I have a collection of fine perfumes that I forego wearing during the summer months while I spend most of my time outdoors gardening. The sweetness of commercial perfumes and colognes tends to attract unwanted insect attention. However, I personally don’t feel “complete” without donning my jewelry and fragrance. Why not have your cake and eat it too? This simple mixture of essential oils and herbal tinctures discourages bugs that are attracted to the vibrant flowers you are tending. This potion serves a dual purpose; whether you’re entertaining outdoors on those irresistible moonlit nights under the stars or when alone with your sweetie, it is both a powerful and a romantic solution – naturally!
Insect repellent Spray:
4-6 oz. distilled rosemary water
8-10 drops lemongrass essential oil
8-10 drops peppermint essential oil
8-10 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops angelica root essential oil
Mix the above items well and store in a dark glass or spun aluminum spritzer bottle. This repellant is safe on skin and clothing but be careful to avoid the eyes. For application on children and pets, cut the solution by half with distilled water. Remember to shake well before each use.
The cost of purchasing commercial products and the smell of such products can be overwhelming. Here are a few additional alternative pest control suggestions for use indoors…
ANTS: Sprinkle cinnamon, bay leaves and cayenne pepper along baseboards and sills.
COCKROACHES: Spread equal parts of confectioner’s sugar and baking soda on problem areas.
MICE: Cotton dipped in peppermint oil or used kitty litter will act as a deterrent.
FLIES: Place a potted basil plant and/or sachets of crushed mint around the home
These simple treatments are friendly solutions for making your home and yard a welcoming environment for invited guests!
2 comments:
My crazy tortie cat keeps making a hole in the screen door so she doesn't have to wait to get in and out---which of course lets the flies in--I should put a basil plant on the wall outside right by the door to discourage them from flying into the house, LOL! thanks for the tips! ;-)
Thanks for sharing your green suggestion! Sadly, I do not have a solution to your screen door holes, or your cat's penchant for creating them. Sometimes the best advice comes through the "back door"!
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