Summertime tends to draw us all outdoors. Whether it’s a cookout, gardening, backyard games, or just enjoying some porch time, we all spend more of our free time outside. But it’s also the time of year that bugs and other pests run rampant and interfere with our outdoor enjoyment! While a citronella candle or some OFF spray can help ward of mosquitoes, we have found some great tips for natural pest repellants that may be healthier for you and your family.
*Bug-Be-Gone Spray: Fill a 4-ounce spritzer bottle 2/3 full with water. Add 4 to 6 drops of any combination of the oils listed above; eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, and cedarwood is a favorite blend. Spritz on your body often!
*For keeping slugs and aphids away from window boxes: Place one peeled onion, two peeled garlic cloves, and one teaspoon cayenne pepper in the jar of a blender. Add three cups of water, and blend until smooth. Let the mixture sit overnight, strain the liquid into a spray bottle, and coat plants generously. The solution will keep, refrigerated in the bottle, for up to one week.
*While not the prettiest option, a ziplock baggie partially filled with water and hung near your outdoor living space has long been believed to ward off bugs. Some folks recommend adding a little sugar to the water.
*For keeping ants away: Pour equal amounts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle, and shake to mix. Then spritz the solution in water-resistant areas where ants are common, such as kitchen floors or the crevices in painted baseboards from which the pests often enter. You can also use the repellent outside, spraying patios, porches, and picnic tables before family and friends gather.