Bugs Be Gone!

Being outdoors gives us energy, #VitaminD, and offers a plethora of activities to enjoy with friends and family. Yet sometimes, we get chased inside from pesky mosquitoes, fire ants and more. Don't let nature's pests make you run for the indoors. If you are sensitive, and/or don't care for the toxic ingredients found in most commercial products on the market today, here are a few natural recipes you can make at home that are effective, safe, and cost only pennies per use!

As with most products, you want to use a glass container, or in this case, spray bottle. This keeps the #essentialoils in your product and not on the container. Also safer, and may last longer.

Fill 4 oz glass spray bottle with alcohol free witch hazel, leaving a little space at top (takes

about 1/2 cup to fill).

Add essential oils from one of the recipes below, or create your own blend from the bug spray

Essential Oils list. For teens and adults, I like to use 40-50 drops of essential oils total, this makes about a 2% dilution level (for a 4 oz bottle). For kids, I use about 20-24 drops of essential oils total, this makes about a 1% dilution level (for a 4 oz bottle).

Place spray top on and shake well. Shake well before each use. Be sure to label bottle and

write date you made spray.

Essential oils for bug sprays: #Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), Lemon Eucalyptus (#Eucalyptus citriodora), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), Arborvitae (Thujaplicata), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), Geranium (Pelargoniumgraveolens), Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Kid Friendly Bug Spray ( #kidbugspray )

10 drops Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)

6 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

4 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

1/2 cup alcohol free witch hazel

4 oz glass spray bottle

All Natural Bug Spray ( #naturalbugspray )

15 drops Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)

15 drops Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

5 drops Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

1/2 cup alcohol free witch hazel