Non Toxic Insect Repellents


Christy Begien | Non Toxic Insect Repellents

Mosquitos carry many blood-borne diseases such as: West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Dengue Fever.

Insect Repellent Recipe #1 — The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Insect Deterrent Synergistic Blend

Using 2 ounces of base vegetable oil
*10 drops of essential oil per ounce of base vegetable oil

It is worth making up a good batch of this blend and taking it with you wherever you go.

Thyme 4 drops
Lemongrass 8 drops
Lavender 4 drops
Peppermint 4 drops

*Mixtures can be kept in plastic spray bottles-this website offers a variety of sizes if you can’t find them at your local health store. www.containerandpackaging.com
*Use in massage oils in the days before going on vacation and during it, the oils will keep most insects at bay.

Insect Repellent #2 — Wellness Mama (www.wellnessmama.com/)

Fill an 8-ounce spray bottle 1/1 full with distilled or boiled water
Add witch hazel almost to top
Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be. Her favorite mix is: Rosemary, clove, lavender, cinnamon and eucalyptus. It not only works but smells good, too!

Insect Repellent #3 — Primally Inspired (www.primallyinspired.com/)

Fill a small spray bottle with 2 ounces of carrier oil

Add to it:

12 drops lemongrass oil
6 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops citronella oil


Christy Begien | Non Toxic Gardening

The garden is a great place to put your non toxic lifestyle into action.

Rabbit Repellent using Habanero Peppers, Garlic and Peppermint

Put in a blender the following, no peeling necessary, except for the onion, which should be cut in quarters.

2 dozen habanero peppers
1 whole head of garlic
1 medium red onion
1 Tablespoon peppermint

 Add enough water so that everything liquefies easily blending on high.

Add more water to come up to the 1 quart mark on your blender. Blend again at high speed for 30 seconds or so.

Strain the mixture through a nylon stocking or cheesecloth over a bowl. Then squeeze more out of the stocking or cheesecloth.

Wash hands and under nails very well with lots of soap and water after handling this mixture or use disposable gloves. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in “hot peppers,” can irritate eyes, nostrils and skin on contact.

Using a funnel, pour the strained liquid into a 1 quart spray/stream bottle.

Ready to spray. You don’t need to overdo but be sure that every plant gets a dousing.

*Remember to reapply after a hard rain. And reapply ever 3 weeks just to ensure keeping them away. (from GardenWeb.com)

Rabbit Repellant Using Garlic Oil

Soak 6 cloves of minced garlic in 2 Tablespoons of mineral oil for 24 hours.

Strain out the garlic and add 1 pint of water to the remaining liquid. Mix well and spray plants. (from How to Hunt Rabbit)

Rabbit Repellant Using Egg, Dish Soap, Milk and Cloves

Use one part of each : egg, milk, dish soap and 5-10 garlic cloves. Combine all and mix well in a blender. Keep in a closed contain, preferably outdoors for 24-48 hours or until it begins to spoil. Then strain it and put in a spray bottle. Spray around the perimeter of your garden and plants at least once a week. Rabbits and deer do not like the smell of eggs. (from Frugally Green)