Crafting Natural Repel Aroma: Diy Tips And Tricks

Mosquitoes are a nuisance, and their bites are even worse. While there are numerous mosquito repellents available on the market, many of them contain chemicals that may be harmful to your health. The good news is that you can make your own mosquito repellent at home using natural ingredients that are not only effective but also safe and inexpensive.

Lemon eucalyptus oil

To make a basic insect repellent spray with lemon eucalyptus oil, you will need the following ingredients:

• 30% lemon eucalyptus oil
• 70% distilled water and ethanol (or just distilled water)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. You can apply the spray directly to your skin or gear, providing protection for several hours.

If you want to get more creative and make a scented insect repellent, you can add other essential oils to your blend. For example, you could create a refreshing, icy-fresh blend by adding equal parts eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil.

• 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (optional, acts as an emulsifier)
• 2 tablespoons of distilled water
• 3-5 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil (or more, depending on your preferred strength)

Combine the ingredients in a 2-ounce amber spray bottle and shake well before each use. You can adjust the amount of essential oil depending on your preferred strength. Feel free to experiment with different essential oils to find your favorite blend!

Cinnamon

Create a natural insect repellent spray using cinnamon and a few other easily accessible ingredients. You will need:

• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
• Warm water (4 cups)
• Rubbing alcohol (half a teaspoon)
• Dish soap (half a teaspoon)
• Spray bottle

Mix the cinnamon into the warm water and let it steep for an hour. Then, strain the mixture to remove any cinnamon particles and pour the liquid into the spray bottle. Finally, add the rubbing alcohol and dish soap, and shake well. You can spritz this spray around your outdoor setup to create a pleasant aroma and ward off mosquitoes.

You can also add cinnamon to your cleaning products to incorporate its insect-repelling properties. Mix 8 ounces of distilled water, 8 ounces of vinegar, and 20 drops of cinnamon essential oil in a spray bottle. Use this mixture for cleaning, leaving a pleasant spiced fragrance that insects will want to avoid.

If you have a bird feeder, you can sprinkle cinnamon over your birdseed to deter squirrels and other pests from clearing out the seeds before the birds get a chance to enjoy them. Cinnamon is not an effective deterrent for most birds and can even be beneficial to their diets.

Other Uses of Cinnamon for Pest Control

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon on the soil of your plants to ward off animals that may nibble on the leaves or your crops.
• Bury cinnamon bark in mulch to incorporate cinnamon into your outdoor spaces in a way that will not easily wash away with rain or watering.
• Sprinkle cinnamon in your trash cans to deter pests like ants and raccoons that are attracted to the unpleasant smells and edible contents.
• Apply cinnamon essential oil to cotton balls and place them in areas with pest problems, such as cabinets, countertops, or the refrigerator.

Essential oils

Making Essential Oils

If you plan on using essential oils frequently, you can make your own. You will need a still, a large stainless steel container, which can be pricey. You can find still equipment on most online marketplaces, or you can buy an essential oil-making kit with all the necessary equipment.

Alternatively, you can make infused oils by soaking your chosen herb or plant in a carrier oil such as olive, grape seed, or coconut oil. Fill a clean glass jar halfway with the herb or plant, then add the carrier oil so there is around 1 inch of oil above the herbs. Place a square of wax paper on top of the jar, secure the lid, and wrap the jar in a paper bag. Leave the jar in a sunny spot for 1-2 weeks, then strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean jar. Store your jar in a cool, dark place when not in use.

Essential Oil Blends

Energizing Blend

For an energizing blend, mix 12 drops of lavender oil, 8 drops of rosemary oil, 6 drops of lemongrass oil, and 4 drops of eucalyptus oil.

Calming Blend

For a calming blend, mix 3 drops each of ylang-ylang oil, orange oil, and lavender oil. Alternatively, try 3 drops each of bergamot, orange, and cypress oil.

Holiday Blend

For a holiday blend, mix 3 drops of orange oil, 2 drops of cardamom oil, 2 drops of cinnamon oil, and 2 drops of clove oil.

Calming Pillow Spray

Mix 2 tablespoons of witch hazel and 2 tablespoons of distilled water in a glass container. Add 3 drops of frankincense, 5 drops of rosemary cineol, and 5 drops of cedarwood. Pour the mixture into a 2-ounce amber spray bottle.

Linen Spray

Mix 25-40 drops of essential oils with water in an empty spray bottle. You can add vodka or witch hazel to preserve the oils and facilitate mixing with water. Essential oils with repellent properties include citronella, lavender, lemongrass, clove, tea tree, peppermint, and catnip.

Vanilla extract

When creating a DIY mosquito repellent with vanilla extract and essential oils, a carrier oil is needed. Here is a simple recipe to try:

• 15 drops of lavender or rosemary oil
• 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of distilled water
• 20-30 drops of pure vanilla extract

Mix the witch hazel and distilled water in a glass container, then add the essential oils and vanilla extract. Mix well and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Shake before use and apply to the skin before going outdoors.

It is important to note that pure vanilla extract is necessary, as imitation vanilla may contain additives that attract insects. The high cost of pure vanilla makes this a pricey solution, but it can be used in conjunction with other natural repellents to improve protection against mosquito bites.

Lavender

How to Make Lavender Mosquito Repellent

There are a few different ways to make a DIY lavender mosquito repellent. Here are some methods you can try:

One way to make a lavender mosquito repellent is to use lavender essential oil and water. Simply mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle and shake well. You can then spray this mixture on your skin or around your home to help repel mosquitoes.

Another option is to combine lavender essential oil with witch hazel and water. In a small spray bottle, mix equal parts witch hazel and water, then add about 40 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well to combine, and your repellent is ready to use!

If you prefer a roll-on or stick application, you can make a lavender mosquito repellent using a carrier oil. Choose a skin-friendly carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil, and mix it with lavender essential oil. For a roll-on application, use a small amount of carrier oil and add 3-5 drops of lavender oil. For a larger batch, use a ratio of 1 part lavender oil to 10 parts carrier oil. Apply the mixture to your skin as needed.

Dried Lavender Flowers

Another way to use lavender for mosquito repellent is to crush dried lavender flowers and apply the oil to your skin, focusing on areas that are prone to bites, such as your ankles and arms. You can also drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto your skin.

Tips for Using Lavender Mosquito Repellent

When using any essential oil, it's important to dilute it properly to avoid skin irritation. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new product. Additionally, be sure to store your DIY repellent in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.

While lavender is an effective mosquito repellent, it may not provide the same level of protection as commercial chemical repellents. It is important to reapply the repellent frequently, especially when spending extended time outdoors or in mosquito-prone areas.

Frequently asked questions