With the warmer temperatures people are flocking to the out of doors to enjoy the sun’s warmth and the fresh air. But along with that fresh air are the no-seeums. Those pesky biting insects such as mosquitoes, black flies or horse flies! OUCH!

Don’t reach for that toxic bug spray, though. You can make your own bug repellent that not only works, but moisturizes your skin and smells good, too. Don’t be afraid of combining the following ingredients, as different plant essences repel different bugs.

Here are six ideas for natural ways to make sure those insects don’t drive you buggy.

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Step one is to gather up bottles of carrier oils such as grapeseed, almond, olive, jojoba or even neem (neem does not smell very nice). This is your base carrier for the herbal oils that will deter mosquitoes or other bugs. Combine them with a ratio of two tablespoons to about 100 drops of herbal essential oil (you can divide this number by however many essential oils you are using).
Step two is to use either witch hazel or vodka – not to drink! Add either 1 cup of the witch hazel (found at most pharmacies) or vodka to the carrier oil before adding your 15 drops of herbal oil. Shake it up and store this for about three days before using as a spray.
Lavender oil is relaxing and repels bugs. Keep lavender essential oil around for its many uses. To mix into a bug spray you will need a carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil mixed with equal amounts of witch hazel or vodka and about ½ teaspoon of essential oil. Mix thoroughly in a small spray bottle and keep in a cool place until you need it.
Rosemary oil is used much the same as the lavender oil, in an identical recipe. To mix into a bug spray you will need a carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil mixed with equal amounts of witch hazel or vodka and about ½ teaspoon of essential oil. Mix thoroughly in small spray bottle and keep in a cool place until you need it.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil smells like potpourri. This essential oil is not recommended for use in toddlers under 3 years old, but is very nice when mixed with rosemary oil or mint oil. Try 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 drops mint oil and 20 drops of rosemary oil for a unique fragrance. Add these oils to one cup of witch hazel or vodka in a spray bottle. Shake it up!
Get rid of mosquitoes, ticks and things that bite by recruiting the Four Thieves. This is a mixture of herbs that may make your nose wrinkle up, but they work when used together to repel not only mosquitoes, but blood-sucking ticks, fleas and other bugs. The smell will evaporate as the mist dries, so if you’re headed into bug territory use 32 ounces of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons each of fresh rosemary, lavender, wormwood, peppermint and sage with 2 tablespoons chopped garlic. Mix this thoroughly and keep it in an air-tight container for two weeks before you use it. Keep air-tight when not being used. Do not use this on broken skin, and you may want to dilute it by half with water before using.
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