Bug repellent keeps mosquitoes at bay

Warmer weather is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier to feel that glorious sunshine on our skin. However, if there’s one thing that loves summer even more than we do, it’s mosquitoes. These tiny intruders have a way of crashing every backyard BBQ, camping trip, and evening patio hangout.

The good news is you don’t have to resort to toxic, chemical-laden bug sprays to keep them away. With just a few natural ingredients, you can blend up your own DIY mosquito repellent spray that’s gentle on your skin.

First, you’ll need to get your supplies ready. I recommend a glass or metal measuring cup, a food scale, and a 4-ounce amber glass spray bottle. Next, you’ll want to procure the ingredients, which are a combination of specific essential oils known to repel bugs and mosquitos. The combination I’ve found works best is 15 drops of organic cedarwood essential oil, 15 drops of organic lavender essential oil, .25 ounces of organic vanilla extract, and 3.75 ounces of organic witch hazel or distilled water. Vanilla cannot be distilled into an essential oil, so it is removed by CO-2 extraction, pulling all the oil-soluble elements out of the plant material.

Once you have your supplies and ingredients, it’s time to mix it all together. Place your measuring cup on your scale and zero out the weight. Weigh 3.75 ounces of witch hazel or distilled water into the cup. Zero out your scale again, and then weigh out the .25 oz of vanilla extract into the cup and add 15 drops each of cedarwood and lavender essential oils. Pour the mixture into your spray bottle, secure the lid, and give it a good shake.

Now that you’ve created your mosquito repellent spray, you’ll want to always conduct a small patch test on your skin before full use to rule out any sensitivities. It’s recommended to shake well before each use. You can use this to spray directly onto your skin, clothing, or outdoor areas where bugs tend to gather (around doorways, patios, or outdoor seating, etc.). You’ll want to reapply every few hours - especially after sweating or swimming - and store in a cool, dark place to maintain the potency of your essential oils. Wishing you a sunny, bug-free summer. For more info, email me at team@wraecollective.com.