How to Make A Natural Mosquito Repellant

Almost everyone likes to spend time outside, whether it is playing in the backyard or camping in the woods. The biggest deterant to outdoor activities are the pesky mosquitoes. Here's a way to make your own natural mosquito repellant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lemon Balm - preferrably fresh from your garden
• Distilled water or grapeseed oil
• Small jar with tight fitting lid
• Small spray bottle

1. Lemon balm can be easily grown in containers on your patio. Place two or three of these lovely herbs around your yard. The wonderful lemon smell will keep the mosquitoes away from your backyard activities.

2. If you are not into growing the fresh herbs, go to your local herb store or natural food store. Ask for organically grown or wildcrafted, dried lemon balm leaves. Buy about 1-2 ounces of the dried leaves.

3. When you get home, decide whether you want a light water based spray or a skin soothing oil. If you want water based, fill your jar with the dried herbs and cover with distilled water. Place the tight fitting lid on the jar and set the jar on a counter top where you can see it every day. For the next 2 weeks, shake the jar a couple of times a day.

4. To make a skin soothing oil, fill the jar with the dried lemon balm leaves and cover with grapeseed oil (you can also use jojoba oil). Follow the same instructions as you would with the water.

5. At the end of the 2 weeks, strain the dried herbs out of the oil or water into your spray bottle. Spritz as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you chose to grow your lemon balm fresh, all you need to do is pick a few fresh leaves and rub them on your exposed skin. You will get the wonderful lemony smell and keep the bugs away at the same time.
• Do not leave the bottle of oil sitting out in the heat. This could cause the oil to go ransid. Keep the oil in the refrigerator or cooler or in a dark, cool place. The oil will last approximately 1 year - dispose of after that time.

[chrismoore]

on 7/5/2009 I'm growing lemon balm now. Thanks for the tips! 5*