Homemade Fly Sprays! |
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The bug repellent recipes are a great alternative to commercial fly sprays. 1)Citrus Insect Repellant Spray 2 cups light mineral oil 1/2 cup lemon juice 2 tsp. citronella oil 2 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil 2 tsp. lemon dish soap Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Label. To use gently shake and spray on your horse avoiding his eyes. NOTE: Do not use this spray before a show as it attracts dust. 2)Quick Insect Spray 18 oz white vinegar 2 Tbsp dish washing soap. Mix in a 20 oz spray bottle and shake gently until well blended. You may add water to dilute. Spray liberally on your horse. 3) Citronella Repellent 2 ounces witch hazel (olive oil, vodka, or rubbing alcohol may be used to substitute) 60 drops citronella essential oil Mix witch hazel in a spray bottle. Add 60 drops of citronella essential oil. Label properly. Shake well before each use. 4) Citronella Cider Repellent Mix 1 oz. Citronella Oil 1 oz. olive oil (sesame, canola or sunflower work great too) 1 Cup Cider Vinegar 1 cup Water 1 bay leaf 1/8 tsp black pepper OPTIONAL: 5 drops each of the following essential oils: eucalyptus tea tree lavender Mix all ingredients in a 20 oz. spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray liberally on your horse. 5)Herbal Bug Repellent Spray 1/4 cup fresh rosemary 1/4 cup fresh thyme 1/8 cup fresh basil 1/4 tsp. black pepper 5 drops of tea tree essential oil 10 drops of citronella essential oil olive oil Manually remove any dirt from the herbs and then set them in a sunny place until the herbs are wilted. Put all of the herbs in a crock pot. Pour in enough olive oil to cover the herbs plus another inch of oil (approximately 1 cup). Turn the crock pot on low temperature and heat the herbs for about 3 hours. An alternative way to prepare your oil extraction is to place the herbs in a clear glass jar and set it in the sun for about five days. Shake it once or twice a day. When you have finished heating your oil, strain your oil through a cheesecloth lined strainer. Squeeze out as much oil as possible. For each ounce of oil add 10 drops of citronella essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Pour into spray bottle and label. Spray on liberally. NOTE: Do not use this before a show as it may attract dirt. 6) Mosquito Repellent 2 cups witch hazel 1 1/2 tsp citronella essential oil 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar This makes 16 fl. oz. Combine into a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before using. Requires no refrigeration. Apply liberally. 7)Fabric softener sheets work as a great insect repellant. Before you take your horse riding tie one one on his headstall and stick one in your back pocket. You will be amazed how it works!! 8) Mix 3 parts water to 1 part Avon's skin-so-soft in a spray bottle. Spray liberally on your horse. This also softens his coat. ~ Essential oils may be purchased on Ebay. |
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