Patio Mosquito & Bug Repellent Diffusion Blend
This blend is designed to be diffused into the air around your patio area.
Ingredients
30 drops of Citronella essential oil
20 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops of Lavender essential oil
5 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
Directions
Carefully combine the essential oil drops in a small, dark glass bottle. Dark glass helps to protect the essential oils from light degradation.
Gently swirl the bottle to blend the oils thoroughly.
To use in a diffuser (electric or candle-based): Add the recommended number of drops to your diffuser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start with 5-10 drops and adjust as needed based on the size of your patio area and the intensity of the scent.
For a non-electric option (for smaller areas): You can add a few drops of the blend to cotton balls and place them in strategic locations around your patio, such as on tables, near seating areas, or in potted plants. Refresh the cotton balls with more oil every few hours as the scent dissipates.
Alternatively, you can create a simple spray by diluting the blend in distilled water or witch hazel in a spray bottle (ensure it's a glass or PET plastic bottle suitable for essential oils). A general guideline is about 10-15 drops of the blend per ounce of liquid. Shake well before each use and spray around your patio area, avoiding direct contact with skin and furniture.
Important Considerations
- 1. Diffusion is for the air: This blend is intended for diffusing into the air to create an environment that deters bugs. Avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to your skin. If you want a topical repellent, this blend would need to be diluted significantly with a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or fractionated coconut oil.
- Concentration and Coverage: The effectiveness of the blend will depend on the size of your patio area, airflow, and the concentration of oils used. You may need to adjust the number of drops or refresh the diffusion frequently for larger spaces or breezy conditions.
- Quality of Oils: Use pure, high-quality essential oils for the best results.
- Safety: Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Some essential oils may not be suitable for use around certain pets. If you have pets, research the safety of each oil before diffusing.
- Photosensitivity: Some citrus-based essential oils can cause photosensitivity. While this blend doesn't heavily feature citrus, be mindful if you create a spray and use it in direct sunlight. Lemon Eucalyptus can have some photosensitive properties.
- Effectiveness: Natural repellents may not be as potent or long-lasting as synthetic options like DEET or picaridin. Reapplication or continuous diffusion may be necessary.
