Natural deodorizing/bug repelling spray

[OutlineACDs]

With all the great advice coming from the "Girly Stuff" thread I'd like to see if any of you have some natural options for making my own deodorizing/flea/mosquito repelling spray for the dog or humans.

I'd like to mix it up in a big spray bottle and keep it by the back door to mist the dogs and myself on the way out.

I was thinking of making a trip to the natural foods store later today.

Fire aways, guys

 

[noludoru]

Lemongrass of citronella oil.

SMALL HEAVILY DILUTED amounts of rose geranium for ticks. It smells like bergamot.

 

[OutlineACDs]

Lemongrass of citronella oil.

SMALL HEAVILY DILUTED amounts of rose geranium for ticks. It smells like bergamot.

Awesome, can I use a water base? Or is there something special I need to mix them in?

 

[Romy]

When I make essential oil sprays I use 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water for the base. You can use a water/witch hazel mix too. There are a lot of recipes online. Make sure to shake it up before you spray it on.

 

[OutlineACDs]

I think I'm going to try water/witch hazel.

I saw some online recipes that used apple cider vinegar; I'm just worried that would over power my oils and make a funky smell.

 

[noludoru]

Awesome, can I use a water base? Or is there something special I need to mix them in?

Ummm I used Water and diluted the oil in jojoba oil first do it was extra safe. RG oil when improperly used is dangerous. I always, always shook the bottle up and sprayed clothes first so the properly mixed stuff was what gotpb the dog.

 

[MicksMom]

Somebody posted this one last summer- "raw" ACV (the cloudy one), water and a few drops of lavendar oil.

 

[Southpaw]

I use ACV/water/essential oils. You don't smell the vinegar once it dries. I frequently forget to use this as a bug spray, but I do use it as a "freshen up" spray when I want that clean smell and feel, but don't want to actually bathe them.

I think it was Fran who I stole the idea from.

 

[OutlineACDs]

Awesome, thanks guys. It'll be Monday before I can mix anything up. Organic place is closed on the weekends.

 

[Romy]

Ummm I used Water and diluted the oil in jojoba oil first do it was extra safe. RG oil when improperly used is dangerous. I always, always shook the bottle up and sprayed clothes first so the properly mixed stuff was what gotpb the dog.

Yes this!! ^^ Make sure the oil you're using is safe to use topically, or correctly diluted first. I mainly use lavender and tea tree to help Strider's back heal if he has a flea allergy and pulls his hair out, or if one of the chinchillas has ringworm. The alcohol is to help it evaporate super fast.

 

[porchpotty]

Try aromatherapy. For fleas and ticks, mix 15-20 drops of any of following essential oils with a base oil and spray on your dog daily.

* For fleas – citronella, peppermint, lemon, clary sage
* For ticks – lavender, myrrh, bay, geranium

 

[sillysally]

Is any of this stuff going to hurt them when they lick themselves?