Oh you know it’s that time of year again! The buzzing has started and the pooping and itching of the bites have begun. This year I plan on fighting back and keeping this pesky little insect at bay. Mosquitos are running rampant and nearly everyone I know has been bitten or gotten sick from the West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes in Arizona are no joke ( the tiger)! Every time they get me me I have an allergic reaction. Last year I got bit every other day; the bites would swell up to the size of a baseball, they were so painful that I had to call off work! I could not walk without some sort of pain shooting up apart of my body where the bite was.
Josh (countryman) got so fed up that he took a bug zapper and set around the house zapping mosquitoes for about three days until they were finally gone. After that fiasco I decided that I would be prepared this year. When I got my first two bites, I knew it was time for me to take matters into my own hands. I decided to make my own bug repellent rub. I have been using it for a few weeks and those pesky mosquitoes have been now where in sight.
You only need 2 ingredients citronella and coconut oil. I like coconut oil because it is a solid fat like Coco butter and Shea butter; you can rub it on your whole body just like lotion (you can also find it at the grocery store with no problem). Citronella is an essential oil that you can find at most health food and craft stores. The oil may take some getting used to. It is not a bad smell just a strong citrus smell; I would call it a “loud” orange note.
If you never get used to the loud smell, at least you know your skin will not be covered in mosquito bites because they cannot stand the smell of this potent stuff. This bug repellent will keep your skin moist and those pesky mosquitoes away.
Start off with 1 1/2 cups of coconut oil, and add about 20- 30 drops of citronella oil
The coconut oil will melt as you stir in the citronella oil
I stored the oil in glass jars however tins work perfectly
If you want your coconut oil to be firm store in the fridge until it is solid or firm; make sure you check on it, so it is not hard as a rock. You will have a hard time using your bug repellent.
I love it when I happen to have all the ingredients for something I want to try! I’ll give this a go at the weekend 🙂
I agree! Especially when you do not half to go to the store and pick anything up. I hope you enjoy 🙂
Citronella is like some sort of lemon oil?
Thank you!
It’s more of the stems and leaves of lemon grass; not really lemon oil…
Would lemon grass oil work instead of citronella oil? It’s just that I have the lemon grass on hand.
I never had any success with lemon grass, but if you have then it can be used instead of citronella oil..
I just made this, and while the jar smells like you will be wearing a citronella candle, the scent is much more subtle when you put it on. I’m wondering how you got color in it. Did you use any food coloring or dyes? Mine just came out white. Thanks for the recipe!