Natural ingredients can keep insects out of your home and off of your body.
As the weather warms toward high summer, outdoor ventures such as barbecues, hikes and camping are constantly marred by the presence of insects like mosquitoes and flies. While they are mostly just a nuisance, insects can also spoil food and spread disease. If you are hesitant to use chemical bug sprays to keep these pests away from you and your family, consider some homemade remedies that use safer ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
Pure Extracts
Some pure, natural extracts of herbs and plants will repel insects by themselves. Many of these extracts feature extremely strong scents or tastes, and can commonly be found in sauces, dressings and similar food applications, where they are diluted and blended with other flavors. These extracts include pure vanilla extract and pure lavender extract. You can also rub a fresh lavender flower over the area from which you need to repel the insects for the same effect.
Pepper Spray
Create an insect version of burglar repellent pepper spray without the chemicals contained in the human recipe. Add 2/3 cup of chopped hot pepper (such as jalapeño, habanero or pablano) to 3 cups of boiling water. Let the pepper steep in the water for 5 to 10 minutes, and then strain the mixture to remove the pepper pieces. Pour the liquid solution into a spray bottle for an effective insect-repellent pepper spray.
Mint Repellent
Mint is most effective against ants, but will also help to make other insects think twice about invading your home or picnic. Pure mint extract will have the same effect as the pure vanilla and lavender. Many herbal stores also sell mint soap which, when diluted in water, can serve as an effective spray for the body, the home and plant foliage. Planting fresh mint near flowers like strawberries, which tend to attract ants, can also help to keep them out of your garden.
Repellent Application
These homemade insect repellents will work in the home as well as on the body, but you must be careful about where you apply them. Extracts and sprays should be spread behind your ears, across your neck and along your wrists. In these areas, the smell and repellent power of the natural ingredients will mix with your own smell, making you undesirable for biting insects. However, keep powerful natural ingredients (especially the pepper spray) away from sensitive areas like the eyes, nose and lips. If you have sensitive skin, think twice about using these on your body. Finally, the pepper spray, as well as some other natural remedies you can find, can burn or dry out plants.
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