Bug Free July 4th

If you plan to be outdoors tomorrow in celebration of July 4th, Independence Day, you can plan on being “independent” of mosquitos with this Savvy Secret!

Watch the video in this link and then follow the simple instructions below from the folks at Better Homes and Gardens to learn how to make your own natural mosquitos repellent wipes that are chemical free and easy to whip up in no time to keep you and your family bite free this 4th of July!

Supplies Needed:

• Roll of cloth-like paper towels
• Serrated knife
• Round container with lid large enough to hold half of a paper towel roll
• Marker (optional)
• Scissors
• Small mixing bowl
• Liquid measuring cup and measuring spoons
• 4 oz. distilled water
• 2 oz. rubbing alcohol
• 2 oz. castor oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 15 drops cinnamon oil
• Mixing spoon

Step 1: Cut the Paper Towel Roll in Half

Using the knife, cut the roll of paper towels crosswise so they’ll fit in a sealable container. Depending on the size of your container, you might need to cut a little more than half off so the paper towels will fit; you can check how much you need to cut off by lining up the paper towels with your container, then using a marker or pencil to mark just below where the lid lands (so you remember where to cut). Trim away any rough edges with scissors, and pull the cardboard tube out of the center of the roll.

Step 2: Mix Homemade Mosquito Repellent

In a small mixing bowl, combine distilled water, rubbing alcohol, castor oil, lemon juice, and cinnamon oil. Mix with a spoon to combine.

Step 3: Let Paper Towels Soak Up the Mixture

Pour the mosquito repellent mixture into the container. Then, set the paper towels in the container so they can soak up the repellent. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes before using to give the wipes time to become saturated with the mixture. Then, use the wipes whenever you want to repel bugs by pulling one from the center of the roll and rubbing it on your body (be careful to avoid your eyes when using).

Depending on how much time you and your family spend outside, one batch of homemade mosquito wipes could last you the entire summer! A container that seals will help prevent them from drying out, but if you go to use one and notice that it’s dry, you can always refresh your wipes by mixing up more DIY bug repellent and letting the towels soak it in. With one swipe (and no smelly spray), you can enjoy a few mosquito-free hours outside!

Hang your flag, fire up your BBQ, grab some song sheets of your favorite Patriot tunes, find your gratitude for this country of ours and its people, don’t forget your mosquito wipes and CELEBRATE! Happy July 4th everyone!