Well, in preparation for our Caribbean trip, I made bug spray. None of the commercial varieties were doing it for me, and why spend $10+ on a natural one that I could make myself? So, I did a little research about which essential oils / scents mosquitos and their ilk dislike the most, and here we go:
1 liter spray bottle (I bought one for ironing due to the fine mist)
1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
5 drops vanilla extract
3 drops lavender EO
2 drops each of: citronella, neem, rosemary, tea tree oil
1 tsp of witch hazel (emulsifier)
Fill the bottle up with water.
Doesn't smell too objectionable. Will see how well it works soon!
1 liter spray bottle (I bought one for ironing due to the fine mist)
1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
5 drops vanilla extract
3 drops lavender EO
2 drops each of: citronella, neem, rosemary, tea tree oil
1 tsp of witch hazel (emulsifier)
Fill the bottle up with water.
Doesn't smell too objectionable. Will see how well it works soon!
hi there! I am confused by the "ACV." Could you please elaborate?
ReplyDeleteMy apologies! I'll fix it. ACV = apple cidar vinegar. I personally like Bragg's because it is raw and has the "mother" in it.
ReplyDeleteHow much did it cost you? We are going camping next month with a 3 year old and a 3 month old and I have been trying to figure out an all natural way that is inexpensive!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what each ingredient does? In just came to mind, I'm aware that mosquitoes do not like citronella but why the vinegar and vanilla? I really really don't like citronella and the recipe I used reeks of it. I'm wondering if I can tweek it to help relieve my poor nostrils ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Jenny
Every ingredient is a scent mosquitoes don't like. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to find a smell you like. Citronella and Neem oil are very noxious - especially the neem, which is why I went a little heavier on the lavender and vanilla.
ReplyDeleteThere are some areas of the world where locals rub straight vanilla on them to prevent mosquito bites. Same with the vinegar.
The witch hazel serves as an emulsifier to mix the water and the oils.
My husband thought this recipe was stinky for a little bit, but he acclimated once he saw how well it works. :)
ACV works fantastic for sunburns. just pour it on, and the burn will go away. it's cheap too.
ReplyDeletewhat type of "vanilla" did you use? i'm assuming it's not vanilla extract used for cooking, but maybe it is??? thanks!
ReplyDeleteon 6/25 you reference witch hazel. that's not in the above recipe. did you forget to add it? please let me know. thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have changed my recipe to reflect your questions. The vanilla must be REAL, not imitation, and the witch hazel is now included. My apologies for the oversight! :)
ReplyDelete