How To Make The Strongest Natural Bug Repellents?

In a bid to keep the fleas, mosquitoes and bugs at bay, most of us trust the on-the-counter insect repellants. These products are generally based on a compound named N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), the safety of which is doubtful. Occasional symptoms of skin irritation, dizziness, disorientation, or even seizures have been reported in sensitive cases.Instead of feeling insecure about topical application of chemicals every time you go out, why not switch to the all-natural, green products? Chemical-free bug repellants are reasonably potent and can be conveniently prepared with available household ingredients. Whether you use them every day at home or during the end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, natural bug repellants are undoubtedly a better choice over the conventional ones.

The DIY Bug Repellants

As a thumb rule, these recipes consist of an insect repelling agent and a carrier. The choice of solvent (viz. vegetable oil, coconut oil, rubbing alcohol, vinegar or witch hazel) will depend upon various factors. While rubbing alcohol or vodka evaporates without leaving stains, coconut and vegetable oil moisturise and nourish the skin. Once you decide to steer clear of the potentially hazardous bug sprays and opt for green cleaning solutions, try making one for yourself at home using the following techniques.

1. Using Vinegar

From pickling the cucumbers to removing the stains, vinegar has been put to use for various household purposes since times immemorial. In addition to the myriad of unmatched properties offered by vinegar, it is also a natural remedy to get rid of ants, ticks and mosquitoes. Mix apple cider vinegar (or the regular one) with an equal quantity of water and secure the blend in a spray bottle. Diffusing this concoction on the outsides of your house will repel the pesky flying insects and pests. As vinegar evaporates readily, several reapplications will be essential.

2. Using fresh herbs

It will be practical to use fresh herbs like basil, mint and cloves to make a spray that keeps the insects at bay. What’s more? They smell delightfully refreshing and aromatic. Try to fuse multiple selections of fresh and dried herbs into alcohol or witch hazel. You may experiment with a variety of scents and combinations before settling on the best-suited one.

3. Using Essential Oils

The next best thing employed to stay wary of chemicals for deterring the pests is – essential oils. Although these oils are extracted from plant sources, their straight application to the skin may induce sensitivity. It is hence advisable to use them in a specific concentration and dilute with a suitable solvent before use. For application in children, however, sprinkling on the clothes is recommended to avoid direct skin contact. Purified lemon eucalyptus oil forms the most popular class of home-made bug repellants. Ideally, an effective combination is obtained by adding 10 ml of lemon eucalyptus oil to 90 ml of a mixture consisting of half and half water and the carrier oil (olive or coconut oil). Once the ingredients are mixed, they can be preserved in a spray bottle and applied to the exposed areas whenever needed. Compounds like citronellal and p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD) contained in the lemon eucalyptus oil work wonders in keeping the pesky creatures at bay. It is however recommended to reapply this mixture several times, as its efficacy tends to drop with time. Another indispensable essential oil, peppermint oil contains limonene and menthol that act effectively against the common fleas and bugs. Combine 12 drops of peppermint oil with approximately 30 ml of coconut oil. The emulsifying action of the coconut oil along with its unsaturated fatty acids keeps the essential oil molecules preserved in the solution for an extended period. Obtained from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, Citronella Oil contains citronellal, citral and limonene that exhibit mosquito-deterring properties. Add ten drops of the citronella oil to 10 ml of alcohol and 90 ml of water. Mix well, and the mixture is ready for use. Reapply 2-3 times for enhanced efficiency.

Endnote

The strength of your DIY bug spray mixtures can be altered by adjusting the amount of the insect repelling component. The best part about using the natural compounds is that they are equally powerful and last for just as long. Planet-conscious companies like care for the clients. They understand the vitality of applying green and all-natural products in preserving the environment. While they accomplish an end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, they ensure leaving the house in a safe and sound condition.