Are you tired of pesky insects invading your kitchen? Don’t worry, we have a simple solution for you! By creating your own DIY natural insect repellent, you can keep mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs at bay. Not only is it effective, but it’s also safe and easy to make using readily available ingredients.

What You’ll Need

To make your DIY insect repellent, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Essential oils: Choose from citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass. These oils are known for their bug-repelling properties and will give your repellent a pleasant scent.
• Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol: These act as a base for your repellent and help it stay on your skin longer.
• Vegetable glycerin (optional): If you have dry skin, adding a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin can help moisturize your skin and extend the life of the repellent.
• Water: Distilled or boiled (and cooled) water is used to dilute the mixture.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your DIY natural insect repellent:

1. Combine Essential Oils: In a spray bottle, mix 30-50 drops of your chosen essential oils. Remember, the more oils you use, the stronger your repellent will be.
2. Add Witch Hazel or Alcohol: Fill about half of the bottle with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. This will act as the base for your repellent and help distribute the oils evenly.
3. Add Water: Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Leave some space at the top to shake the mixture thoroughly.
4. Add Vegetable Glycerin (optional): If you have dry skin, consider adding a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture. This step is optional but recommended for moisturizing your skin.
5. Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake the bottle vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well-mixed.
6. Test and Use: Before applying the repellent to your skin or clothing, do a patch test to ensure there are no allergic reactions. Once you’re confident, spray the repellent on exposed skin or clothing as needed. For the best results, reapply every few hours.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to make the most out of your DIY natural insect repellent:

• Storage: Keep the repellent in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency.
• Shake Before Use: Always remember to shake the bottle before each use, as the oils and water may separate over time.
• Plant Bug-Repellent Plants: To enhance your kitchen’s insect-repelling abilities, consider planting bug-repellent plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds around your kitchen or in window boxes.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a natural and effective insect repellent that will keep your kitchen bug-free. Remember, natural repellents may need to be applied more frequently than chemical ones, but their safety and effectiveness make them the perfect option for your home.