My family is fortunate that the only bugs we encounter on a regular basis which bite or sting are mosquitos . My daughter has a pretty strong reaction to any insect venom/protein. This spray actually seems to do the trick as a strategy to protect us on our evening walks. Maybe someday we will get to test it on a camping trip or in an ecosystem where there are ticks and biting flies.
Whether you choose pure essential oils or an infusion, many of your ingredients will come from plants in the Lamiaceae/mint family. Easy to recognize by their small white or pink flowers clustered on a terminal spike, square stems, and opposite leaves. But not to be confused with something like nettle which does not have the strong scent and volatile oils. Chemicals that provide flavor to food, repel pests, fight microbes, and move energy by warming or cooling. Mint, spearmint, lemon balm, sage, hyssop, horehound, catnip/catmint, bee balm, lavender, rosemary, and basil are just a few of the herbs in this family.
Homemade Bug Spray
Make an infusion with fresh catnip and feverfew. 1 loosely packed cup of each type of leaves to start should do it. Cool and set aside.
Add in –
10 drops each of the following essential oils-Tea tree, cedarwood, geranium. lemongrass and basil.
1 TBSP of vodka
1/2 cup witch hazel
Mix well, Use a funnel to pour into spray bottles. Set excess aside in a jar for long term storage in a cool dark place. Shake before using. Avoid eyes and mucous membranes.
What is your favorite ingredient for homemade bug spray?
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