For the past 10 years I’ve been making a not-too toxic bug spray. We’re outside on the farm all of the time and it’s a requirement in our area to have some sort of repellent on.
Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Bedbugs…no matter which one it is we prefer to prevent bites whenever possible.
We use a Deet or Picardin based product when we are doing high-risk jobs like haying, hunting, stacking firewood, mowing, or raking leaves. For everyday farm chores, horseback riding, dog walks, and jaunts to get the mail we use our homemade spray.
It’s easy to make up a big batch a couple times a year. I purchase amber or blue glass spray bottles on Amazon, essential oils from DoTerra, and other supplies at the grocery store.
I like to triple the batch and have a bottle for each truck, barn, front and back doors of the house…and a few extra bottles for friends. With essential oil based sprays you do need to reapply them more frequently than a Deet based spray, but the nice part is this spray smells yummy!
Having a funnel isn’t necessary, but it makes this process a lot easier. They’re often available at your local Dollar Store.
2 oz of Vodka (Witch Hazel or Apple Cider Vinegar also works)
2 oz of Distilled Water (if you’re out boil water for 5 minutes and use when it is completely cooled)
20 Drops of Cedarwood Oil
10 Drops of Geranium Oil
10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus
Pour ingredients into cleaned bottles. I like to run them through the dishwasher on “sanitize” or just a very hot wash cycle. The way you know they are clean. When you’re ready to make your bug spray make sure the bottles and ingredients are not hot. The essential oils are sensitive to heat and you want their bug repelling force to be strong! I prefer to use spray bottle tops for easy all over application. Give your bottle a good shake each time before you spritz. You can spray this over your clothing, hair, or right onto skin. Pay extra attention to the ankle and shoe area.
And, as always incorporate Tick Checks into your daily wellness routine. Like brushing your teeth, bodies need a tick check. It’s a pain, but it’s a reality. Trust me it is still way easier to do checks than live life in chronic pain or with inflammation issues.
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