How to Make a Homemade Natural Fly Repellent

There are many reasons to make your own homemade fly repellent. For one, it is economical and you will know exactly what ingredients go into it. Also, you can avoid DEET, an ingredient in many commercial repellents that is suspected by some to cause cancer. Once you find a formula that works for you, you may never have to buy repellent again.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic spray bottles
• Measuring cup
• Vinegar
• Essential oils (citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood, tea tree)
• Jojoba oil

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Instructions

Recipe 1

• 1

  Clean the plastic spray bottle with warm soapy water and let it dry thoroughly.

• 2

  Mix 1 cup mineral oil, 2 cups vinegar, 1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil and a few tablespoons of citronella oil (optional) in a measuring cup.

• 3

  Pour the mixture into the bottle and replace the top, shaking the mixture well before application.

• 4

  Apply by spraying onto the skin. Avoid spraying near your face or eyes.

Recipe 2

• 5

  Thoroughly clean the plastic spray bottle with warm water and soap. Let it dry completely before filling.

• 6

  Combine 20 drops each of eucalyptus and cedarwood oil, 10 drops of tea tree and geranium oil and 2 ounces of jojoba oil.

• 7

  Pour into the plastic bottle and cover, shaking well before any application.

• 8

  Apply liberally to exposed areas of skin outdoors. Avoid spraying directly near your face.

• 9

  Experiment with different formulas, substituting different essential oils, but always use a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, almond, etc.) to dilute the mixture.