While summer in Minnesota is lovely, it is not without its insects. If you would like to avoid repellents with DEET, mix up a homemade blend of essential oils to combat those buggers!

The most important oils to have in your blend are citronella and geranium. Citronella is something most people are familiar are with, because citronella candles pop up in stores in the seasonal aisle in the late spring. And most people know what geraniums are — but many don’t realize that geranium essential oil is a strong insect repellent.

In your blend, you’ll want about 100 drops total of essential oils. Do a three-way split: 30-35 drops citronella, 30-35 drops geranium, and 30-40 drops of a mix of lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary. Try different combos to see what you like, 20 drops of one and 10 drops each of the other two. Be careful with rosemary: it’s a dark oil, so don’t spray it on your favorite white tee.

You can reuse a glass spray bottle (not plastic, not good for the oils). If you don’t have one, health food stores usually have new ones for sale in the Wellness section of the store.

Ingredients:
about 100 drops total of the following oils:
• citronella
• geranium
• lavender
• lemon eucalyptus
• rosemary
1 Tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol
1/3 cup witch hazel
1/3 cup water or vinegar

Materials:
One 8-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:
Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle.
Add vodka or alcohol and shake well to combine.
Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.
Add water or vinegar and shake again.
Shake before each use, because the oils and water will separate over time.

[written by Kennedy]