How to Make Your Own Water-base Insect Repellent

While the weather is perfect for camping, fishing or just taking a stroll, you may find that you’re not the only one out and about. Insects are also enjoying the temperature and they are busy trying to find a source of food and you look pretty tasty. If you forgot to pick up insect repellent or you just don’t want to slather chemicals on your skin, try making homemade insect repellent and keep the pests away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Herbs (various kinds) Water (distilled is the best) Glass jar with tight-fitting lid Strainer Bottle with spray attachment

1. Choose an herb that insects don’t like. One of the best choices, if you can get it, is catnip. Not only does this herb make a great water-base insect repellent, it also repels mosquitoes and other pests when grown in the yard. Other good choices are lemon balm, sweet balm, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender and basil.

2. Harvest the leaves of catnip early in the morning, if possible, and select only the freshest ones. Cut the entire stems approximately 3-in. from the base of the plant.

3. Hang the catnip (or other herbs) upside down in a dry place away from direct sunlight and strong breezes. It will take up to three weeks for the herbs to dry but it’s important to wait. Adding them to the water too early may cause mold to form.

4. Fill glass jars with the dried herbs loosely. The canning jar variety is a good choice, make sure you wash and dry it first.

5. Boil water and carefully pour it over the herbs in the jar, just until it covers the herbs.

6. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny windowsill for one week. Shake the jar gently every day.

7. Strain the mixture after one week and put the liquid into a bottle with a spray attachment. Apply to skin and clothing as you would chemical insect repellents. Herbal repellents must be applied approximately every two hours.