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How to Make Mosquito Repellent at Home

How to Make Mosquito Repellent at Home

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Depending on what area of the country you live in, mosquito outbreaks can be numerous and quite frustrating to deal with. Not only do you have the West Nile virus to be concerned of contracting, but the bites themselves can be quite irritating. There are many products on the market intended to combat mosquitoes, but most are made of chemicals that can make some people ill. It's possible to make your own homemade mosquito repellent out of more natural ingredients that won't be quite so irritating.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Making Mosquito Repellent From Essential Oils

Things You’ll Need:
  • 190-proof grain alcohol Essential oils of citronella or rose geranium Spray bottle Listerine
  • 190-proof grain alcohol
  • Essential oils of citronella or rose geranium
  • Spray bottle
  • Listerine
Step 1
Pour 1 cup of 190-proof grain alcohol into a spray bottle. You can purchase the alcohol at your local liquor store.
Step 2
Place 2.5 teaspoons of essential oils of citronella or rose geranium into the spray bottle with the alcohol. Shake well to mix together.
Step 3
Spray the mixture on the exposed areas of your skin to repel mosquitoes. If you like, you can rub a small amount into your skin first to see if you have a reaction to the mixture.
Step 4
Spray the essential oil mixture on your pet if they are also being bothered by mosquitoes.

Making Mosquito Repellent From Listerine

Step 1
Take a bottle of Listerine mouthwash and pour it into a plastic spray bottle. Do not dilute the Listerine before placing it into the bottle.
Step 2
Spray the areas of your skin that are exposed to mosquitoes. Reapply the mixture if the mosquitoes start to appear.
Step 3
Spray the Listerine mixture around the area where you will be sitting outside. It has been shown to repel mosquitoes from the areas where it is sprayed.
Step 4
Spray the Listerine mixture inside of your dog house if mosquitoes are a problem and are affecting your dog. You can also spray the Listerine around the whole area outside where the dog spends time.

Tips & Warnings

 
Other essential oils such as juniper, lemon, pine and rosemary also have been shown to work well as a mosquito repellent.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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