How to Make a Natural Outdoor Insect Repellent with Essential Oils
Tired of commercial bug sprays and the harmful chemicals they contain? Always bothered or bitten by backyard pests? Don’t worry, you can make your own all-natural insect repellent using essential oils to keep flies away from you and your outdoor dining area.
Method 1: Make an outdoor insect repellent
Outdoor repellent can be placed in the middle of a patio table to keep flies away day and night. Simply mix essential oils with a carrier oil and let the scent disperse into the air, where flies will naturally avoid it. You need to prepare:
small jar with lid
A clean cloth or dish sponge.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
2 tablespoons witch hazel (vodka can be substituted).
100 drops of essential oil.
Blend essential oils. Some essential oils can repel flies, or a blend of the following essential oils can repel flies:
Citronella oil – often used in candles to help repel flies and other pests.
Eucalyptus Oil – Another great essential oil with many household uses.
Peppermint oil – more effective against mosquitoes, but also effective against horseflies (horseflies).
Mix vegetable oil and witch hazel (or vodka) into the essential oil. Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Dilute essential oils so they don’t evaporate right away and can disperse into the air.
All essential oils must be diluted before use (especially if you want to apply them directly to your skin).
Soak a cloth or sponge in insect repellent. Place the cloth into the jar and pour in the prepared insect repellent so that the cloth or sponge is thoroughly saturated. Put the cloth into the jar, cover it and let it sit for 24 hours.
Open the lid and the repellent can do its job. When you need to use it, just open the lid and place it on the outdoor table. You can make a few more and place them in several different locations to repel flies.
Method 2: Make an insect repellent spray
Get all the materials ready. People have been using this repellent spray to repel pests for hundreds of years, and it really works. There will be a strong smell when you first spray it on your body, but the smell will disappear naturally as the spray dries. You need to prepare:
120ml witch hazel
120ml apple cider vinegar
30 to 50 drops of essential oil. You can choose any combination from citronella oil, clove oil, lemongrass, and peppermint oil.
Place all ingredients into an empty spray bottle. Wash out the old spray bottle with soap and water, or buy a new spray bottle from the drugstore specifically for insect repellent spray.
Spray formula onto skin. Shake the bottle and spray the repellent on your hands, arms, legs, and any uncovered parts of your body. Wait for it to dry completely and spray again if necessary. Be careful not to spray in eyes or mouth.
Do not spray essential oils on children or pets before verifying their safety. For example, tea tree oil is toxic to cats.
Remember, never spray undiluted essential oils on your skin. Remember to dilute with carrier fluid first.
Method 3: Apply directly
Use tea tree oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil. These three essential oils are the most effective against flies. You have to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them directly to your body. Mix in 12 drops of your chosen essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil (such as olive oil) to create a 2% solution. Apply to wrists, neck and other pulse points to repel flying insects.
Keep the remaining oil in a small bottle and reapply when needed.
Try applying peppermint oil. Peppermint is also a natural insect repellent and has a classic sweet mint flavor. Peppermint, spearmint, and catnip all repel pesky flying insects and help keep your body smelling good. Mix in 12 drops of peppermint essential oil for every 30 ml of carrier oil (such as olive oil) to create a 2% solution. Apply directly to skin.
Use basil oil. Basil, another herb with a strong smell that flying insects dislike, is particularly effective against moths. Mix 12 drops of basil essential oil per 30 ml of carrier oil (such as olive oil) to create a 2% solution. Apply directly to skin.