DIY Insect Repellent
Yield: 6 ounce bottle
Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: xx min.
Total time: 5 min.
When enjoying time outdoors insects can quickly become a pest. Although insect repellents will work when it comes to protecting yourself from those pesky bites, they also can contain chemicals that are harmful for both your health and the environment.
The EWG (Environmental Working Group), is a trustworthy, educational resource for finding clean, non-toxic products and has a guide to insect repellants you can find here, to help you pick the cleanest products available.
Another environmentally friendly way to avoid those toxic chemicals is to make your own insect repellent. This easy DIY insect repellent recipe comes together in minutes and is easily customized with your preferred essential oils.
Ingredients:
To a 6 ounce BPA-free spray bottle add:
2 ounces witch hazel
2 ounces filtered water
1 ounce of vegetable glycerin
15 drops citronella essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
Directions:
Blend the oils with vegetable glycerin first, shake the bottle well and then add the other ingredients to ensure proper emulsification.
Shake before each use and reapply every 2 hours.
Note: Some people are sensitive to citronella and other oils, so spot test them on your skin before blending it to the mix.
Other essential oils that can be added are cedarwood, rosemary, thyme or lemon-eucalyptus.
