Do you use OFF bug spray? You may want to think again. Instead of spraying harsh chemicals on your skin, opt for these homemade natural insect repellents. They really work!
Little do people know that when they put conventional bug sprays and lotions on their skin, they are actually putting pesticides on their body (insect sprays are pesticides known as insecticides). DEET is the active ingredient in most conventional bug sprays and lotions. Few people know that DEET is a registered pesticide and a member of the toluene chemical family. What is toluene? Toluene is an organic solvent that is one of the main ingredients in paint removers, as well as rubber and plastic cements. DEET actually has the ability to melt plastic and synthetic fibres.
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and anything put on your skin gets directly absorbed into your bloodstream. This means that when you spray DEET containing repellents on your skin, it gets absorbed through the skin and passes into the blood. Research has shown that up to 17% of the chemical DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream once applied to the skin. Not only does it cause skin irritation, but it has major effects on the central nervous system by causing motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction.
Putting chemicals on our skin in any form, is not good for our health. Below are five recipes that can be used to make your own natural bug sprays. For the spray, try to find some BPA free bottles you can use to make the mixes. These recipes are fast, easy, and can be mixed up in seconds (depending on which option you choose).
Option 1: Super Strong Repellent (when you need serious bug control)
Ingredients
– 1 32 oz. bottle of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp. each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme & Mint
– 1 large glass jar with lid
Method
1. Put vinegar and herbs into glass jar and seal
2. Shake well every day for 2-3 weeks
3. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store the mixture in the fridge.
4. Dilute mixture half and half with water in a spray bottle. Use as needed
Option 2: Basil Lemon Spray
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 5 drops of lemon essential oil
– 10 drops of basil essential oil
– 20 drops of citronella essential oil
Method
Put all ingredients in a BPA-free bottle, shake, and use as needed.
Option 3: Minty Madness Spray
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
– 20 drops of citronella essential oil
Method
Put all ingredients in a BPA-free bottle, shake, and use as needed.
Option 4: Geranium Lavender Spray
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 5 drops of geranium essential oil
– 10 drops of lavender essential oil
– 20 drops of citronella essential oil
Method
Put all ingredients in a BPA-free bottle, shake, and use as needed.
Option 5: Spearmint Lemon Spray
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup witch hazel
– 3 tbsp. spearmint leaves
– 3 tbsp. lemongrass
– 3 tbsp. citronella
– A couple dried cloves
Method
1. Boil 1 cup of water and add the herbs
2. Mix well, cover (important to cover!) and let cool
3. Strain the herbs out and mix water with witch hazel
4. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (like the fridge)
Deborah Rigsbee says
May 14, 2013 at 12:04 amThank you for what you do! God Bless!
Monica says
Jun 6, 2013 at 12:36 pmHow long will these last once made?
Carly Fraser says
Jun 6, 2013 at 9:27 pmShould last a month or two