil
- distilled or boiled water
Instructions:
- add all above ingredient to a spray bottle, except the water
- add: 30-50 drops of a blend of: tea tree, lavender, citronella, geranium, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, cinnamon leaf essential oils.
OR to keep it simple if you don't want to buy a lot of essential oils or don't have many around, you could try: 7-10 drops peppermint, 10-12 drops lemongrass, 8-12 drops lavender, 5-7 drops clove bud.
Shake before each use.
Spritz on to skin as needed.
The vinegar and witch hazel are cooling on the skin and act as a carrier for the oils which are the main repellent factor for the bugs.
Lavender and clove bud have mild analgesic properties as well, so they will help soothe the skin if you get bit by calming the nervous system.
Plants in the mint family: peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, citronella are excellent for repelling bugs and nice to have around in pots on your deck or patio too, to help repel bugs.
