DIY Insect Repellent Cheat Sheet Fighting the battle of the bugs? Ditch the DEET and other nasty chemicals and whip up a quick batch of this natural repellent, courtesy of theprairiehomestead.com

Mix N’ Match >> There are a million-and-one ways to BASE Options: mix up your own DIY fly sprays, and + Raw apple cider their efficacy will depend on your vinegar location and what type of bug you + White vinegar are battling. So, don’t be afraid to do + Distilled or boiled water some mixing and experimenting and use this formula to set yourself up for BOOSTER Options: success! + Witch hazel + Vodka + Real vanilla extract The Formula + Rubbing alcohol 3 tablespoons BASE of your choice + Vegetable glycerin 2 tablespoons BOOSTER of your choice

BINDER Options: ¼ teaspoon BINDER of your choice + Natural liquid dish soap 50-70 drops ESSENTIAL OILS of your choice + Castile soap 1 + Epsom salts

ESSENTIAL OIL Options: Instructions: + Citronella Combine all of the ingredients in a 4 oz spritzer + Patchouli bottle (glass is preferred). Give it a brisk shake + Frankincense and spray wherever the bugs are biting. + Arborvitae * If using Epsom salts as a binder, mix the salts + White Fir with the essential oils first, then add to the + Cedarwood rest of the mixture. + Juniper + Pine + Juniper Reminders: + Catnip • If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test + Lemongrass before applying the repellent. + Geranium + Patchouli • Avoid spraying near the eyes or other + Peppermint sensitive areas.

+ Lavender • Reapply every several hours, especially + Sandalwood after swimming or sweating. + Tea Tree • Avoid using citrus essential oils in your + Basil repellent mixes, as they may cause skin + Rosemary to become photosensitive. + Marjoram • If one formulation isn’t working for you, try + Ylang ylang another! + Cilantro + Thyme + Eucalyptus Where to buy my favorite essential oils: http://theprairiehomestead.com/oil + Lemon Eucalyptus J J J J 2