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“Homemade Bug Spray”

Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes

Ingredients

  • Option #1:
  • 1 part natural witch hazel or vodka
  • 1 part distilled or boiled water
  • 30-50 drops essential oils like: citronella lemongrass, mint, rosemary, tea tree
  • Option #2
  • 4 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons each dried or fresh rosemary thyme mint sage and lavender
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

  • Option #1
  • Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before using.
  • Tip: If you don’t have essential oils but want to try this version, take fresh or dried herbs like mint, cloves, catnip, lavender, and cinnamon and boil in the water, let steep covered, then strain into the witch hazel or vodka.
  • Option #2
  • Combine vinegar and herbs in a mason jar and seal with a lid. Shake daily for 2 weeks.
  • After two weeks strain into another mason jar add the vanilla extract and store in the refrigerator. Combine with equal parts water and herbal vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well before using.
  • Tip: This solution is potent and works well in areas where there are a lot of ticks. Because it is strong smelling adding vanilla extract will give it a more pleasing aroma as well as help deter insects.