We all know that feeling of excitement when the sun starts shining and the days get longer. But along with the beautiful weather comes a not-so-welcome guest: bugs. 

Fear not, dear reader, for we have scoured the depths of the internet and conducted extensive research to bring you three powerful DIY natural bug repellents. Say goodbye to those itchy mosquito bites and annoying flies and get ready to reclaim your outdoor space. So grab a cup of tea and let's dive into the world of bug-busting concoctions that will make you the ultimate summer warrior!

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Spray

Protecting yourself from pesky insects can be a top priority during the summer months. Nobody wants to be constantly swatting away mosquitoes or scratching those annoying bug bites. Well, have no fear because we've got a nifty DIY bug repellent recipe that will have you enjoying a pest-free summer!

First things first, let's talk about lemon eucalyptus oil. Did you know that the Center for Disease Control has actually listed it as an effective active ingredient for keeping mosquitoes at bay? Pretty impressive, huh? And the best part is, it's all natural! So no need to worry about slathering yourself in chemical-filled sprays. You can create your own bug repellent using this amazing oil, along with a few other simple ingredients.

Here's what you'll need for this easy-peasy recipe:

• Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (or a combination of lemon and eucalyptus oils)
• Witch Hazel
• Distilled or boiled water
• Aura Cacia Vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 4 oz Spray Bottle (preferably glass)

Now, let's get down to business:

• Grab your handy dandy spray bottle. We recommend using a glass one because it's more eco-friendly and won't leach any harmful chemicals into your repellent.
• Fill the bottle halfway with distilled or boiled water. This helps dilute the essential oil and ensures it's safe for your skin.
• Next, it's time to add some witch hazel. Fill the bottle almost to the top with this magical liquid. Witch hazel not only helps to preserve your repellent but also has some additional bug-repelling properties of its own.
• If you want to give your repellent an extra boost, you can add half a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. This little gem helps to bind the ingredients together and keeps your spray effective for longer.
• Now for the fun part! Add around 30 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the mixture. You can mix it up and experiment with different scents to find your perfect personalized bug-repellent cocktail. Just be sure not to go overboard, as we don't want to overwhelm our little critter friends.
• Give the bottle a good shake before applying and you're all set! Just remember to avoid spraying it in your eyes - we don't want any stinging mishaps.

When it comes to application, feel free to spray it on your clothes , as well as any exposed skin. This will create a barrier that bugs will want nothing to do with. Plus, you'll be smelling fresh and citrusy, which is always a bonus!

Homemade Citronella Candle

Picture this: it's a beautiful summer evening, and you're all set for a backyard barbecue with your friends. The smell of grilled burgers fills the air, and you can't wait to dig in. But just as you're about to take your first bite, a swarm of pesky mosquitoes descends upon you, determined to make a meal out of your blood. Talk about a buzzkill!

Making your own candles sounds like a daunting task that requires all sorts of fancy equipment and expertise. But fear not, because I've got a simple and foolproof method that will have you creating your very own citronella candles in no time.

You'll need some fire-resistant vessels to hold the candle wax. Think buckets or good old Mason jars if you want a charming rustic touch. Grab some premade wicks, tape, two pencils or chopsticks, a measuring cup, soy wax, and, of course, some citronella oil (or any other essential oil that tickles your fancy).

Ready? Let's get started! Step one is all about anchoring and supporting those wicks. Use tape to secure the wick to the bottom of your chosen vessel, and then place a pencil or chopstick on both sides of the wick. This little trick will keep the wick upright while you pour the wax and let it dry. Clever, right?

Next up, it's time to melt that wax. Measure out the amount you need, keeping in mind that the wax melts to about half its volume. If you're feeling ambitious and want to make multiple candles, go ahead and buy a few pounds of soy wax. It's biodegradable and burns longer than other waxes, so you'll get more bang for your buck.

Once you've got your wax ready, grab a double boiler or a large pot with a heat-resistant mixing bowl. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add your wax to the bowl, and stir occasionally as it melts into a glorious liquid.

Now comes the fun part — adding the scent! Stir in the citronella oil, three drops per cup of melted wax should do the trick. Feeling fancy? Throw in a few crayons or oil-based dye to give your candle a pop of color. Just remember, the wax color will lighten as it dries, so don't be shy with the dye if you want a vibrant hue.

With the scent and color mixed in, it's time to pour the melted wax into your vessel of choice. Be patient though, as the wax will need time to cool and solidify. Soy candles usually take about four hours to harden, but if you're making a larger candle in a bucket, give it a good 24 hours to settle and harden properly.

While you wait for your masterpiece to solidify, make sure to clean up any spilled wax. Grab a wet paper towel and wipe away as much warm wax as you can from your double boiler. Then, give it a thorough wash with hot soapy water to get it sparkling clean.

Finally, it's time to trim those wicks. Before you light your candle for the first time, make sure the wicks are trimmed to about a quarter-inch above the wax. This will ensure a clean and steady burn, so those mosquitoes better watch out!

Conclusion

So, next time you plan a barbecue, a relaxing evening on the patio, or just chilling inside your cozy home, arm yourself with these two DIY bug repellents. Say goodbye to those buzzing invaders and hello to a truly pest-free summer!