Homemade Insect Repellant Recipes

Battling pesky outdoor creatures ruins fun in the sun faster than just about anything else. Commercial insect repellants are effective for keeping bugs at bay, but many believe these pest control sprays are unhealthy.

The Truth About DEET
Many commercial bug repellants contain DEET. Research has shown this powerful chemical has the ability to kill brain cells and change behavior. Long-term use is of particular concern. Those who work or spend a great deal of time outside for other reasons are at risk for developing neurological damage, including memory loss and an inability to concentrate if they use products containing DEET to ward off insects.

Homemade Insect Repellant Recipes:
Luckily, there are natural, healthy alternatives to DEET products. These recipes include only natural ingredients and are extremely effective for helping you live in harmony with insects. Those concerned natural products might not be as effective as commercial repellants will want to reapply the mixtures frequently. Read about what other commercial products might contain dangerous chemicals here.

All-Purpose Insect Repellant
This spray is effective for keeping most bugs away. Best of all, it has a fairly pleasant fragrance. If you do not like any of the scents or you are allergic to an ingredients, you can substitute additional drops of any of the other oils.

• • • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • Essential oil mixture including:
    • 9 drops cedar
    • 5 drops eucalyptus
    • 2 drops rosemary
    • 2 drops juniper
    • 2 drop peppermint
    • 1 drop cinnamon
    • 1 drop clove

Mosquito Insect Repellant
Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they put your health at risk. They carry disease that can be transmitted to humans when they bite. Even disease-free bites can result in itching and infection.

To prepare an effective mosquito repellant, soak several garlic cloves in vegetable oil for at least 24 hours. Mix garlic infused oil with two cups of water and one teaspoon lemon juice. Shake and apply frequently. Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent of garlic, but unfortunately, so are humans. Do not expect to enjoy any romantic encounters when using this effective spray.

Two Bee Repellants

• • Some bees

provide us with sweet honey

• • , but others are some of the most terrifying members of the insect kingdom. Some people even suffer from fatal bee allergies. Keep an Epi pen on hand just in case, but these recipes keep bees at bay so allergies are never an issue.
    • • Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and spray over your skin. For a more potent spray, dissolve a few drops of cayenne powder in the liquid.
      • Bees are sometimes attracted to the sweet smell of soaps and shampoos. If you plan to spend any time outdoors, use a peppermint scented shampoo when you shower. You can make your own by combining several drops of peppermint extract or essential oil to your favorite unscented shampoo. Mixing a few drops of oil and the shampoo with two cups of water also makes an effective repellant spray.

You might also like 101 Uses for Coconut Oil.

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Do you have a homemade insect repellant recipe that works wonderful for your family? Let us know about it by leaving a comment below.