Home Sweet Home Magazine - July 2021

Bug Repellents They do just what their name implies — repel bugs that chew your plants or your skin. Going into combat with the most annoying uninvited flying and biting guests to your yardmeans heading to the kitchen to whip up a recipe, made with ingredients you likely already have around. Three effective ingredients are garlic, essential oils, and alcohol, each of which can be used in a variety of combinations to offend little pests.

Garlic-Based Repellents

Garlic repels more than just vampires. If your fruit trees are under attack, a repellent made fromgarlic will drive pests away and provide an organic way to save the fruit without harsh chemicals. To make a simple garlic spray, put about five cloves through a garlic press and cover with two cups of water. Let the mixture soak for a day or so, and add some natural dish soap. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and store in a jar. When you’re ready to use it, dilute with four liters of water and use immediately. Spray the infected parts of your plants, including beneath leaves where bugs like to lay eggs, and reapply weekly during dry weather or every few days if there’s been rain. The spray will quickly lose effectiveness, so store in the refrigerator or mix up a new batch weekly.

Citronella and/or Peppermint

Essential Oils Different insects respond differently to scents from essential oils, herbs, and spices. You’ll want to vary the plants you choose in order to best repel the problem. Experiment with single and combined scents to see what works best for your situation. Here are a few common combinations. Lemon and/or Eucalyptus Mix one part essential oil with 10 parts witch hazel or sunflower oil.

This effective combination to repel bugs is often found in store-bought candles and other treatments. Make your own spray with: ■ ■ 2 ounces water ■ ■ 1.5 ounces witch hazel (you can also use vodka) ■ ■ 25-30 drops of both citronella and peppermint essential oils ■ ■ 15 drops of tea tree Using these recipe techniques, feel free to substitute spearmint, rosemary, thyme, clove, or geranium essential oils.

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