Household Herbal Insect Repellent

Benefits

• Herbal insect repellents made at home are often less expensive than commercially prepared chemicals. They are safe to use around children and pets, won't harm the environment, and are effective for repelling many different types of insects.

Types/Methods

• Airborne methods include placing essential oils in steam bowls, on light bulbs, or in a clean spray bottle. Another method is to soak cotton balls or ribbons in the herbal solution, and place them around the house, especially near windows and doors. Adding essential oils to mop water also helps repel insects.

Herbs/Formulas

• An effective essential oil blend is made by mixing 4 drops each of thyme, lavender, and peppermint essential oils with 8 drops of lemongrass oil. Keeping the same ratio, an infusion of fresh or dried herbs is also effective. Each herb can be used separately as well. Undiluted lavender or tea tree oil is effective around doors and windows and applied directly to the skin.