DIY: Home Insect Repellent

It’s that time of year again. Spring is in full bloom and the insects are making themselves at home a little too close. (i.e. inside my home)

I got a sweet little sting from a Red Paper Wasp yesterday in my home which made me turn to essential oils (once I got over the shock of being stung - it was no joke) for comfort for the sting site AND to prevent other insects from thinking my home might be a good spot for them to exist in.

The oils I found are pretty overlapping as far as insect repellants go. These oils should repel whatever your looking to get rid of in your home: ants, spiders, wasps, etc.

You can create this blend in a recycled spray bottle. This recipe is based on a 2oz spray bottle but you can divide or multiply the recipe to the correct amount for your bottle.

ingredients

Peppermint

Cinammon

Lavender

Clove

Cedarwood

Citronella

(You can also add Lemon or Orange as you’d like.)

Witch Hazel

Water

directions

I like to make this pretty potent because it’s not going to be on my skin. Keep this spray away from your pets and children. I would only use the spray when you know the area has time to dry without being disturbed. Do not use it in areas where a baby, kiddo, or pet will come in contact with it.

In the 2oz bottle add: 10 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Lavender, 5 drops Clove, 5 drops Cedarwood, 5 drops Citronella. Add a tablespoon of Witch Hazel. Top off with water. Replace the spray top and shake well before each use.

I’ll be spraying this around doors and windows about once a week while we are still experiencing the onslaught of spring in our home.

Store it in a cupboard away from sunlight and I’d use it within 6 weeks.

other tips

Most little critters we’d like to keep out of our home are repelled by Peppermint. It’s a great oil to diffuse for that reason. Adding Lemon and Lavender will give you the added benefit of helping your body through the adjustment into spring and seasonal discomfort you may experience. It’s also a beautiful blend to enjoy any time of year.

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