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### **Step 1: Add the Base Ingredients**
Start by filling your spray bottle with 1 cup of water. Next, add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. These ingredients help create a solution that ensures the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the spray. The witch hazel also helps the spray to dry faster.
### **Step 2: Add Essential Oils**
Now it’s time to add the essential oils that will do the work of repelling the insects. You can choose one oil or a blend of a few for a more powerful effect. Here’s a simple guideline for the amounts you’ll need:
Mix and match depending on what you have available, or stick with one essential oil for a more straightforward option. Feel free to experiment with the oils and amounts to create a scent you like.
### **Step 3: Shake the Bottle**
Once all the ingredients are added, put the cap on the bottle and shake it well to mix the oils with the water and witch hazel. Essential oils do not mix well with water on their own, so shaking the bottle before each use is important to ensure the solution stays effective.
### **Step 5: Store and Use**
Once your repellent is mixed and ready, store it in a cool, dry place. Shake the bottle before each use to ensure the oils are properly distributed. When you’re ready to use it, spray it directly in the air to repel flies and mosquitoes, or onto surfaces like countertops, tables, and your skin.
## **How to Use Your Natural Repellent**
– **Spray Directly in the Air**: For a quick solution, mist the repellent into the air, especially in rooms where flies and mosquitoes tend to gather, like the kitchen or living room.
– **Spray Around Entry Points**: If you have windows and doors open, spray the repellent near the entry points to create a barrier that keeps insects from entering your home.
– **Use on Skin**: For personal protection against mosquitoes, lightly spray the repellent on your arms, legs, and neck. Avoid spraying it directly on your face, and always keep your eyes closed when applying.
– **Outdoor Use**: Use the repellent when you’re outside in areas with lots of mosquitoes or flies, like your backyard or during a picnic. You can even spray it on a cloth or towel to keep nearby insects away.
– **Refresh as Needed**: The repellent will last for a few hours, but you can reapply it as necessary, especially if you’re outside for extended periods.
## **Why This Natural Repellent Works**
– **Lemon eucalyptus oil** contains compounds that are effective in repelling mosquitoes. In fact, some studies have shown it to be just as effective as DEET.
– **Lavender oil** has a strong fragrance that is unpleasant to flies and mosquitoes, causing them to avoid areas where it is present.
– **Peppermint oil** and **tea tree oil** are both known for their ability to repel a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes.
– **Citronella oil** is a classic mosquito repellent and is often used in candles and sprays designed to keep mosquitoes at bay.
By using a combination of these oils, you create a powerful repellent that works quickly and effectively to rid your space of flies and mosquitoes.
Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and pesticides! By creating this simple, natural repellent at home, you can enjoy a fly and mosquito-free environment without worrying about harmful ingredients. It only takes two minutes to prepare and is effective at repelling pests both indoors and outdoors.
