Tired of battling mosquitoes and flies with harsh chemicals? You can create an effective and natural repellent using simple herbs and ethanol. This DIY solution provides a safe, pleasant-smelling way to keep bugs at bay, whether indoors or outside. Here’s how you can make your own mosquito and fly repellent at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
- 100 ml of 96% ethanol
- 1 whole lemon
- 400 ml of water
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Slice the lemon thinly and place the slices in a clean, dry jar.
- Add the dried lavender and lemon balm to the jar along with the lemon slices.
Adding Ethanol: 3. Pour 100 ml of 96% ethanol into the jar. Ethanol acts as a solvent, extracting the essential oils from the herbs and lemon, which naturally repel mosquitoes and flies.
Infusion Time: 4. Seal the jar tightly and place it somewhere you’ll notice often, like on a kitchen counter or living room shelf. 5. Shake the jar gently every day for the next 4 days. This helps mix the ingredients and enhances the extraction process.
Dilution: 6. After 4 days, open the jar and add 400 ml of water to dilute the mixture. This step softens the ethanol smell and makes the solution safer to use around the home.
Use: 7. Strain the solution to remove any solid particles and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle. 8. Spray around doorways, windows, and other areas where mosquitoes and flies tend to gather. You can also use it outdoors on patios or decks.
Benefits of This Natural Repellent:
- Safety: Free from synthetic chemicals, this repellent is safe to use around children and pets when used as directed.
- Effectiveness: Lavender and lemon balm are both known for their insect-repelling properties. Their scents are pleasant to humans but unpleasant to mosquitoes and flies.
- Eco-Friendly: This natural solution is environmentally friendly, providing a sustainable option compared to commercial chemical repellents.
Conclusion:
Making your own natural mosquito and fly repellent is an easy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to enjoy your indoor and outdoor spaces without the nuisance of bugs. This homemade solution not only repels insects but also adds a refreshing herbal fragrance, making it a perfect addition to any home.
