Geranium
Herbal insect repellents are a safe and effective alternative to chemically based repellents. Simple and inexpensive to prepare, they can be made from herbal essential oils, fresh herbs commonly found in summer gardens, or dried herbs from health food stores.
Lemon grass, eucalyptus, lavender and geranium are infused in organic soy oil to produce this highly effective herbal insect repellent. At the request of our farmers’ market customers we have formulated our repellent in an easy to use solid stick. The container has an attached lanyard so it can travel with you into the garden, on hikes or on a plane.
Herbal Insect Repellent with Water
Choose the herbs appropriate for the type of insects you want to repel. Use 1 oz. of dried or 2 oz. of fresh herbs. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the herbs and 2/3 tsp. of grapefruit seed extract for its antibacterial properties. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a 1 pint jar. Seal and let stand overnight so the herbs can infuse the water. On the following day, strain the mixture, discard the herbs, and combine the infusion with 2 cups of witch hazel. Pour into a 1-quart spray bottle, and apply as needed. Discard if the mixture develops mold.
Herbal Insect Repellent with Essential Oil
By combining a variety of essential oils with witch hazel, you’ll create an insect repellent that works against several pests. An effective repellent will contain between 5 and 10 percent essential oil. In small amounts, that’s between 10 and 20 drops of essential oil to 2 tbsp. of witch hazel. For a cup of repellent, use between 80 and 160 drops of oil.
Avoid getting undiluted essential oil on your skin or clothes. Pour the witch hazel into a dark glass bottle. Use an eye dropper to add the essential oil. Label the bottle and keep it in a cool dark place, sealed tightly and away from children or pets. Avoid getting it in your eyes, and reapply it regularly to keep the bugs away.
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