DIY mosquito repellent
On a typical summer evening, I sit on my front porch with a cool drink and watch the world go by. It’s a blissful way to unwind after a long day at work. Unfortunately this quiet, daily ritual is almost always interrupted by mosquitoes, who cunningly light and sting me on the arm or ankle before I can stop them. And of course, while I’m tending to the first bite, I get bitten again.
In an effort to preserve my peace, I recently purchased some odorless OFF bug repellant which works well, but smells like chemicals and makes me sneeze. So, off with the OFF. Instead, I found a recipe for organic bug repellent at www.diylife.com. Though it isn’t waterproof and needs to be re-applied regularly, this all-natural repellent has a pleasant smell and is just as effective as OFF at deterring mosquitoes. Enjoy!
Materials and Tools:
•1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
•1/3 cup witch hazel (or cheap vodka)
•5 drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil
•Spray bottle
•Funnel
Directions:
•Using the funnel, pour all the liquid ingredients into the spray bottle.
•Shake the bottle to mix the liquids.
Image courtesy of naturegirl78
Comments
I'd like to believe this would work, but I thought Consumer Reports or somebody determined that citronella doesn't work all that well?
Let me see if I can find a link...
Well, the CDC seems to like eucalyptus oil (except for kids)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm
Posted by: Andrew | July 29, 2009 9:47 AM
We've been using generic Listerine in our spray bottle and it works well, too. It just needs to be constantly re-applied.
Posted by: Martha Gatewood | July 30, 2009 4:57 PM
Interesting, maybe I'll try it next time I go out in the forest
picking blueberries. It must smell a bit funny though, with vinegar and funnel..!? But then again, maybe not worse than the chemical stuff you can buy. Thanks!
Posted by: Sara | August 3, 2009 4:22 AM
I'll be sure to try it on holiday this year!
Posted by: Brad the Builder | August 4, 2009 8:57 AM
This mosquito repellent is made of Citronelle and Neem, I strongly recommend to those who is looking for natural mosquito spray. For more information, you can visit this website:
http://bestmosquitorepellent.blogspot.com
http://1mosquitorepellent.blogspot.com
Posted by: June | August 27, 2009 1:33 PM
I have my own solution for mosquitos. I was told some years ago that taking bitamin B complex would keep the mosquitos away. I was ofcourse skeptical but tried it anyway. Believe it or not, it works. The mosquitos no longer love me. Try it for yourself.
Posted by: Bobbie | September 11, 2009 5:29 PM
Sounds like a good idea. How well does it work? Just wondering…
I liked the reviews of mosquito traps on this blog. http://mosquito-trap-review.blogspot.com/
Sometimes it’s nicer to have something permanent, instead of something on your skin.
Posted by: ryan | June 9, 2010 6:14 PM
I have also heard that soaking yarrow in alcohol works. Soak the chopped herb in grain alcohol for a few days/weeks, then strain. Apply as needed.
I've seen yarrow growing wild around many city parks (such as the Hampden garden). A google search about yarrow should give you plenty of research!
Posted by: AlizaEss | June 10, 2010 3:45 PM