Natural Bug Spray Recipe
Top Ten Garden Hints – No 9 – Natural Bug Spray Recipe
Natural Bug Spray Recipe. Watch PBS-TV’s GardenRx master gardener Loren Nancarrow, learn his best homemade recipe for a natural bug spray in this great video.
If you’re looking for a natural bug spray recipe to keep those pesky insects at bay, you’re in luck! Here’s a recipe from PBS-Tv’s “GardenRx with Loren Nancarrow” that can help you enjoy your time outdoors without the buzz of bugs.
Ingredients:- 1 cup distilled water- 1 cup witch hazel- 10-15 drops of essential oil (choose from citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree)Instructions:
1. In a small spray bottle, combine the distilled water and witch hazel. Shake well to mix the liquids together.
2. Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the mixture. Feel free to experiment with different oils or create a blend by combining a few. Citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are all known to repel bugs effectively.
3. Once you’ve added the essential oil(s), secure the spray bottle’s cap tightly and shake well to ensure the oils are thoroughly mixed with the water and witch hazel.
4. Now your natural bug spray is ready! To use it, simply spray the solution onto your exposed skin, clothing, and any other areas prone to insect bites. Remember to avoid spraying it directly on your face or near your eyes, and always do a patch test before applying to a larger area of your skin.
5. Reapply the bug spray every couple of hours or as needed, especially if you’re sweating or spending an extended period outdoors. This DIY bug spray recipe is a great alternative to harsh chemical sprays. However, it’s important to note that natural repellents may not be as long-lasting or potent as their chemical counterparts. So, it’s advisable to take additional precautions such as wearing long sleeves, pants, and mosquito netting if you’re in an area heavily infested with insects.
In the above video episode Loren combines 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap per 2 quarts of water and a few drops of peppermint oil for his sprayer. Remember spraying insect soap spray directly on pests is the only way to kill them. Give them a thorough coat. To get to bugs that are hard to reach, turn the leaves over or peel off the curled ones as needed. As needed, reapply soap spray every four to seven days.