Ah! Spring is arriving! And it means warmer weather and a gardening season (that I love!). But along with it also arrives the time of the bugs. And then my mission (which supposedly happened to be gardening) turns out to avoid bug bites whenever possible!

I am not sure why I am always the one to be bit by bugs, even when no else is (that’s how it always seems). This turned out to be the reason for my determination to do some research on homemade insect repellents, and how to make my own repellent.

During the end of summer, most of us pick up insect repellents from the local stores to keep bugs out of the house. They work for sure and are affordable as well, but did you know that they also contain harsh chemicals that are toxic to both humans and animals?

So, if you’re looking for an alternative that doesn’t cause any skin irritation or health problem, then you’re lucky – you’ve come to the right place! Check out some of the natural and effective insect repellents to keep your home free from insects and, of course, chemicals!

Instead of spraying harmful chemicals around your house, give these natural repellents a try!

1. Vinegar With Essential Oils:

Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of vinegar and water. Essential oils are one of the active ingredients in homemade insect repellents. They help in driving away the bugs. Add a few drops of any of the essential oils: eucalyptus, rosemary, cedar, basil, lavender, mint, lemon or clove; and shake well.

And guess what? You just created an easy and effective bug repellent!

2. Vodka With Essential Oils:

Vodka is one of the versatile ingredients that you can find in your home. Fill a spray bottle with your favorite vodka (I know that’s a little heartbreaking) and add around 15 to 20 drops of any of the essential oils mentioned above.

3. Vinegar With Herbs And Water:

Vinegar is known as a super multi-tasker present in the kitchen. Not only does it prove to be a great cleaner, but it also helps in keeping the bugs away.

Fill a spray bottle with half of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Next, add any of the herbs in it. You can take mint or thyme or sage or even lavender. You can add all of them together as well. Add some water to it, shake well, and keep it that way overnight.

As soon as you get up, you’ll have a pungent smelling bug repellent that works really well.

4. Herbs And Witch Hazel:

Its recipe is pretty much similar to the one above; except for a few small changes!

In place of vinegar, use witch hazel. You will get it easily in any grocery shop or drug store. Mix the witch hazel with herbs, shake it well after topping it with water, and soak it overnight. The solution is ready to use the next morning.

Tip: Tap water works better than distilled water.

5. Ginger, Cinnamon And Pepper Powder:

You can either bring the readymade powder of these spices from the store or else you can prepare the mixture at home – whatever works well for you. Mix all the spices together in equal quantities and sprinkle heavily around your house. Repeat the same every month, and thereby create a bug-proof barrier around your house.

You can also have some bug repellent plants in pots around your home for extra protection.

Are you planning to give up buying commercial insect repellent sprays? Did you ever use any of the above natural ingredients to keep bugs away from your home? Did any of them work for you?

I’d love to hear your experiences. Do comment in the box below!

The post DIY Insect Repellant: Say Goodbye To Those Pesky Little Critters appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Jyotsana rao via STYLECRAZE