DIY Keep Bugs Away
It’s that time of year again and even though bugs are great for the environment, they aren’t great for me. Here’s a few tips for keeping them away without using yucky chemicals.
Ants – First clean up anything that may be attracting them (sweets, honey, grains, etc) then try the following:
- Hot & spicy (black pepper, chili pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, mint, cinnamon, garlic) Sprinkle at point of entry such as doorways and windowsills. Place garlic outside the house by the foundation and kill two birds with one stone (those pesky vampires too).
- Who knew ants didn’t like cucumbers? Cut the skin off and rub the inside around the area – you can leave the skin in the area too.
- Do you see where they are coming in? Squirt some lemon
- You can plant peppermint & spearmint plants outside or in containers around your windows or doors to keep them away.
Mosquitoes – they love water so if you can clean any of that up outside then get rid of it
- Tried and true – you can burn citronella candles
- You can make your own spray to use and it’s super easy plus it will smell better than the chemical sprays.
Natural Bug Sprays:
- Essential oils: Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender, Peppermint, Clove, Rosemary, Cajeput, Tea Tree, Catnip, Eucalyptus, Cedar – find a blend that you like. I like lemongrass, lavender, mint with some citronella.
- Get your base: Easiest is witch hazel or a carrier oil – I like witch hazel because it dries fast.
- Recipe that I use is this: take about 2 cups witch hazel and add 15 drops lemongrass, 10 drops citronella, 10 drops peppermint, 5 drops lavender. Put this in a misting bottle and spray it on when needed. Don’t spray directly on your face instead spray in your hands and pat onto face.
- Play around with the oils to find a blend you like
Heavy Duty Spray – this is stinky when you spray it but once it’s dry it’s fine. This is great for wooded areas.
- Four Thieves Vinegar diluted with water
DIY keep bugs away naturally is pretty easy. Stay safe and have fun this summer 🙂
