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When I was growing up, the most popular bug repellent around was OFF!. That orange and green bottle was a must have for summer cook outs and just about every other outdoor activity. We would spray ourselves from head to toe with the stuff in order to fend off swarms of mosquitoes that came along with the hot and humid summer weather.
As a kid, I wasn’t too concerned with the ingredients of those bug sprays, but as I got older I started to pay more attention. The active ingredient in most mosquito repellents is DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) a colorless liquid that if left on the skin for extended periods of time, can cause redness, irritation, and even nausea. I can’t recall if I experienced the redness or irritation, as I was typically bit up from head to toe with mosquito bites anyway (I didn’t reapply enough DEET I guess).
Upon searching for natural alternatives, I came across a surprising yet refreshing option: Lemon-Eucalyptus Oil.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is an all natural mosquito repellent that really works. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil has been tried and tested so many times that even the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has said lemon eucalyptus oil is just as effective as DEET.
COMMON DISEASES CARRIED AND SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES
For a safer alternative to store bought bug sprays, try this simple mixture below. You’ll just need two ingredients.
ORGANIC MOSQUITO REPELLENT
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Rubbing Alcohol
Amber Glass Spray Bottle
Step 1:
Pour 1 ounce of the lemon eucalyptus oil into an amber glass spray bottle.
Step 2:
Add 3 ounces of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel.
Step 3:
Close the spray bottle securely and swirl the solution around for at least 30 seconds and your organic mosquito repellent will be ready.
HOW TO USE IT:
Apply the organic mosquito repellent just as you would with any other bug repellent to the areas you want to protect, being sure to avoid your eyes and areas near your eyes. Be sure to take a lesson from my childhood and reapply the organic mosquito repellent as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Too busy for a recipe?
Check out these natural & ready-to-use mosquito repellents:
Murphy’s Natural Insect Repellent: Plant Based
OR
Coleman Natural Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent: DEET FREE
Do you have bigger pests to repel?
Take a look at an efficient no-kill option to keep unwanted pests away from your home and garden: learn how