Ditch the Raid! Natural Insect Repellent for Your Kitchen

I’m on board with creating a recipe for a natural insect repellent, but it’s important to set expectations – while this might deter some insects, it won’t eliminate all of them, and won’t necessarily repel mosquitoes entirely. Here’s why:

• Vinegar scent: While some insects dislike the vinegar scent, it’s not universally repulsive to all bugs.
• Oil coating: Oil can trap some insects, but it may not kill them, and the effectiveness lessens as the oil evaporates.
• Shampoo’s role: Shampoo doesn’t necessarily repel insects.

Let’s make a natural insect repellent with a different approach! Here’s a recipe using essential oils known for their insect-repelling properties:

Natural Insect Repellent

This recipe is a safer alternative to chemical insect repellents, and it has a pleasant scent!

Ingredients:

 

• 1 cup witch hazel (a base)
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for a calming scent)
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, combine witch hazel, citronella essential oil, lemon eucalyptus essential oil, and lavender essential oil (if using).
2. Swirl gently to mix (avoid shaking, which can break down the essential oils).
3. Label your spray bottle and test it on a small area of skin in an inconspicuous spot like your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to check for irritation. If there’s none, you can proceed with using the repellent.

How to Use:

Spray around the perimeter of your doorways and windows, focusing on areas where insects are likely to enter. You can also spray directly on your skin (avoiding the face) for temporary outdoor insect repellency.

Safety Precautions:

• Do not apply directly to children or pets. Citronella and lemon eucalyptus essential oils can irritate skin, so adult supervision is required if using this spray around children.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Store in a cool, dark place. Sunlight can degrade the essential oils.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs or spills that might attract insects.
• Make sure your trash can has a tight-fitting lid.
• Repair leaky faucets and pipes to eliminate moisture sources attractive to insects.

By combining this natural repellent with these preventative measures, you can create a less inviting environment for unwanted insects in your kitchen.