How to Repel Flies With Herbs

Insects can be quite a pain in the warm summer months when we spend a great deal of time outdoors, so finding a natural repellent is imperative to maintain your health. Chemicals and manmade concoctions are unnecessary when natural homemade insect repellents are easily prepared and safe for the whole family. Repelling flies as well as many other insects can keep your skin free of nasty bites and itchy evenings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 12 ounces of water
• 1/8 cup citronella essential oil
• 1/8 cup orange oil
• 1/8 cup rosemary leaves
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers
• Mortar and pestle
• Sieve or strainer
• Glass jar (16 oz)
• Spray bottle

1. Pour the water, citronella oil and orange oil into the glass jar. Place the rosemary leaves as well as the lavender flowers in the mortar and pestle and grind them around for one to two minutes. The goal of using the mortar and pestle is to release the essential oils and fragrances from the plants into our herbal repellent. Add the roughly ground rosemary and lavender to the glass jar and seal.
2. Sit the mixture in the jar on the counter for 24 hours to allow the rosemary and lavender to infuse the water and oil mixture. Shake the jar for a few seconds occasionally over the course of time that it steeps. Shaking the ingredients every few hours well help the herbs release more oils as they move around the jar.
3. After twenty four hours have passed strain out all of the ingredients in the glass jar to remove the pieces of rosemary and lavender. These pieces must be strained from the liquid and discarded so that the spray bottle will not become clogged during application.
4. Fill the spray bottle with the herbal fly repellent. Prior to use make sure that the bottle is functioning by squirting a few test sprays into the kitchen sink, or nearby safe area. All of the ingredients are non toxic, but should avoid making contact with any eyes, or mouths.
5. Shake the bottle well right before each use to ensure an even distribution of the oils and fragrances to repel flies and other insects. A gentle spray of herbal fly repellent on prominent areas such as arms, and legs will help ward of irritating insects. Rub the spray around so that no dripping occurs and so as to ensure even coverage. This natural herbal fly repellent will keep for three days, but should then be discarded and made again.

Tips & Warnings

• Test this herbal repellent on a small portion of your skin before applying all over to ensure that no allergies exist.
• Do not spray near any persons face