Hello everyone!
Let's talk about... bugs. Warm spring weather means that bugs and other pests come out of hibernation. As a vegan, I don't want to kill any bugs, but they can be extremely annoying!
Of course, many people turn to chemical sprays to get rid of them. Unfortunately, in addition to having a very unpleasant odour, conventional insect repellents can harm people who have allergies, and even cause health issues, not to mention the harmful effects to the environment.
Fortunately, you can repel pests with essential oils. Here's a recipe for a DIY bug repellent spray!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons essential oil/s (list below)
- 1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup water (or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (optional)
Method:
- Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle. Add vodka or alcohol and shake well.
- Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, if using. This helps the ingredients stay combined.
- Add water and shake again. Shake well before each use.
Below is a list of bugs and pests and the essential oils you can use to repel them:
Ants: Peppermint, Spearmint
Aphids: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Peppermint, Spearmint
Beetles: Peppermint, Thyme
Caterpillars: Peppermint, Spearmint
Chiggers: Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
Fleas: Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemongrass, Lavender
Flies: Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage
Gnats: Patchouli, Spearmint
Lice: Cedarwood, Peppermint, Spearmint
Mosquitoes: Lavender, Lemongrass
Moths: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
Plant lice: Peppermint, Spearmint
Slugs: Cedarwood, Hyssop, Pine
Snails: Cedarwood, Pine, Patchouli
Spiders: Peppermint, Spearmint
Ticks: Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme
Weevils: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood
