Deet free DIY mosquito repellent is a safer way to make summer outdoors more fun. There are several essential oils that work well in a spray for skin. Put 50 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a glass spray bottle along with 2 ounces of water and 1 ounce of vodka, shake well and spray on skin. Another skin spray can be made using vanilla extract. In a spray bottle add 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Shake well before using. Lavender essential oil not only deters mosquitoes, it also sooths skin. In a spray bottle, add 4 ounces of distilled water and 10-15 drops of Lavender essential oil. Shake well and spray on skin.
For a yard spray, garlic works well. Blend 3 garlic clusters in a blender for 1 minute and strain the juice. In a gallon jug add 1 gallon of water and the juice from the garlic. Shake well and store in the refrigerator until ready to spray around plants in the yard where mosquitoes gather.
When grilling in the backyard drop fresh rosemary branches directly on the grill. Rosemary contains cineole, camphor, and limonene - properties that are released when burned. These properties are known to repel mosquitoes.
If using an electric mosquito zapper, hang a woven black bag containing dry ice next to it. Carbon dioxide from the melting dry ice will attract mosquitoes and the bug zapper will finish them off. Also adding a small bucket of water with 4-5 drops of dish soap will attract mosquitoes and the bug zapper will do the rest.
A DIY mosquito trap can be made from a 2-liter plastic bottle. Remove the lid and cut the bottle in half. Place the top half upside down in the bottom half. Pour ¼ teaspoon of dry yeast down the funnel of the trap. Separately, mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 1 cup of hot water. Pour this solution down the funnel. Place the traps around the patio and replace the ingredients as needed.
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing, stagnant water, and light. Wear light colored clothing outside. Coffee grounds poured on shallow stagnant water will kill mosquito eggs. Use of LED light bulbs attract significantly fewer insects.
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