How to Make Homemade Bug and Animal Repellents

Homemade repellents are often viable solutions for individuals that wish to stay mosquito-free without the introduction of chemicals and other potentially harmful substances on the body. While not all homemade repellents are truly effective or even backed by science, many people swear by their usefulness. Here is a brief overview of different types of homemade repellents:

A clear bag filled with water is one homemade repellent that thousands of farmers swear by. This repellent has no scientific backing, but has shown to decrease the frequency of mosquito-human interaction in some areas. Some scientists believe that the method of effective because light refracts from the bag and annoys the mosquitoes, but there is no proof and there are few scientific studies into the homemade repellent.

Stuffing a dryer sheet into you hat may help to keep you bite-free. Again, this homemade repellent has no scientific proof, but farmers and people that spend a significant amount of time outdoors often keep dryer sheets on hand for particularly mosquito-heavy days.

There are a variety of oils and scents that can be effective as well when used as homemade and natural repellents. Unlike DEET (the chemical that is effective in most bug repellents) natural oils will require more applications in higher density. Some of these popular oils are: Citronella (which is also found in many repellent candles), castor oil (which can be applied directly to the skin), rosemary oil, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint and cloves. These oils can either be used as candles (as is commonly the case with citronella) or portions of the oil can be applied directly to the skin.

Keep in mind that there are some practical solutions to staying bug-free. First, avoid wearing perfume when you go out into nature. Mosquitoes love the fruity scent of hairspray as well. Try not to combine any homemade repellents with the use of sunscreen and lotions, as the double-dipping method will negate the effectiveness of the bug repellent. Also, wear light color clothing and try to avoid sweating too much. Mosquitoes are drawn to human exertion, so the less you exert yourself, the better off you can be.

No matter what kind of bug or animal problem you have, the best way to ensure that you are able to repel those annoying pests is to experiment with different options. Experimenting over a period of time will help you to refine your bug and animal repellent system so that you can stay bug free longer and keep out those annoying animals that keep coming back.