How to Make Natural Insect Repellent

You can make natural insect repellent. Deet, the main ingredient in most commercial repellents is a health risk. Personally, I would rather get bitten than use Deet. But, there is another option. Follow the steps below and make some natural insect repellent without the health risk.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Peppermint essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Citronella essential oil
• Bottle
• Distilled water or Cooking oil

1. Decide if you want a spray or rub on repellent. To make a spray repellent, you will use 1/3 cup of distilled water. To make a rub on repellent, you will use 1/3 cup of cooking oil. Olive oil is my preference. Pour the oil or water into the bottle.

2. Add 20 drops of each essential oil. Peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella all have properties that repel certain pests. This combination of oils is almost fool proof to repel the majority of pests.

3. Shake well. After adding the essential oils to the bottle, cover with a lid and shake. Shake each time you are ready to use the mixture to ensure the oils a mixed and distributed evenly before applying.

4. Enjoy being pest free without concern of warnings, cautions and health hazards which are disclosed on the back of most commercial bug repellents.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do happen to get a bug bite, treat it with some witch hazel. Witch hazel will remove any itchiness from the bite.

[NaturalRemedies]

on 2/16/2009 I love this recipe to make natural insect repellent!

[Samanthe]

on 10/9/2008 Good.