Herbal Insect Repellent

Skin Rub

If you plan on playing a game of soccer outdoors, you won't have time to keep applying an insect-repelling spray. Instead, you can create an herbal insect repellent to rub on your skin. Measure out 4 oz. of 190-proof vodka and pour it in a bowl. Add 10 drops of rose geranium essential oil and 10 drops of citronella essential oil to the vodka and stir together. Apply the herbal insect repellent to your skin by dunking cotton balls in the solution and rubbing it on your skin before beginning your outdoor activity.

Enjoying a night out on the porch may not require covering your body in herbal insect repellent. Instead you can create a spray to squirt at any insects that come by. Wash out an old spray bottle with dish soap and water. Rinse it thoroughly and fill it with two cups of vodka. Add two tbsp. of citronella essential oil, one tbsp. of lavender essential oil, one tsp. of neem essential oil, one tsp. of tea tree essential oil and one tsp. of jojoba oil. Shake to combine the mixture and squirt it at any insects you see.

Insects do not discriminate between humans and pets. If you have an outdoor dog or cat, protect it with an herbal insect repellent collar. Pour 8 oz. of distilled water in a bowl. Add one tbsp. of lemongrass essential oil and one tbsp. of citronella essential oil. Stir. Soak a cloth collar or a bandanna in the homemade insect repellent. Set the collar or bandanna out to dry. Wrap it around your pet's neck before sending it outside.

Gnats are an example of an insect that often congregates around your plants. You can get rid of the gnats with a simple herbal insect spray. Pour 8 oz. of distilled water in an empty spray bottle and add 2 oz. of geranium essential oil. Stir and spray over any plants that pesky insects are bothering.