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The weather has broken and it looks as if winter is finally over. This means that the kids are wanting to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. It is also bug spray season.
With the start of the warm weather, it also means that it is the start of tick and mosquito season. While I don’t want mosquitos and ticks on the boys, I also don’t like the idea of putting the chemicals on the boys that are in traditional bug sprays. That sent me in search of a better option.
After doing some research I discovered that using essential oils is a natural, non-toxic option. I found that there are a lot of essential oils that repel bugs, but this was one that I came up with.
Spray Bottle Basic Bug Spray Recipe
Start with a 2 ounce spray bottle and add:
- 1 ounce natural witch hazel (I just eyeball what a little less than half the bottle would be)
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops peppermint
- 7 drops lavender
- 1 ounce distilled water (just fill the rest of the bottle with enough room to replace the spray top)
After combining all the ingredients, all you have to do is shake the bottle and spray it on.
Roll-On Bug Repellent Recipe
Another alternative to the bug spray recipe is the roll-on recipe. For this recipe you will need a glass roller bottle for essential oils. To the bottle you will add:
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops peppermint
- 7 drops lavender
Fill the rest of the bottle with sweet almond oil and shake to mix.
I made some adorable bug spray labels to go on the spray bottles. Just print them out and use a circle punch to punch out the label and affix it to the spray bottle.
Using Homemade Bug Spray
These bug repellant recipes are perfect for putting on the kids when we are playing outside in the year. In fact, being outside is one of the boys’ favorite activities, but it also exposes them to the most bugs. When I have these repellants on hand, however, I don’t have to worry about any unwanted critters biting the boys.
There are a few things you should know when using your homemade bug spray, however.
- Since oils and water don’t mix, be sure to shake the spray before using it.
- Avoid spraying on the face.
- For younger children (especially under 2) spray the spray onto their clothes instead of on the skin.
Making Changes in the Laundry Room
Bug repellant isn’t the only way in which I am trying to switch my family to gentler and more natural ingredients, but I’m also doing it in the laundry room with the new all® fresh clean ESSENTIALS®.
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Comment On: Have you ever tried making your own DIY bug spray or any other product to help reduce your family’s exposure to harsh chemicals?
I can’t wait to try this! I love all natural bug sprays but hate how much they cost! Thanks for sharing this recipe. #client