Outdoor barbecues, camping, concerts and wonderful summer weather (and lots of rain) tend to bring the pests among us. But scary chemicals like DEET (the most commonly used pesticide in mosquito sprays) have been found in various studies with side affects including harming the nervous system and birth defects.

What’s an outdoor lover to do? One option is to DIY Insect repellent – and it’s a lot easier than you think!

DIY Bug Repellent: Recipe

What you’ll need:

• Spray bottle (8 or 10 oz)
• Water
• Essential oils
• Carrier oil or alcohol

Plant extracts like witch hazel (available at pharmacies) and/or olive oil, sunflower oil, cooking oils (or even vodka) can be the oil/alcohol component.

For essential oils, you’ll want to use tea tree for ticks (especially in this are), chiggers or deer flies. Citronella, lemon  eucalyptus work well for mosquitoes and black flies.

One recommended recipe for adults (courtesy of Inhabitat) is: Create a 20:80 mix of water and witch hazel, add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, and 30 drops of essential oil. 

Make sure the formula is 5-10% essential oil so it’s strong enough to deter pests.

Additional outdoor tips to avoid bugs: Wear hats, remove standing water and keep food covered.

Enjoy the outdoors!

Photo: Infotube

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher