Thursday, May 18, 2017

Natural Bug Repellent


Working in the garden can be buggy business.  Using herbal essential oils suspended in water is a perfect way to chase the bugs away while gardening or other outdoor activities.


There are several essential oils (these are oils extracted through distillation from plant material - the concentrated natural essence that give plants their scent) that work well at chasing insects.

  • Lavender Essential Oil - an insect repellant that soothes, calms and heals the skin.  It can relieve the pain and redness of insect bites too.
  • Peppermint Essential Oil - repels insects and stimulates your senses and your circulation, while disinfecting your skin.  It can also relieve the itch of insect bites.
  • Lemongrass Essential Oil - uplifting and cleansing lemongrass is the best insect repellent oil.


Natural Bug Repellent Spray
Safe for the whole family, including children and pets, you can spray often, both yourself and the surrounding areas to keep bugs at bay.  It is both cooling and refreshing as well as effective on bugs.

4 ounces of distilled or spring water
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix ingredients together in a 4 ounce spray bottle. Shake well to mix.

TO USE: spray on skin and clothes, hair and hats.  Use often for maximum effectiveness, especially on a warm sunny day.

Alternatives- you can add this essential oil combination to sun screen or body oil to also use as a repellent.

NOTE-- use only 100% pure essential oil, not scented oil, potpourri oil or bath oil.  These are not the same.  NEVER place essential oil in direct contact with skin unless diluted in another medium. Contact toxicity is possible that way.