DIY: Hand-made spray for mosquitos

1. Protect yourself

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   I believe that you should always start with sensible, simple solutions. Exposed skin attracts mosquitoes. If you want to reduce your exposure to bites, cover your arms and legs. This is especially important when you go on a trip to the forest, a meadow, or a lake.
   
   
2. Pay attention to how you smell

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   Insects are attracted to smells. They are particularly attracted to the smell of our sweat and floral and citrus scents. I remember the suffering of a friend who washed her hair with herbal shampoo before a trip to the mountains. There was no end to the clouds of insects chasing her. If we use fragrances on our skin, they should be delicate and not have herbal or fruity scents.
   
   
3. Have an effective natural mosquito repellent
   

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   You don't need much to make a natural spray that repels mosquitoes, midges, ticks, and other insects. The spray can be made with alcohol, water, or oil as a base. It all depends on your preference. Essential oils are added to the chosen base, as they act as repellents (i.e., they repel insects and arachnids).
   
   Which essential oils can repel mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies?
   
   The natural repellents can be:

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• citronella oil
• lemongrass oil
• peppermint oil
• anise oil
• eucalyptus oil
• geranium oil
• patchouli oil
• clove oil
• tea tree oil
• lavender oil

The oils can be used individually or combined together to make a mixture. It is worth knowing that some oils also soothe skin after bites, so the prepared spray can act as a typical 2-in-1 remedy. Lavender and tea tree oils, for example, have a soothing effect in general.

Water-based insect spray

1. Take 100 ml of distilled water and add about 20 drops of essential oil (or a mixture of oils).
2. Pour the prepared mixture into a spray bottle and spray as needed.
3. The oil does not dissolve in water, so shake the bottle well before each use.
   
   Oil-based insect spray

• Take 100 ml of oil (e.g., grape seed oil) and add 50-75 drops of the selected essential oil (or a mixture of oils, e.g., 30 drops of eucalyptus oil and 30 drops of citronella oil).
• Pour the prepared mixture into a spray bottle and spray as needed.
   
  Vodka-based insect spray

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  Take 100 ml of vodka and add approx. 50–75 drops of your chosen essential oil or oils.
• Shake before each use.
• Pour the prepared mixture into a spray bottle and spray as needed.
  
  Safety of using this type of preparation
  
  It is always worth checking whether a given oil causes an allergic reaction. To do this, 24 hours before application, apply a small amount of the oil to a small area of skin to check whether it causes any worrying symptoms (itching, burning, redness, or swelling).
  The product should never come into contact with the eyes!
  
  It is important to remember to reapply the spray to the skin, especially if you sweat profusely or bathe (e.g., in a lake). The repellent should be reapplied after a maximum of 2 hours.
  
  Sprays can be applied to the skin, but also to clothing, curtains, and furniture.
  A vodka-based spray will be longer-lasting and more effective. A water-based spray must be used quickly, preferably within 48 hours. It is less effective (both on our skin and on insects).
  
  What if you get bitten?
  It is worth knowing that a number of oils have a soothing effect on insect bites. If we include such an oil in our mixture, we will get a 2-in-1 oil. Oils that soothe bites include lavender oil and tea tree oil.
  After a bite, it is worth applying baking soda. Baking soda relieves pain and itching. Mix the baking soda with water in such a ratio as to obtain a paste, and apply the paste to the bite. You can wrap the area with a bandage to keep the paste on the skin.