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Introduction
Summer’s warm days often bring unwanted guests — flies, ants, mosquitoes, and various other pesky insects. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical sprays that may harm your family and pets, why not try a natural insect repellent that’s safe, effective, and easy to make at home? This DIY spray uses simple, plant-based ingredients with insect-repelling properties to keep your living spaces and outdoor areas bug-free without toxic side effects. Plus, it smells great!
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel (or vodka as an alternative)
20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops citronella essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap (optional, helps emulsify)
Preparation:
In a clean spray bottle, combine the distilled water and witch hazel.
Add the essential oils one by one: eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, and tea tree oil.
If using, add the liquid castile soap to help the oils mix evenly with the water.
Close the bottle tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to blend all ingredients.
Label the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Shake the bottle well before each use to redistribute the oils.
Spray generously around doorways, windowsills, patios, picnic blankets, and any area prone to insects.
Avoid spraying directly on pets, delicate fabrics, or food surfaces.
This natural repellent lasts up to two weeks; for longer shelf life, store it in the refrigerator.
Test a small patch on skin before extensive use to ensure no allergic reaction.
Variation:
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