http://www.care2.com/greenliving/custom-made-insect-repellent.html
Easily Custom Make Your Own Insect Repellent
By Annie B. Bond
Are you mostly concerned about repelling ticks? Wasps? Mosquitoes? Black flies?
It seems that all of us have our own unique set of problems when it comes to insects. The mosquitoes don’t seem to bite one person, but ticks love them.
Fortunately, there are particular essential oils that are particularly good for different types of bugs. Here is a very simple formula for making your own repellent oil, plus the very best essential choices for stinging bugs!
Insect Repellent
Here is an easy repellent to make that has a shelf life of around six months. Label jars “mosquito,” “tick,” etc. for quick identification.
1o to 25 drops essential oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (olive oil is fine)
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (optional)
Combine the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing.
Here are some suggestions for your choice of essential oils:
Bug Repellent Essential Oils
Caution: Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using.
Ticks First Choice: Rose Geranium
Other: Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal
lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)
Mosquitoes: Pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme, lavender
Blackflies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon balm (citronella), peppermint
Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium
Fleas: Orange oil
A note about wasps and yellow jackets: Don’t wear perfume, hair spray, or scented
deodorant. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing.
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107 comments
add your comment »Terrific advice! Thanks.
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I recently came across your Post and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice post. I will keep visiting this Post very often.
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To add just a couple more for everyone. Peppermint Oil is good to repel many insects, especially ants, roaches and flies. Particularly good for Gnats, smells great, repels and kills Gnats on contact, kills mildew and won't harm plants or animals. For a cleaning product (liquid soap) - 22 oz Liquid Soap (Glycerin, Castile or Vegetable base - NO detergent base) 2 oz Distilled water 1/8-1/4 tsp Evening Primrose Oil, 1/8-1/4 tsp. Peppermint Essential Oil, and 1/8-1/4 tsp. Myrrh Essential Oil. For spraying on plants and surfaces-decrease liquid soap and increase water until very fluid for misting bottles. I use on a regular bases for my Kitchen Garden Window where I keep my orchids, also keep a small cup with this mixture and periodically add hot water to release a stronger oil scent.
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What do I use to repel spiders and ants in my house? My landlord wants to call bug extermination places but its soo unhealthy and I feel bad killing them.
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I've found that a mix of coffee grounds and cayenne pepper helps to keep the ants at bay. just mix it and put it in the plants. it's safe for the plants but not the ants.
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Ants are invading my houseplants. I can't use sprays because of a medical condition, so how do I get the ants out of my home?
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I have used Eucalyptus Castille Soap with a few drops of pine essential oil to bathe my dogs. This not only repels fleas afterward, but it kills them directly. You can see them all floating around in the water. If you use a flea comb, you can pretty much rid your dog of fleas completely. During the flea season, I bathe the dogs 1-2 times a month! I also use rose geranium and pine in a spray bottle to spray on the dogs ( & bedding, etc...) between baths when the fleas, ticks and mosquitos are really bad.
I have used these methods with my cats as well. This worked so well I stopped using Frontline completely.
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There is a product for bed bugs, that is made by a chemical company but is totally natural. It is called Sleep Tight. Here is the web-site for this product: http://www.natureplex.com/sleeptight/ I haven't used it but a friend has, and she swears by it. Another interesting site about the deadly bugs is:http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/nyregion/27bugs.html?r=1&pagewanted=2&oref=slogin Good luck Nicole!!
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Tea Tree Oil in the purest form ( from Australia) can be difficult for you to find unless..... you are shopping from the same company as I am. I only use the oil and water to make my all purpose bug repellant!
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