As the warmer months arrive, so do pests, from ants marching across counters to mosquitoes swarming patios. While chemical sprays are common, they often carry harsh ingredients that can irritate skin, harm pets, or impact the environment. A safer, natural alternative is a simple homemade bug repellent made from common household items, offering an effective, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious solution.
Using ingredients like vinegar, which repels insects with its acidity, olive or vegetable oil to smother bugs, and gentle shampoo to help everything blend, this DIY spray can protect windowsills, door frames, trash cans, baseboards, outdoor furniture, and kitchen or bathroom corners. Optional additions like lemon juice or essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender enhance the scent and repelling power. To prepare, simply mix ½ cup vinegar, ½ cup oil, and ½ cup shampoo in a bowl, add any optional ingredients, then pour into a spray bottle using a funnel. Shake before use, spot-test delicate surfaces, and reapply regularly, especially during peak bug hours at dawn and dusk. The combination works because vinegar creates an environment bugs dislike, oil forms a barrier they avoid, and shampoo ensures the mixture spreads evenly while cleaning surfaces. This approach is rooted in simple, time-tested methods that avoid chemical exposure, protecting both your family and the environment while effectively keeping pests at bay.