How to Make an Insect Repellant Out of Lemongrass

Insect bites and stings are painful at the moment of attack and sometimes cause lasting skin irritation. It only takes a minute to turn a fresh stalk of lemongrass into natural insect repellent. The essential oils naturally present inside the lemongrass stalk repel pests and give skin a fresh, vibrant citrus scent. Save money and avoid putting harsh chemicals on your skin by quickly harvesting and applying lemongrass oils to keep away unwanted insects.

Instructions

• 1

  Peel away the outer leaves and the first fibrous layer of the lemongrass stalk by pulling them down and off toward the swollen white end.

• 2

  Hold the stripped lemongrass stalk between both hands, about 2 inches apart. Bend it until a 2-inch piece snaps off. Continue along the entire length of the stalk bending and snapping off 2-inch segments.

• 3

  Roll the lemongrass stalk segments between your flat hands until the inside softens to a mushy pulp.

• 4

  Twist the lemongrass segment and squeeze its oil directly onto your skin.

• 5

  Coat all your exposed skin generously with the oil of the lemongrass stalk every four to five hours for continued protection from mosquitoes and other stinging insects.