Summer Party Tip – Fighting Mosquitos

Mosquitos suck.

Literally & figuratively.

But, now that summer is here, they’re going to be around, ruining your picnic, backyard bash, day on the river. Pretty much EVERYTHING.

You can try citronella candles and any or all of the store-bought mosquito killers in a can, but what about some at-home remedies for your skeeter problems???

Here’s a few homemade recipes you can try to battle the bugs!

– 1/3 cup witch hazel
– 40 drops of essential oil

In a small spray bottle, combine the witch hazel with an equal amount of water. After adding about 40 drops of oil, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 40 drops of essential oil

Combine the apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of water in a small spray bottle. Next, add in your chosen essential oil and give the bottle a good shake to finish.

– 1/3 cup coconut oil
– 15 drops of essential oil

Add the coconut oil to a small, lidded jar, then follow with essential oil (peppermint or lavender are both good bets). Shake, then apply the mixture by hand.

– 1/2 isopropyl alcohol
– 1/2 cup water
– 25 drops of essential oil

Isopropyl alcohol is similar to witch hazel but should be diluted with equal parts water in this homemade mosquito repellent recipe. Combine the alcohol and water in a spray bottle, add about 25 drops of your favorite pest-fighting essential oil such as catnip, shake it up, and spray it on.

– 1 cup white vinegar
– 50 drops of essential oil

Like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar comes with a pungent odor, but it makes for a good base. Mix it with pleasant-smelling essential oils such as citronella and eucalyptus to take down the vinegar scent while deterring mosquito pests.

– The juice of three fresh-squeezed lemons
– 2 cups of water

Combine the juice of three lemons and two cups of water in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and let it steep for about 1 hour. Allow the mixture to completely cool and add it to a spray bottle.

Another at-home solution for mosquitos involves stale beer & mouthwash

Take a bottle of blue mouthwash, along with three 12oz bottles of cheap, stale beer(leave it out for a day or two), and three cups of Epsom salt

Pour the beer and mouthwash into a container, stir and add the salt. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake well before use.

Then, spray your backyard areas where you sit or spend lots of time outside. The stuff won’t do any harm to children, pets, flowers and vegetable plants.

Feel free to comment with your at-home mosquito repellent recipes!