Ah, summer! It’s the season for beach vacations, and, yes, pesky mosquitoes. But no need to worry, you can ward off mosquitoes and other bothersome insects and pests with natural insect repellants.1. CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL
- Put a few drops in water and pour into sprayers to keep insects at bay. Or dab onto cotton balls and leave in strategic places where these insects may be hiding.
- Rub on the skin with carrier oil for mosquito protection. The scent it diffuses scares away mosquitoes, ants, and other bugs.
- Dab behind the ears of pets to free them from fleas. This can also be added to pet soaps and shampoos or sprayed in kennels.
- Use a few drops in your laundry water to keep moths from attacking the clothes while in storage.
- May be placed in spray cans to scent rooms, cars, office spaces, and other areas to keep it free from mosquitoes
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2. PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL
- Mix a few drops with water and inject into nooks and crannies where termites thrive.
- May be used as a pesticide for bees
- Like citronella, may be used as an insect repellant
3. LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
- Mix a few drops in water and apply with a mop as an antiseptic. Leftover mixture may be poured into drains to prevent cockroaches from climbing through.
- Dab a few drops onto cotton balls and leave in the corner of the room to ward off insects and crawling pests.
(First published in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Your Good Houseguide Section as "Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!" in April 2006; adapted for use in Female Network; photo by mikebaird via Flickr Creative Commons)
Prepare yourself for your beach vacation with these articles on FN:
- Hair Care 101: Say No to Sun-Fried Hair!
- Sizzle This Season: 4 Facts You Should Know about Summer Skincare
- Sun Sense: 5 First Aid Tips for Sunburns
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