Insect Repelling Solutions

DIY Insect Repelling Solutions & FREE Labels

It’s that time of the year when the creepy crawlies invade our outdoor spaces. While we’d like most of them to “bug off,” not all insects are harmful for people or gardens. In fact some insects are GOOD for pest control. 

Here are some easy insect repelling solutions you can try for aphids, mosquitos, slugs and more. Included are mixtures you can make yourself and instructions on making a DIY Citronella Candle– as well as ideas for dealing with insects using items you probably already have on hand. 

Easy DIY Bug Repellents

The following recipes are meant to fill 14 oz spray bottles.

 

1. Aphid Off Spray {For Roses}

Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 cups of water, a funnel, spray bottle (14 oz) and old nylons

Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Cut off the “foot” area of and old pair of nylons and strain mixture into a large measuring cup. Set funnel in spray bottle and add pour mixture in. Shake well and use to repel aphids from rose bushes. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Use a couple of squirts on the early morning hours. Remember to spray both the tops and bottoms of leaves.

2. Bugs be Gone Spray (For Decks, Play Structures and Patios)

 Ingredients: 1/2 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 2 cups of water, 2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp liquid dish soap, a funnel, spray bottle (14 oz) and old nylons

Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Cut off the “foot” area of and old pair of nylons and strain mixture into a large measuring cup. Set funnel in spray bottle and add pour mixture in. Shake well and use on decks, play structured and patios to repel bugs.

3. Bug Off Mosquito Spray (For People)

Ingredients: 16 ounce bottle of Witch Hazel, 10 drops of citronella essential oil, 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 5 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil,  a funnel, large measuring cup and spray bottle (14 oz).

Directions: Pour witch hazel into large measuring cup, add essential oils and blend well. Using funnel, pour into spray bottle.

Test by spraying a squirt or two in an inconspicuous area to make sure there’s no reaction to the oils. If no adverse reaction, you can spray on exposed arms and legs but always keep away from eyes.

Easy DIY Bug Repellents {Label Download}

1. Click this link: Free DIY Insect Repellent Labels by Printabelle

2. Click actions (upper left), then view all sizes, select large and save to your computer

3. Print on sticker paper

I printed the labels on Avery White Sticker Paper from Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond and cut them out with scissors.

 DIY Citronella Candle

Keep mosquitos away with this pretty citronella candle.

Supplies: Soy Wax, Containers (I used glass jars from Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond), waxed wicks, wax (to adhere wick to jar– both items also available at Ben Frankin Crafts Redmond) and Citronella Essential Oil. You also need a food-safe thermometer and a microwave safe container. Tip: A glass measuring cup with a spout is helpful. You’ll also need pencils or rulers and tape (for keeping the wick straight).

Click the link for a tutorial on making Citronella Soy Candles. And download these free labels:

DIY Citronella Candle {Label Download}

1. Click this link: Free Citronella Candle Labels by Printabelle

2. Click actions (upper left), then view all sizes, select large and save to your computer

3. Print on sticker paper

I printed the labels on Avery White Sticker Paper from Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond and cut them out with scissors.

 More Easy Bug Repellents

Here are some ideas about things you probably already have around your home that can also be used to repel bugs.

Fruit Flies: Pour a glass of apple cider vinegar and cover with plastic wrap. Using a pen or pencil, poke a few holes in the plastic wrap. Set near where you see the fruit flies. They will be attracted to the apple cider vinegar and get stuck in the glass.

Slugs and Snails: A squirt of regular vinegar will take care of slugs and snails. Another idea– pour beer into a shallow pie dish and “bury” the dish into ground where you’ve seen slugs. They will be drawn to the beer and drown.

Aphids: Ladybugs are a great “natural” way to deal with aphids. You can buy ladybugs at many garden stores. 

 Bees: Scented dryer sheets can help keep bees away. Tuck one on your pocket or if you are eating outdoors, tape it to your picnic blanket or picnic table.

If you like gardening ideas, check out my post on Frugal Gardening Gear Ideas:

 Disclaimer: These are bug repellent ideas that work for me, I make no claim or guarantee that they’ll work for everyone. Always test in a inconspicuous area. Catch my DIY Diva ideas on KOMO-TV.