How to Make an All Natural Mosquito, Ant, Roach Repellant
Insect such as mosquitoes, ants, and roaches are annoying pests, but more importantly, they carry diseases. Unfortunately, effective chemical products may be dangerous and costly. However, many natural, easy-to-find items have insect-repelling properties and can be made into effective repellants right in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol
- Spray bottle
- 2 1/2 tsp. essential oils
- Boric acid
- 1/2 cup honey or corn syrup
- Small pan
- Quart-sized jar and lid
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
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Mosquito Repellant
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1
Pour 1 cup of 190-proof grain alcohol into an empty spray bottle.
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2
Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of essential oils. Effective essential oils are basil, cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, catnip, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose, geranium and rosemary. Use a single oil or create a personal blend.
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3
Shake the bottle well. Spray the mixture directly on skin, and rub it in.
Ant Repellant
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4
Pour 1 teaspoon of boric acid into a small pan.
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5
Add 1/2 cup honey or corn syrup to the pan. Stir well. Warm the mixture over medium heat until the boric acid dissolves. Let the mixture cool completely.
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6
Place a small amount of this bait wherever ants will find it. Keep the mixture away from pets and children. Leave the bait out for at least two weeks.
Roach Repellant
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7
Pour 1 cup of boric acid into a quart-sized jar. Boric acid is a white powder readily available at grocery and garden stores.
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8
Add 1 cup of sugar. Place the lid on the jar, and shake it well.
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9
Place one or two tablespoons of the mixture into an upside-down jar lid. Place the lid in a cabinet or on shelves where roaches have been seen. The sugar attracts the roach, and the boric acid clings to the roach, killing it. Keep the mixture away from pets and children.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sprinkle borax on ant pathways to keep ants away.
References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
