Get Ready to Spring into Summer!
Hello! I hope you’re doing fantastic and enjoying the weather. No matter your age, I think we can agree that warmer weather just makes us happier people. The feel of the sun shining on our skin or the smell of freshly cut grass puts me in the best mood! If you suffer with allergies be sure to read my article on natural allergy remedies found here. They have helped so many people, including my own family.
There are so many things to do outdoors right now in this part of spring. If you’re like me you’re also looking forward to the possibilities of summer. We can get out and find a great deal at a garage sale or see our kids or grandkids play in their sporting events. Maybe, you’re getting out camping or fishing or tending your garden. Whatever your outdoor adventures include you’re sure to have to deal with some of the world’s most annoying little creatures. BUGS!
Do you ever wish you could create a safety shield around you to keep them away? For sure! My hand is always raised at that question but the catch here is the word “safety.” Have you ever looked at the ingredient list of most store bought bug repellents and wondered “What are some of these ingredients?” I certainly have and I’ve thought to myself that most don’t sound the least bit natural or safe to use.
Plus, who has time to research that long list?! If you’re like me, you don’t want to take any chances with your or your family’s health. Especially when there are other options that are safe, effective and have additional benefits! Also, they smell great unlike store bought bug repellents that smell awful.
So, “How can I get these natural remedies” you might ask? All you have to do is gather the desired ingredients and spray bottles to make your very own natural bug repellent. I use 2 oz. spray bottles which is hyperlinked in the recipes below for you to easily find. You’ll also see these recipes are very easy to make and are ready to use immediately!
DIY Bug Repellents that work!
Watch our quick video and then download the info sheet about these oils and a separate pdf if you want to print your own labels.
Here is the printable PDF of these recipes and a Printable PDF of the bottle labels.
We used Avery labels 8160. Here is a link to those as well if you would like:
Avery Address Labels for Inkjet Printers, 1″ x 2-5/8″, 750 Labels, (8160)
Bugs B Gone Repellent Spray
- 2 oz bottle
- 8 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- 6 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Water to fill the bottle
*Tip: Adding 1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol to your 2 oz bottle will allow oils and water to blend better.
Powerful Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil provides a myriad of benefits. Not only does it repel insects, it also has a grounding aroma that evokes feelings of wellness and vitality. When applied topically, cedarwood also has clarifying properties. Additionally, it is frequently used in massage therapy to relax and soothe the mind and body.
Other ways to use Cedarwood Essential Oil
- After a difficult day, diffuse to create a relaxing experience
- During your facial routine, add one to two drops to your facial toner or moisturizer to promote clear, healthy looking skin
- Place a drop on a cotton ball and place in a closet to keep moths at bay
Refreshing Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil works well as a bug deterrent because they do not like the menthol aroma. It is also frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene.
Other ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil
- Use a drop of Peppermint Essential Oil with Lemon Essential Oil in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse
- Take one to two drops in a Veggie Capsule for occasional stomach upset
- Add a drop to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing twist
- Place one drop in palm of hand with one drop Wild Orange Essential Oil and one drop Frankincense Essential Oil and inhale for a mid-day pick-me-up
Purifying Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is often grown around gardens and homes for bug deterrent. A favorite oil for massages, lemongrass has a pungent, herbaceous aroma that can heighten awareness and promote a positive outlook. It is purifying and toning to the skin, and is frequently used in skin care products for these benefits.
Other ways to use Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Combine equal parts Fractionated Coconut Oil and Lemongrass oil for a massage after a hard workout
- Use to flavor entrées and meat dishes
- Blends well with Basil, Cardamom, or Spearmint
Side Note: Lemongrass Essential Oil and Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil work well together or individually for bug repellent. What is interesting about these two oils is they work really well to prevent foot odor because they stop the growth of foot fungus. By making a lotion or an Essential Oil blend with lemongrass and melaleuca oils in it you get a dual-use of these oils. The Lemongrass actually makes the Melaleuca Essential Oil smell much better.
Learn More About Ants and Their Habits
I found this information very interesting on the How I Get Rid of website.
While ants do have their role in our ecosystem, they are also some of the most prolific pests.
Ants are tiny insects with segmented bodies, six legs, and two antennae. They belong to the insect order Hymenoptera and are one of the most successful groups of animals on Earth, with over 12,000 species in existence today.
Ants are social insects that live in colonies consisting of a queen and worker ants. The queen ant is the only fertile female in her colony and she can lay up to 20,000 eggs per day, depending on the species. The worker ants take care of everything from building the nest to foraging for food and taking care of the young.
Ants play an important role in the environment by helping to recycle dead plants and animals into nutrients that can be used by other organisms. This is especially important for plants because many plants cannot take up nutrients through their roots; instead, they rely on insects such as ants to help them absorb nutrients through their leaves or stems.
With that being said, ants can live in colonies with millions of fellow ants, and an infestation of ants can be a serious problem for not only your home but also your yard.
I found this all very interesting – so check out the link above if it is something of interest to you.
Foot Odor Spray
- 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 6 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil
- Water to fill the bottle
*Tip: Adding 1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol to your 2 oz bottle will allow oils and water to blend better.
Outdoor Blend Repellent Spray
If you prefer to buy only one bottle of essential oil to make your natural spray, here’s a great recipe that combines several great smelling scents!
- 2 oz bottle
- 20 drops Outdoor Blend Essential Oil
- Water to fill the bottle
*Tip: Adding 1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol to your 2 oz bottle will allow oils and water to blend better.
Outdoor Blend contains oils of
- Ylang Ylang Flower
- Tamanu Seed
- Nootka Wood
- Cedarwood Wood
- Catnip Plant
- Lemon Eucalyptus Leaf
- Litsea Fruit
- Vanilla Bean Absolute
- Arborvitae Wood
Outdoor Blend Repellent Spray makes summers even more memorable with all those bugs at bay
The sights, sounds and smells of summer. The majestic mountains, the crash of the ocean, grilling in your own backyard—it’s time to get outside! No matter where the summer takes you, you’ll want to have Outdoor Blend on hand. You can apply Outdoor Blend on your skin for an invigorating scent during outdoor events for an inviting atmosphere. The combination of these oils creates a pleasant smell and is safe to spray on the skin, on children & pets.
Repelling bugs never smelled so good!
Other ways to use Outdoor Blend
- Apply to the legs, arms, and neck before going outdoors or diffuse on your patio.
- Take on camping trips or to outdoor events.
- Spray around your door, window seals, and tent.
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Cleansing Blend Spray
Here’s another single oil recipe to use if you happen to forget your DIY bug repellent! Without bug repellent you might need something to help soothe those bug bites.
- 2 oz bottle
- 18 drops Cleansing Blend Essential Oil
- Water to fill the bottle
*Tip: Adding 1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol to your 2 oz bottle will allow oils and water to blend better.
Cleansing Blend contains oils of
- Lemon Peel
- Siberian Fir Needle
- Citronella Grass
- Lime Peel
- Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Leaf
- Cilantro Herb
Cleansing Blend Repellent Spray saves the day!
Cleansing Blend contains oils known for their powerful cleaning and purifying properties and protection against environmental threats. This spray can help soothe the irritation from any bug bites you may get as well as providing moderate repellent qualities. It’s got your back!
Other ways to use Cleansing Blend
- To purify and freshen the air
- Add five drops to a small spray bottle with water and use to wipe down countertops.
- Add a few drops to the rinse cycle when doing laundry to help eliminate odor.
- Freshen smaller rooms (or a car) by placing a few drops of Purify Cleansing Blend on a cotton ball and putting it into the air vent.
Having Trouble with Ants?
Ants are some of the most persistent little insects I’ve ever seen. If only kids were that determined to clean up their rooms! It seems like once you think you’ve gotten rid of them, they’re right back at it, again. Finding all the crumbs you’ve missed when cleaning up. It’s like they’re watching with binoculars to see what’s been missed. In this article you’ll find a list of 20 natural and safe ways to deter ants from entering your home. You can choose the remedy that’s right for you.
Essential Oils which can be used to Repel Ants
- Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
- Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Geranium Essential Oil
- Thyme Essential Oil
- Arborvitae Essential Oil
- Cedarwood Essential Oil
I hope this has been useful to you as you begin this wonderful time of year. Keep bugs at bay with these natural DIY remedies. Until next time, Be well!
Resources:
- Great Ways to Eliminate Ants
- DIY Allergy Relief
- How I Get Rid of