It’s spring time which means it’s insect time.  No worries, get some citronella oil and get outside!

 Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based insect repellent in the United States since 1948. It has even been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading “dengue fever.” It’s also effective for helping to prevent body lice, head lice and flies.

According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-repelling effects to last. However, I find that one application lasts for hours.  You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes. Applying pure citronella oil directly to the body is considered more effective for fighting bugs than citronella candles are.

Homemade citronella bug spray:

Instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this homemade bug spray recipe. In addition to keeping away bugs, it also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin. And unlike conventional brands, it smells amazing!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
•  40 drops mixed essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree or rosemary)  glass spray bottle

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients in eight-ounce spray bottle. Spray over all portions of the body, but avoid repellent in eyes and mouth.

Now get outside and get going!