Refreshing natural insect repellent with citronella oil
Citronella oil is a well-known natural insect repellent. Derived from the leaves and stems of various species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass), this essential oil possesses compounds that naturally deter insects. It's perfect for anyone looking for a chemical-free alternative to conventional repellents. This blog post will guide you on how to incorporate citronella oil into your daily routine to avoid those annoying insect bites.
Create your own citronella candle
DIY citronella candle is easy and cheap to make for warding off bugs outside. All you need is soy wax, a wick, and 10% to 20% citronella essential oil by weight of the wax. Melt the wax, mix in the oil, pour it around a centered wick in a container, and let it cool. These candles are perfect for summer evenings outside, and they smell great!
Citronella oil skin lotion
To create a personal shield against mosquitoes and other pesky biters, you can add citronella oil to your skin lotion for a DIY bug repellent. Blend three to five drops of citronella essential oil for each ounce of unscented lotion or carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Smear the blend on uncovered skin before going outside. Always do a patch test first to avoid any allergic reaction.
Refreshing room spray
A homemade citronella room spray will help repel bugs while freshening up your space with a pleasant scent. Just mix twenty drops of citronella essential oil with water in an eight-ounce spray bottle. You can also include other essential oils such as eucalyptus or lavender for extra fragrance and effectiveness. Remember to shake well before each use and spritz around doorways, windowsills, and other areas where bugs might enter.
Plant-based insect repellent garden
Adding plants that naturally produce mosquito-repelling compounds can significantly boost your outdoor living spaces' defense against insects. Planting lemongrass along walkways or around seating areas not only provides a beautiful, fragrant addition to your garden but also harnesses the power of citronella right from its source - the Cymbopogon plants themselves.
