When warm weather arrives, so do pests. Ants invade counters and mosquitoes swarm porches, quickly disrupting comfort.

While commercial sprays offer relief, many contain harsh chemicals that irritate skin, cause headaches,

and harm pets or the environment. A safer, eco-friendly option is a homemade bug repellent using

simple household items like vinegar, oil, and shampoo. It’s effective, budget-friendly, and easy to make.

Mix ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup olive or vegetable oil, and ½ cup gentle shampoo in a bowl. For extra strength,

add lemon juice or essential oils such as citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender. Whisk well,

then pour into a spray bottle. Apply to windowsills, door frames, trash cans, baseboards, kitchen corners, and outdoor furniture.

Test first on delicate fabrics or wood. Shake before each use and reapply daily, especially during peak bug hours at dawn and dusk.

Each ingredient serves a purpose: vinegar’s scent repels insects, oil suffocates small bugs while creating a protective barrier,

and shampoo blends the mix while lightly cleaning surfaces. This natural, non-toxic solution offers effective pest control without exposing

family or pets to chemicals. Practical and eco-conscious, it keeps pests away all season while protecting health and the environment.