DIY: Bug Spray

     As the weather starts to warm up, the bugs start to come out. For many of us, this also means that the bug spray comes out as well to keep those pesky insects from biting us. A while ago it occurred to me that when SHTF, there won't be anymore bug spray. So I decided to try and figure out how to make my own, and found that is in fact really quite easy!

     At first I found some recipes that used essential oils. I don't know about any of you, but I don't know where to find essential oils other than at the local Renissance Fair. Seeing as that doesn't happen till August, it would be much too late for bug spray in the spring. I also don't know how to make essential oils. So instead I looked further and finally found a couple recipes to make bug spray with herbs. Herbs I have, so on I went from there.

To make bug spray you need a few supplies to get you started:

-a spray bottle

-with hazel or rubbing alcohol (I used rubbing alcohol)

-herbs

     Now I am sure you are looking at that and saying "herbs", well isn't that real helpful. I put down herbs because there are many different kinds of herbs that you can use, and you don't have to use all of them in your bug spray so it is is up to you what kinds you want to use.

     You want to use at least one kind of herb out of the mint family. This includes peppermint, spearmint, cantnip, and pennyroyal. Lemon types of herbs, such as citronella and lemongrass, are also a good option in a bugspray. Also common in homemade bug sprays are lavender, cloves, and basil.

     For my bugspray I used about one tablespoon of lemongrass, spearmint, and basil. I boiled one cup of water in a regular pot on the stove. However you could also boil a cup of water in a kettle and then pour it into a cup or a bowl. Also if you have a hot water tap, that would also likely work well for this. The herbs were added to the water, and I covered the pot and left the whole thing to cool.

     Once the water has cooled, you remove the herbs,a nd mix it with one cup of rubbing alcohol, and the solution is done. At this point you can put into a spray bottle (a funnel can help for getting it into your bottle). You want to keep the bug spray in a cool place. A cool cupboard will work fine, but you can also keep in your refrigerator as well.

     So there you go, a quick and easy DIY to help you prep for summer and the bugs. The bugs arn't quite out yet so I haven't been able to give this homemade bug spray a try but as we get into that season I will definatly test it out and let you guys know.

~Sara