THINK B.A.R.E.

Natural and Homemade Insect Repellant

This week, as it's still summer, and I personally suffer terribly from mosquito and other insect bites, I wanted to talk about a mixture I've been using to repel insects. I found the idea for this Homemade Insect Repellant online but I've since lost the precise quantities suggested and may have changed one or two of the ingredients. But it still works!

In a small spray bottle (glass is preferable but not always the best for travel), I mix the following:

rubbing alcohol (approx. 1/2 of the mixture should consist of this)
water - ideally distilled (almost 1/2 of mixture should consist of this)
witch hazel (a few ounces)
lavendar oil (10-15 drops)
peppermint /eucalyptus oil (maybe half the amount of the lavendar)
lemon oil (a few drops)

Shake and spray!

Citronella is another oil that is supposed to work very well. But it must be the real deal. No fake alternatives.

Some home-made insect repellants consists of one of these essential oils and a carrier oil. No rubbing alcohol needed.

For more information on the essential oils listed above and others that keep insects away from your person and your home, I like the Natural Living Ideas website,

THINK B.A.R.E., LIVE B.A.R.E.