So it’s a well-known fact that spraying your body with harsh chemicals is a bad idea. But when it comes to mosquitoes and the newly domestic threat of Zika virus, sometimes the pros can outweigh the cons. With summer approaching and many of us spending more time outdoors, here is a DIY Natural Bug Spray that can fend off mosquitoes and ticks with just a few ingredients:
DIY Natural Bug Spray
For Ticks: Mix one part tea tree oil with two parts water in a small spray bottle and squirt your shoes, socks and pant cuffs to ward off ticks.
For Mosquitoes: Fill a spray bottle with boiled or distilled water, then add witch hazel (we recommend this $6.99 alcohol-free version: Thayer – Witch Hazel Toner-Rose Petal Alc.Fr, 12 fl oz liquid) and 30 drops of organic essential oils like Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus
or Lavender
(a combination makes for a stronger natural bug spray).
No oils? No problem. Just add a few tablespoons of dried herbs like spearmint, catnip and cloves to boiling water, then strain out the herbs and combine the remaining water with a cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Apple Cider Vinegar won’t make you smell very nice, but it’s a powerful bug repellent.
Need to ward off bugs at the campsite, picnic or backyard BBQ? Throw some sage on a campfire for the same effect.
No time to DIY? Here are the top 3 natural, organic bug spray options on Amazon: