Natural bug repellent is something that you can make yourself at home. Many of us are more aware of the contents of certain bug control products and wish to avoid using sprays or lotions that are full of chemicals. The good news is you can create an effective repellent at home. The basic ingredients, if used properly, will be a safer mix for your skin, and you will also save money as the products you use are everyday items that you likely already possess.
The first thing you need to do when making a natural, Deet free insect repellent, is to decide on what kind of insects you want to ward off. Certain ingredients will be more effective than others depending on the type of bug. Mosquitoes are probably the most annoying insect during the summer months, and their bites can be quite painful for some people, and very annoying for virtually everyone. Mosquitoes are usually repelled by the scent of oils, such as cinnamon oil and castor oil, and so those can form your main ingredients.
You can’t, however, just smear cinnamon oil or castor oil over your body. You want it to be a natural, insect pest repellent that doesn’t smell too strong or make you look funny when you go out. Additionally, these oils and others can be used to ward off other insects that can cause rashes or certain types of skin irritations, if the amount used is too concentrated. What you need to do is mix the oil, called an essential oil, with something else to dilute the potency.
Of course water does not mix with oil, so you’ll have to use another type of oil, called a carrier oil, or alcohol. Cooking oil is a safe carrier oil. Mix the two oils or the essential oil with alcohol so that there is only a maximum of 10 parts essential oil to 100 parts of the mix liquid; 10 percent is a safe yet still effective ratio to use.
Once your mix is made, you can take your natural bug repellent and apply it to your skin or spray it on your clothes. As with any commercial insect repellent lotion or spray, you’ll need to reapply it after swimming or if you’ve been out in the sun for longer than an hour, since much of it will evaporate and its potency will be weakened. Like any other product, home-made or not, avoid applying your insect repellent to sensitive areas including your eyes, and get approval from your physician before using it if you’re pregnant.
Saving money is more important these days than ever before, so making your own natural bug repellent is just one small way to save money and to contribute less damage to the environment, while also staying healthier at the same time. For outdoor enthusiasts, making a homemade organic insect repellent is a great way to take control of your life so you have an enjoyable summer that is not spent scratching at insect bites.
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