Keeping the bugs away naturally

It's eight o'clock at night as I write this on my back deck. I love this time of day. The sunset reflects off of neighboring houses and the golden glow that results is set against a soft blue sky. I spent the day getting the backyard ready for our graduation party that is ever creeping closer. 

Mosquitoes threaten to cut this post short or worse, force me indoors! It's time to try out my DIY bug spray. I want to know if my newest concoction will actually work! I sprayed the right side of my body, but not the left. The science nerd in me is so satisfied! I filled half the bottle with witch hazel, then added Lemongrass, Peppermint, Thieves, and Purification. I finished the bottle off with distilled water. 

Great news... It worked! I had two bites on my left leg, and none on the right. I'm summarizing the results a week later, so there's no imminent threat to my health from the annoying insects. 

Now, if I was traveling to Haiti again or camping in the woods, I'd opt for a chemical-laden repellent to protect me from the crazy named diseases that are being transmitted by mosquitoes. But, for the times when I want to enjoy a drink on my back deck or water the flowers in the backyard, this DIY bug spray works great.

Here's what you'll need to grab:

spray bottle
distilled water
witch hazel
Lemongrass
Peppermint
Purification
Thieves

Fill half of the bottle with distilled water. You can use tap water, as well. It's just that the distilled water will prolong the life of your spray. Then add your essential oils in equal amounts. I used a two ounce spray bottle and then added ten drops of each essential oil.

I've listed the essential oils in order of my preference for how well they keep flying pests away, so use what you have and just add on to the mixture when you can. 

I would love to hear how your DIY bug spray came out! Send me a message or comment below and let me know how your experience with enjoying the outdoors turned out!