DIY Natural Insect Repellants
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You can make natural insect repellent yourself. It's safe, effective and costs much less to make than to buy!
Natural Insect Repellent Safety
There are a few different combinations, you can make for your natural insect repellent. These repellents involve diluting essential oils that the insects find distasteful or which confuses them. The oils don't mix with water, so you'll need to add them to other oils or to alcohol. It's important to use an oil or alcohol that is safe for your skin. Also, don't go overboard with the essential oils. The oils are potent and could cause skin irritation or another reaction if you use too much. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not apply an insect repellent, natural or otherwise, until after you've gotten it cleared by your physician. The following are two effective repellent recipes using essential oils which are natural and will not cause brain damage:
General repellent:
- 6 drops of peppermint oil
- 6 drops of melaleuca alternatifolia oil
- 9 drops of citronella (Artemis adds: Purification makes a great substitute for Citronella)
- Dilute with water 20:80 and apply to exposed skin as needed. Avoid eyes.
Mosquito repellent:
- 6 drops lemon oil
- 6 drops peppermint oil
- 6 drops eucalyptus radiata oil
- 6 drops lemongrass oil
- Dilute with water 20:80 and apply to exposed skin as needed. Avoid eyes.
NB:
Lemon oil is photo sensitive so avoid applying to skin exposed to sunlight
Lavender and peppermint oils reduce insect-bite-induced itching and infection.