Are you tired of pesky insects invading your kitchen? Say goodbye to mosquitoes and flies with a simple DIY natural insect repellent. Creating your own repellent is not only safe and effective but also easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.

What You’ll Need:

  • Essential oils: Choose from citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or lemon grass. These oils are known for their bug-repelling properties.
  • Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol: Acts as a base for your repellent and helps it to stay on the skin longer.
  • Vegetable glycerin: Optional, but it can help to moisturize the skin and extend the life of the repellent.
  • Water: Distilled or boiled (cooled) water to dilute the mixture.

How to Make Your Repellent:

  1. Combine Essential Oils: In a spray bottle, mix 30-50 drops of your chosen essential oils. The more oils you use, the stronger the repellent will be.
  2. Add Witch Hazel or Alcohol: Fill about half of the bottle with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
  3. Add Water: Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Leave a little space at the top to shake the mixture.
  4. Add Vegetable Glycerin (optional): If you have dry skin, add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture. This step is optional but recommended to moisturize your skin.
  5. Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake the bottle vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  6. Test and Use: Before using the repellent, do a patch test on your skin to ensure there’s no allergic reaction. Once tested, spray the repellent on exposed skin or clothing when needed. Reapply every few hours for maximum effectiveness.

Additional Tips:

  • Store the repellent in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency.
  • Remember to shake the bottle before each use as the oils and water can separate.
  • For added protection, consider planting bug-repellent plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds around your kitchen or in window boxes.

By making your own natural insect repellent, you can keep your kitchen insect-free without relying on chemical alternatives. Just remember that natural repellents may need to be applied more frequently for the best results. So why not give it a try and enjoy a bug-free environment in your kitchen?