As the saying goes, “spring showers bring April flowers.” Unfortunately, spring showers also mean an increase in standing water, which quickly becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other critters. In addition to leaving nasty, itchy welts, mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be fatal to pets and people. To fend off mosquitoes and other insects without using harmful chemicals, make homemade insect repellents using products found in the backyard, herb garden, or local grocery store.
Harmful Chemicals Found in Insect Repellents
An important reason to make homemade insect repellent is having control over the ingredients. Many commercially-made insect sprays include toxic chemicals like DEET (short for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), a commonly used ingredient in many insect repellents. According to the Center for Disease Control, DEET is “practically non-toxic to mammals.” Rather than take the risk, instead create natural products that are safe, inexpensive, and made in less time than it takes to drive to the store.
Common Products Frequently Used as Bug Repellent
One of the most effective ways to keep biting and stinging insects away is to mask natural human scent. The following foods will lower personal appeal:
- Citrus peels: gnats and mosquitoes detest the smell of citrus fruit peels like oranges, limes and lemons. Rub freshly cut peels over the skin and expect immediate results.
- Garlic: mosquitoes (not to mention many humans) hate the smell of garlic. During spring and summer months, consume garlic on a regular basis. This decreases insects’ interest in feasting on your flesh. Do not rub garlic directly on the skin (see below), as it can cause irritation.
- Onion: although it’s not a great perfume, a freshly sliced onion, rubbed over the skin, helps to keep mosquitoes and other insects from biting.
Instructions for Making Homemade Insect Spray
A variety of household products can be used to create non-toxic insect sprays. Experiment using any of the following sprays to determine your personal potion:
- Apple cider vinegar: fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and spray the solution on skin before going outdoors.
- Garlic repellent: although garlic should not be directly applied to the skin, a garlic spray created with warm water and a few cloves or crushed garlic is excellent mosquito repellent. Place the mixture in a plastic spray bottle. Before an outdoor picnic, spray the surrounding area (plants, chairs, etc.), including clothing, with garlic spray to clear away pests.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil: add 5-6 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water and fill a spray bottle. Spray clothing, plants, and surrounding area.
- Vanilla spray: a sweeter choice than garlic, vanilla extract is a total turn-off to many types of bugs. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and one tablespoon of vanilla extract and spray directly onto the skin. Use a cloth or tissue to blend well into the skin.
Tips for Keeping Pests Away
Some final tips for keeping away the critters:
- Remove all standing water—a breeding ground for mosquitoes—from outside the home. Even a small amount of stagnant water increases mosquitoes’ numbers by the hundreds and even thousands, quickly.
- Plant basil, catnip, marigolds, peppermint and rosemary in pots or in the garden. The smell of these plants are appealing to humans and appalling to most insects.
- Burn Citronella candles outside before and during outdoor activity. The candles look pretty, and while the smell may be strong to humans, it’s far worse to mosquitoes.
- Cover up. Wear loose, dull-colored clothing to defend against mosquitoes. This protects the skin and masks the human smell that mosquitoes love so much.
Reclaim the outdoors by following these simple, natural steps, and ensure a safe and itch-less spring season. With just a few of the right ingredients, insects and humans can co-exist peacefully.
Leigh Hopkins - Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to ensuring that all children have access to a quality education. I’ve seen the ...
