Homemade bug spray is simple to make and unlike store-bought spray it leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. Bug spray can be costly and the odor can linger. No need to worry I can show you how to save a little money and keep your family safe with this simple and efficient bug/spider spray.
As the weather changes over we are often “attacked” by the bugs that want to survive. “Attack” is a strong word, but you know what I mean. We have the bees, ants, wasps and let us not forget those spiders that love to hang around during the last warm days as we transition from summer to fall.
Here in Chicago spiders and bees are the worst. For the past two weeks, spiders have been making their way into my house and I am not happy. I have a toddler that thinks anything he sees crawling is his playmate. So I am on a mission to rid my home of those crawly devils.
Why Use Homemade Bug Spray and Go Natural?
There are tons of bugs sprays on the market but you may be in a position where going natural is something you have been thinking of doing or for health concerns, have to do. In my case all natural and homemade cleaners and bugs sprays are the best because both my kids have allergies and asthma. Aside from that, spraying those aerosol cans have always given me a headache, literally. So I decided to try natural remedies many years ago.
How to Make Homemade Bug Spray: Natural Spider and Bug Spray Recipe
If you have ever wanted to go natural on your bugs sprays, you have come to the right place. Here is my sure to work recipe for keeping spiders and other crawly bugs away.
If you follow me on Instagram you will know that recently I had the opportunity to review Peppermint Essential Oil By New York Biology. Before receiving this to review I did a little research. Spiders don’t like peppermint oil or vinegar.
There is no scientific proof that spiders don’t like peppermint, but the truth is spiders smell and taste through their legs so it could be that the strong fragrance and contact of the [amazon_textlink asin=’B00028MKRQ’ text=’pepperment oil’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’abr4mo-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’46772644-1274-11e8-80ac-5f5c8b207594′] is what kills them. Peppermint has a high concentration of pulegone, which is a natural pesticide. It also contains menthone, which after researching I found is the second most effective natural pesticide.
White vinegar contains acetic acid so what I found was using the combination of the two was magic.
In a spray bottle combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 cups water (160z), 1 drop of [amazon_textlink asin=’B004SC9NCC’ text=’liquid dawn’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’abr4mo-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2423ce7e-1275-11e8-863d-1d4a46ec45fa’], and 20 drops of [amazon_textlink asin=’B00OEIBJRW’ text=’ peppermint essential oil’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’abr4mo-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f825b657-1273-11e8-a0b2-5df267d5b350′]. Spray your windowsills and entryways with the solution. I use it to wipe down my baseboard as well. If I see a spider in motion I also spray it.
This combination works like a charm and leaves the house smelling fresh. You will need to spray your home more often than you would if you were using a store bought spray. Try spraying once a week to keep bugs at bay. If you don’t like the vinegar you can omit it. Also be sure you are not spraying in enclosed spaces, Peppermint and all essential oils can have very strong smells.
I hope this helps prepare your home for those spiders and other bugs trying to escape the changing weather.
*Be mindful that if you have pets I have read that mint can be dangerous to dogs and cats, so please do not spray this in areas where they live.
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