Summer might be drawing closer to an end but that doesn’t mean the backyard barbecues and parties are winding down yet. While those backyard get-togethers are oh-so-fun, they can be with their nuisances. (No, I am not talking about all of Uncle Frank’s “When I was a kid…” comments)
Are you one of those sweet people that bugs seem to pick out of a crowd? Do you also hate squeezing your eyes shut tightly while you hold your breath so someone can douse you with a bottle of chemicals to keep them at bay? Or do you miss out on the festivities by watching from a safe bug-free zone behind closed doors?
There are other solutions to chemical laden sprays and sequestering yourself from the party and you don’t have to smell like a flower child to do it. 😉
Do essential oils remind you of incense, hippies, and Woodstock? Not these bug-beater blends. Here are a few DIY bug spray blends that will have you joining the fun without making anyone hold their nose. Or, if you want a ready made blend, try TerraShield® Outdoor Blend made especially for protection from outdoor pests. Now, being the life of the party? That’s up to you!
The blend suggestions are below. Scroll down further for the instructions.
Lemon Zinger
Lemongrass oil, Rosemary oil, Eucalyptus oil, Citronella oil
Chill Out
Cedarwood oil, Lavender oil, Geranium oil, Catnip oil
Double Duty (This one doubles as an allergy relief formula, for those of you who suffer from hay-fever symptoms)
Lemon oil, Lavender oil, Peppermint oil
Recipes and Instructions
For all the blends above you will need:
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup witch hazel
1-2 Tbs. vodka or rubbing alcohol (as a preservative)
optional: 1 tsp. of vegetable glycerin (this prevents the ingredients from separating as much)
A total of approximately 100 drops of the essential oils listed in each recipe.
*The individual amounts can be at your discretion depending on what you want your stronger notes to be or the potency of each individual oil. For example, Eucalyptus has a more “medicinal” scent which you may want to include in smaller quantities in ratio to the others. Peppermint can overpower the lemon and lavender.
Put all the ingredients in a glass or non-reactive bowl, measuring glass, or directly into your spray bottle. Give it a few good shakes and you are ready to go!
The oil will have a tendency to float to the top so remember to shake well before each use.
Keep those pesky pests at bay and enjoy the party!!
