How I prepare the most powerful natural repellent against mosquitoes and flies: it lasts for many days and smells good.

### 👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Natural Repellent**

#### **Step 1: Prepare Your Spray Bottle**
Start by getting a small, clean **spray bottle**. A bottle with a **fine mist** sprayer is ideal for even coverage. Use a funnel if necessary to avoid spills.

#### **Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
In the spray bottle, combine:

– **1 cup of witch hazel**: This will serve as the base for your repellent and provide a quick-drying, non-greasy finish.
– **1/2 cup of distilled water**: To dilute the witch hazel and create a balanced formula.
– **10-15 drops of essential oils**: Use a mix of your chosen insect-repelling oils. For example, try 5 drops of **lemon eucalyptus oil**, 5 drops of **lavender oil**, and 5 drops of **citronella oil**. You can adjust the ratio based on your preferred scent strength.
– **1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin** (optional): If you want to ensure your oils mix properly and help moisturize your skin, add this.

#### **Step 3: Shake and Mix**
Secure the spray bottle’s lid and give it a good shake to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. You’ll want the oils to blend well with the witch hazel and water for an even application.

#### **Step 4: Apply and Reapply**
Spray the repellent on exposed skin, clothing, and around your outdoor spaces (like your porch or picnic table). Be sure to avoid getting it in your eyes. Reapply as needed, especially if you’re sweating or after swimming. The repellent will last for several hours before needing a reapplication.

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### 🌟 **Why This Natural Repellent Works**

This natural repellent works so well for several reasons:

– **Essential oils**: The oils used in the repellent are naturally unpleasant to mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. Their strong scents overwhelm the insects’ senses, keeping them away from you.
– **Witch hazel and water**: Witch hazel is a gentle astringent, while water dilutes the oils, helping them to spread evenly without leaving an oily residue on your skin. Together, they create a great base for this natural repellent.
– **Vegetable glycerin**: This optional ingredient helps the oils mix and improves the longevity of the spray, while also keeping your skin hydrated.

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### 🦟 **How Long Does It Last?**

One of the best features of this natural repellent is its **long-lasting protection**. Once applied, you’ll enjoy mosquito and fly-free time for several hours. If you’re out in the sun or swimming, you may need to reapply more often, but for casual activities like gardening or lounging outside, a single application should keep the bugs away for a long time.

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### 🌸 **Additional Tips for Maximum Effectiveness**

– **Store in a cool place**: Store your repellent in a cool, dark area, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the effectiveness of the essential oils.
– **Test for sensitivity**: While this repellent is all-natural, it’s always a good idea to do a **patch test** on your skin to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions to the oils.
– **Use around the house**: Not only is this spray effective on your skin, but you can also use it around your home. Spritz it on window sills, doorways, or any area where mosquitoes tend to gather.

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### 🌿 **The Benefits of Going Natural**

Opting for a **natural mosquito and fly repellent** has many benefits beyond just being chemical-free:

– **Safe for kids and pets**: This repellent is safe to use around children and pets, making it perfect for family gatherings or outdoor activities.
– **Gentle on your skin**: No harsh chemicals, just natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing.
– **Eco-friendly**: You’re not contributing to pollution or harmful toxins by using this natural formula, which is a great choice for the environment.

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### 🦋 **Final Thoughts: Keep Bugs at Bay the Natural Way**

With this **powerful, natural mosquito and fly repellent**, you can enjoy your outdoor activities without the worry of being bitten or annoyed by pesky insects. The best part is that it’s **easy to make, smells great**, and provides long-lasting protection. Say goodbye to chemical sprays and hello to a more natural, safe solution that works wonders!

Would you like more eco-friendly, natural solutions for your home or garden? Let me know, and I’d be happy to share more tips!

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Enjoy your outdoor time without the bugs—naturally!