Make a natural bug repellent
Bugs can also act as vectors or carriers of various diseases
Who has not experienced picnics or outings spoiled by the irritating bugs buzzing in your ears! These tiny living beings can make walking and sitting in peace difficult with their annoying bites. Bugs can also act as vectors or carriers of various diseases such as malaria, typhus, yellow fever, dengue, and sleeping sickness. They can even cause allergic reactions manifesting as itching and rashes. The itching may lead to repeated scratching that can further increase the risk of infections. Various products are available in the market to keep away the bugs from your family and pets. Many of these products contain chemicals that may be toxic to animals and humans besides being harmful to the environment. The good news is that you can make some bug repellents by the use of natural ingredients. These ingredients keep the bugs away while ensuring safety for you and your pets. They are environment-friendly as well. Most of these repellents, however, contain essential oils that can cause skin irritation. This may especially occur if you use undiluted forms of these oils. Thus, always dilute the essential oils in some carrier oil such as coconut oil or shea butter before applying them to the skin.
Some of the natural ways you can keep the bugs away include:
- Clove oil: Besides being one of the favorites for toothache management, clove oil is also great at keeping the bugs, especially mosquitoes, away. It can be mixed with other oils such as thyme or geranium oil and applied at a few points on the clothes or skin to repel the bugs. Clove oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Hence, it should be used with caution.
- Coconut oil and lemon eucalyptus oil: Melt around half a cup coconut oil in a pan. To this, add 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil and 5 drops each of tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Pour this mixture in an empty bottle or a deodorant stick container. When it solidifies, you can rub it on your skin to repel various bugs including fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Citronella oil: Citronella oil drops can be added to coconut oil and applied for repelling bugs. The oil can cause skin irritation; therefore, it should be used with caution. A few drops of this oil on the clothes may also help repel bugs. Citronella candles may also be used at home for repelling bugs. You can make a repellent spray by taking a cup of witch hazel, 20 drops of citronella oil, and a teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix it well, and the repellent spray is ready to be used in your home or yard.
- Lemongrass oil: Add 5-10 drops of lemongrass essential oil to half a cup of olive oil. It can be used for keeping bugs away in your home and yard.
- Lavender oil: Lavender essential oil and its candles can be used to provide dual benefits of relaxation and repelling the bugs.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is known for its antibacterial properties. It has a strong bitter odor that keeps bugs away. You can make a repellent for your yard or plants by mixing a cup of water, a cup of white vinegar, 15 drops of neem oil, and 10 drops each of garlic oil, citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray it on your plants, windows, and other sites to repel the bugs.