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    Categories: DIY

A Natural Repellent That Really Keeps Mosquitoes Away All Summer Long


You are out on the patio with friends and family, soaking up the sun or maybe gazing at the stars. Summer is finally here, and you couldn’t be happier to pack away all the winter coats and snow boots! But mother nature’s beauty and enjoyment may come with a catch, and that catch is mosquitoes.

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The bite

These little nuisances have been bothering humans for ages with their buzzing, biting, bumps, and potential to harbor disease. Some of the diseases they carry include:

  • Zika virus
  • West Nile virus
  • Chikungunya virus
  • Dengue
  • Malaria

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Source: Wael Muhammad via Flickr

Yikes!

The search for a solution

People have come up with a multitude of ways to stifle mosquitos. A popular one is citronella candles, which research has found provides very little protection. Another is bug zappers that actually hurt the ecosystem by killing more harmless bugs than mosquitoes.

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Solution located!

Once again, ingenuity has pulled through to provide us with a simple and beautifully scented candle that not only works to repel but also adds atmosphere to your summer evenings and makes a great patio or camp decoration.

And the best part is that its natural! This is very important because the most effective mosquito repellent found in many products is called DEET, which is quite toxic. Who wants to breathe in and cover their body with a toxic chemical while they’re trying to take in and enjoy the organic surroundings of the outdoors?

This candle combination uses easily found ingredients that have been proven by experts to be effective at repelling mosquitoes. The main ingredients used in the concoction that repel the mosquitoes are lemon and eucalyptus oil.

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The recipe

According to Newsner, to prepare this candle you will need the following:

  • 1 floating candle
  • Water
  • A pair of rosemary twigs
  • 5 slices of lime
  • 7-10 drops of eucalyptus oil infused with lemon
  • 6 slices of lemon

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Source: Newsner

The lemon and eucalyptus oil can be found in places like organic health and food stores, pharmacies, and there are also tons of options online.

Once you have all your ingredients, combine them in a glass mason jar and top it off with the candle. You could even paint the mason jar however you like to add an even more personal and creative touch, and there you have it – an effective and visually appealing new decoration that not only smells great but also keeps those pesky mosquitoes away.

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Source: Clean and Scentsible via Facebook

This will be a great conversation piece at your next barbeque, pool party, or camping trip that shows off your resourcefulness and creativity. Your friends and family will thank you when they realize they haven’t been slapping at themselves and each other, and itching those annoying bumps all night long.

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Try experimenting with other combinations

There are many other oils and combinations you can experiment with that are known for repelling mosquitoes that you can make into sprays too! Some common oil combinations. along with a medium like distilled water or baby oil, include:

  • Lavender oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice
  • Castor oil, cinnamon oil, Eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, and witch hazel
  • Neem oil and organic liquid soap

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Source: Amy Tipton Johnson via Flickr

Make sure you follow the mixture recipe as specified and always make sure you carefully research and understand your essential oils, and follow essential oil mixing guidelines to ensure a safe experience. Some oils should not be applied without being diluted, and some can cause irritation if not applied correctly.

Source: Wonderlandfan via Flickr

Now you are all set to enjoy the great outdoors all summer long with one less thing to worry about! Share this article so all your friends can stay mosquito free too!

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Source: Newsner