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All Natural Homemade Bug Spray
By katiestewartwellness · June 20, 2017 · 2 min read
All Natural Homemade Bug Spray
Growing up in Canada, I’ve spent many bug filled weekends at the cottage. Nothing ruins a good sunset like a herd of mosquitoes and blackflies taking chunks of your skin with them as trophies. Then comes the next day when you’re itching your skin raw. Oh, the humanity!
Dangers of DEET
The majority of bug sprays on the market contain DEET, which is a known eye irritant and can cause rashes or blistering when applied to the skin. DEET as also been linked to neurological problems. A pharmacologist from Duke University Medical Center cautions the use of DEET, after his study found the chemical causes diffuse brain cell death and behavioural changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use.
Safe & Effective Alternative
Making your own Homemade Bug Spray is so super easy to do and ensures that you aren’t spraying harmful chemicals onto yourself and your little humans. I love that this bug spray comes together in under 5 minutes and is safe for the entire family – dogs included.
And remember, when it comes to essential oils less is more. So there is no need to shower yourself in your Homemade Bug Spray. A single spritz on each area of your body will do the trick. For children and pets, a single spray on each side of the body is more than enough to provide a safe coverage. Luckily, the combination of essential oils
Essential Oils
The first time I ever used essential oils – way back in the day – I used them to make bug spray. I had no idea what I was doing and bought every oil ever recommended for bug sprays. I threw them all together in a spray bottle and hoped for the best. Thankfully, I’ve fine-tuned my recipe and find this combination of essential oils is the perfect mix.
Terrashield is a powerful blend of essential oils including Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean Absolute – all of which possess specific chemical compounds known to protect against environmental annoyances. This alone is great to use, but I love adding lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and geranium to help repel ticks, fleas, and gnats. If you don’t have Terrashield, and totally need it this summer, send me an email to get it shipped to your house.
Keep in mind you always want to dilute essential oils for kids based on their age. If using essential oils on dogs, consider their weight in relation to humans when diluting. Always make sure the oils you are using on both kids and dogs are safe and appropriate.
Ingredients
- 20 drops Terrashield
- 10 drops Geranium
- 10 drops Lavender
- 10 drops Peppermint
- 10 drops Lemongrass
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp Fractionated Coconut Oil optional
- 6 oz spray bottle
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in 6 oz spray bottle.
