Summer is the season of outdoor activities. Whether it’s a sporting event, barbeque, picnic, pool party, or just enjoying your patio, there is nothing that spoils outdoor fun more quickly than a swarm of pesky insects crashing the party.

 

We’ve got the perfect solution to keep those persistent little party crashers away from you while you’re enjoying the summer sun, and it’s not the store bought stuff! Generic bug repellents that you can purchase from your local stores are full of harmful chemicals, and their strong odors are enough to make you want to scrub your body immediately after applying.

 

If you’re tired of being targeted by bloodthirsty mosquitos, try these Do-It-Yourself Mosquito repellents. Non-toxic, and pleasantly aromatic, these simple repellents are a safe and effective alternative!

 

If lemon is your favorite scent, give this simple recipe a try; all you need is lemon eucalypts oil and sunflower oil or witch hazel! Just mix 1 part lemon eucalypts oil for every 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel, and rub or spray onto skin! (“Survival At Home” 1).

                                              

For all the lavender enthusiasts, we’ve got a recipe for you! Have ready 15 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 to 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 3 to 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and distilled water. Next, pour the first three ingredients into an eight-ounce spray bottle, and add enough distilled water to fill the bottle. Lastly, shake to combine and spray on skin! (“Survival at Home” 1).

 

If you want to eliminate mosquitos and ticks with one knockout spray, try this method! You’ll need 6 ounces of witch hazel, 2 ounces of caster oil, 5 drops of cinnamon oil, 15 drops of eucalypts oil, and 15 drops of citronella oil. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, and be sure to shake well before applying!

 

Maybe mosquitos and ticks aren’t your typical uninvited guests, but flies are. To keep those flies away from you and your food, grab 4 cups of apple cider vinegar, 20 drops of rosemary essential oil, 20 drops basil essential oil, 20 drops peppermint essential oil, 2 tablespoons liquid oil (olive, canola, or mineral), and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, and keep those flies at bay! (“The Prairie Homestead” 1).

 

For people searching for a more generalized insect repellent, try 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (or vodka if you’re feeling adventurous!), 2 tablespoons of either grapeseed oil, almond oil, or olive oil, ½ teaspoon of vodka if you’re not already using it, and 100 to 110 drops of any essential oil of your choosing. Add all ingredients to a 3 or 4 ounce spray bottle, shake, and apply! (“DIY Natural” 1).

 

Not everyone is crazy about sprays, so if you’re more of a balm person, this recipe is for you! You’ll need ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles, ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa butter, ¼ cup coconut oil, 2 tablespoons castor oil, 15 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, and eucalypts essential oils, and 5 drops each of peppermint and geranium essential oils. Put all the ingredients, excluding the essential oils, into a small saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the beeswax is completely melted (which may take a little while), remove from heat and add the essential oils once it is totally cooled. Next, pour the mixture into glass jars or metal tins of your choosing. After about thirty minutes of additional cooling, place jars on the lids, label, and they’re ready to go! (“Smithspirations” 1).

 

Next time you head out to a pool party, baseball game, or barbeque, don’t forget to grab your DIY repellent and share with your friends and family!