Headed to a backyard BBQ or picnic in the park this July 4th weekend? While you are making the list of all the things you want to take with you (be sure to checkout our latest e-newsletter for ideas!), don’t forget insect repellant. With all the rain we have had this season, we are seeing more and more mosquitoes joining us for our outdoor fun and wanted to share some of our favorite DIY all-natural mosquito repellants.
Essential Oil Bug Spray via Wellness Mama
Ingredients:
Essential Oils (we recommend eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary or clove)
Natural Witch Hazel
Distilled or Boiled Water
Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
Directions:
Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if using
Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.
Coconut Oil Lotion via Inhabitat (great for kids!)
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil
Peppermint, Lavender, or Clove Essential Oils
Directions:
Mix the 1/3 cup of coconut oil with 15 drops of your preferred essential oil. Slather on arms, legs, and other body parts exposed to the wild. If you’re using this on small children and they happen to get it in their mouths, it won’t taste great, but it won’t do them any harm.
Vodka Spray via Little House in the Suburbs
Ingredients:
Vodka (non-flavored)
Aloe Vera Juice
Favorite Conditioning Liquid (soybean, olive, castor, etc.)
Essential Oil Blend (we like lavender and citronella)
Directions:
In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of vodka, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice, 2 teaspoons of conditioning liquid and 1 ½ teaspoons of your essential oil blend.
Shake before each use. You will want to reapply every 30-minutes or so. You can create your own blend, or purchase an oil blend that specifically targets mosquitoes.
Garlic Mosquito Repellant via WiseBread
Ingredients:
Minced Garlic
Mineral Oil
Lemon Juice
Directions:
Mince a few cloves of garlic then cover with mineral oil. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. Next you take a teaspoon of just the oil and mix it with 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Strain through a cheesecloth then pour into a spray bottle. Shake before each use.
Click here for even more ideas on how you can keep bugs at bay this summer.
Talk to us: What is your favorite outdoor activity this summer?
image courtesy of flickr CC/Roger H. Goun