It’s flea and tick season here in the Midwest and believe me they’re out for blood! The bugs are horrible this year. Who wants to stay indoors? I had my first trip to the doctor last week because my ear was really sore and swollen. Turns out I was bitten by gnats. The doctor advised me to take Benadryl and monitor the area. The nurse also gave me a recipe for homemade bug repellent. She told me that it works for her and she also uses it on her dogs. She applies it monthly just as you would with the store bought versions. Flea and tick medicine for three dogs, given monthly, can get expensive. So, it’s definitely worth a try. I also feel better knowing what exactly is in the solution before applying.
Ingredients:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cups of water
splash of vanilla
splash of lemon juice
Supplies:
Medium sized mixing bowl
Funnel
Whisk
Spray bottle (check your local dollar stores)
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and then using a funnel transfer it into a spray bottle. Take a black marker and label the bottle.
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For humans I applied it to all areas of the skin that were exposed. For my face, I rubbed some in my hands and applied to my neck and checks only. I get nervous when applying anything around the eyes.
For dogs I applied it the same way that I do with Frontline. Starting at their neckline, down along their back to the tail. Set the spray bottle on stream so that it’s easier to apply in a straight line. Part their hair with the nozzle a bit. If you have multiple dogs wash the nozzle before using it on the next one. Yes, they’ll smell like vinegar for awhile. BUT the fleas and ticks hate vinegar, so that’s okay.
I tried this recipe for the first time today and can report no problems. Sure a couple of gnats trying using my eyes as landing stations, but other than that, it worked fine. I was able to get a couple of hours of yard work in without constantly hitting myself.
Good luck!
Just a cute behind the scenes photo of House yawning during me taking pictures. Or perhaps he was yelling. Or singing.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer
