zika has become the topic of conversation in Florida and everyone is afraid of the mosquito population. Disney is providing Cutter Bug Spray for everyone attending the parks or staying at the resorts. I am not a fan of Cutter Bug Spray or many of the commercial bug sprays so I am sharing a recipe I use to keep the mosquitoes and other flying insects away.
The ingredients I use are:
basil essential oil,
citronella essential oil,
a jar for mixing and steeping and a glass spray bottle either blue or brown, not clearn
Lemongrass essential oil
Witch Hazel Extract
Fresh Herbs: catnip, mint, basil, lemon balm leaves.
Use a quart jar, a mason jar if you have one. Fill it full of the herbs. I break the herbs up before putting them in the jar. Cover the herbs with Witch hazel and cover the jar, Put it in a cool, dark place. I use my pantry cupboard as it is cool and dark. I leave it in the pantry cupboard for two weeks and then strain it through cheesecloth. Fill the spray bottle half way with the strained witch hazel mixture. Fill it up the rest of the way with water. Add a drop of citronella, basil and lemongrass essential oil. Shake well. Spray it on your body and in the area where you are being bugged:-). This will stay effective for about two weeks so use it as soon as you make it. If you are going camping, plan ahead so you have a spray bottle filled for the trip.
Please check for all the ingredients in the shop.