Midges can quickly ruin a camping trip or outdoor adventure with their relentless biting and swarming behavior. Instead of relying on store-bought repellents filled with chemicals, why not create your own natural midge repellent spray at home?
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a powerful and effective spray that will keep those pesky midges at bay, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.
How to Create Your Own Midge Repellent Spray
Ingredients:
1. 1/2 cup distilled water
2. 1/4 cup witch hazel
3. 25 drops of essential oil (choose from citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the distilled water and witch hazel.
2. Add 25 drops of your chosen essential oil and stir well to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake before each use.
4. Spray the repellent on your skin before heading outdoors to ward off midges.
Understanding Midge Behavior
Midges, also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums, are small flying insects that are attracted to moisture and warmth. They are most active during dawn and dusk periods, as well as in shaded areas. Midges are commonly found near bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and marshes, as they lay their eggs in water or damp soil.
Midge Feeding Behavior
Female midges feed on blood to help with egg production, while male midges typically feed on nectar or other plant juices. When midges detect carbon dioxide or body heat, they are drawn to potential hosts for feeding. Their feeding can be quite irritating and sometimes painful, leading many people to seek out ways to repel these pesky insects.
| Midge Behavior | Characteristics |
| Feeding | Female midges feed on blood for egg production. |
| Attracted to | Moisture, warmth, carbon dioxide, and body heat. |
| Activity | Most active during dawn and dusk in shaded areas. |
| Common Locations | Near bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and marshes. |
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When creating your own midge repellent spray, it’s important to choose the right ingredients that are effective at repelling these pesky insects. Here are some key ingredients to consider:
- Essential oils: Ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil have natural repellent properties that can help keep midges at bay.
- Alcohol: Adding alcohol to your spray can help disperse the essential oils and provide a longer-lasting repellent effect.
- Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe insect bites and provide an additional layer of protection against midges.
Make sure to do your research and choose high-quality, pure ingredients for the best results. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix that works for you.
Gathering the Supplies
Before you start making your own midge repellent spray, make sure you have the following supplies ready:
- Essential oils: Choose from a variety of essential oils known to repel midges, such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint.
- Carrier oil: You’ll need a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil to dilute the essential oils and make the spray safe for skin application.
- Distilled water: Distilled water is essential for diluting the oils and creating a spray that is safe and effective.
- Spray bottle: Make sure you have a clean spray bottle to mix and store your homemade midge repellent spray.
- Measuring utensils: Have measuring spoons and cups on hand to ensure you use the correct ratios of oils and water in your spray.
Measuring the Ingredients
When creating your own midge repellent spray, it is essential to measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the effectiveness of the final product. Here is a simple guide to measuring the ingredients:
1. Essential Oils
Start by measuring out the recommended amount of essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, or citronella. These oils are the key ingredients that will help repel midges effectively.
2. Carrier Oil
Next, measure out the carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. This oil will dilute the essential oils and help spread the repellent evenly on your skin. Be sure to follow the recommended ratio of essential oils to carrier oil for the best results.
Mixing the Ingredients
To create your own midge repellent spray, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup distilled water
– 1/2 cup witch hazel or apple cider vinegar
– 15 drops citronella essential oil
– 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
– 5 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix them thoroughly. Make sure to store the spray in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Testing the Spray
Step 1: Field Test
For optimal results, take the repellent spray outdoors and apply it to exposed skin. Walk around in areas known for midge activity, such as marshes or wooded areas, and observe if the spray effectively repels the insects. Note how long the spray remains effective in keeping midges at bay.
Step 2: Endurance Test
To test the longevity of the repellent spray, apply it in the morning before heading outdoors for the day. Keep track of how often you need to reapply the spray to maintain its effectiveness. Note any variations in effectiveness based on temperature, humidity, or activity level.
- Reapply the spray as needed throughout the day.
- Record any observations about the spray’s performance in different conditions.
Adjusting the Formula
If you find that the repellent spray is too strong or not effective enough, you can adjust the formula to suit your preferences. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Decrease the amount of essential oils if the scent is too overpowering for you.
- Increase the amount of essential oils if you find that the spray is not deterring midges effectively.
- Add more witch hazel or distilled water if the spray feels too oily on your skin.
- Experiment with different essential oils to find a combination that works best for you.
Storing the Repellent
Store your homemade midge repellent spray in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. It is recommended to use a spray bottle with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any leaks or spills. Check the expiration date of the ingredients used in the repellent and replace if necessary. Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Applying the Repellent
1. Shake the midge repellent spray bottle well before use to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2. Hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your skin and spray evenly over exposed areas such as arms, legs, and neck.
3. Avoid spraying the repellent directly on your face. Instead, spray a small amount onto your hands and then gently apply to your face, avoiding contact with your eyes.
4. Reapply the repellent every few hours or as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the repellent to avoid accidentally ingesting any chemicals.
6. Store the repellent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness.
Reapplying as Needed
It is important to reapply your midge repellent spray as needed, especially if you are spending an extended amount of time outdoors or in areas where midges are prevalent. The effectiveness of the spray can diminish over time, so be sure to reapply every few hours for maximum protection.
Timing
Pay attention to how long your repellent spray lasts on your skin before needing to be reapplied. Some sprays may need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours, while others may last longer. Check the instructions on the bottle for guidance.
| Time spent outdoors | Reapplication frequency |
| Less than 2 hours | Reapply if needed |
| 2-3 hours | Reapply every 2-3 hours |
| More than 3 hours | Reapply every 2 hours |