Thursday, June 10, 2010

Doing it yourself: Bug Spray Edition

I've used essential oils in the past - most notably for my PUPPS rash during pregnancy. The tea tree oil is also useful for blemishes and cleaning, incidentally.

This time, I was looking for an affordable safe bug spray for Joseph. I've always been a big fan of DEET, but apparently it is not very good for you.

I found some all natural bug spray - but when I checked the ingredients I gave it a big side-eye. $12 for 6oz bottle with a little bit of citronella, lemongrass, and cedar wood essential oil in a 94% solution of water? Psha!

I got a little "co-op" together with my mom's group, ordered some essential oils (EO) and bought some spray bottles and a gallon of distilled water. Voila! All-natural bug spray.

The good news is that it seems to work for Joseph.

The bad news is that it most definitely does NOT work for me, if the 30+ bug bites on my legs are any indication. I'm one of those people that bugs love, though.

I've heard good things about "Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus" so that is my next stop. Since my 8 oz bottle of natural stuff came to $7/bottle, this stuff is still ridiculously expensive. I might see if I can find the oil locally and make my own.

Jen's Knock-Off Bug Spray (Makes 10 8-oz bottles):

4 oz citronella EO
1/2 oz cedar wood EO
1/2 oz lemongrass EO
75 oz distilled water

I combined the EO's and put them into the bottles first, then topped off with the water. Shake well before each use, as there is no emulsifier in this solution. Works based on smell, so reapply often. Safe for clothes and babies!

1 comments:

One Artist a Day June 10, 2010 at 11:30 AM  

Do I sense a little sarcasm. I am also loved by bugs. On our honeymoon I was the most excited one to jump into the waterfall spring. I was also the first one out covered head to toe in bites and Bryce had NONE. Unfortunately, I think Link has my smell. Lots of bites.

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