Vinegar can be part of a mosquito-fighting arsenal.
Vinegar is one common, household substance that has tons of uses and applications. One application can help bring relief from one of most annoying pests of all: mosquitoes. They can put a real dent in summer fun and outdoor activities for everyone in your house, including your pets, and cause serious illnesses such as West Nile virus. Try making an inexpensive and natural homemade mosquito repellent with white, apple cider or rice vinegar as a defense shield to keep mosquitoes away. Reapply frequently if you're going to be outdoors for a long time and after swimming. Does this Spark an idea?
Vinegar Citronella Spray
Make a small spray to keep on hand for yourself, children and house guests. Add one-third cup of apple cider vinegar, one-third cup of witch hazel and five drops of citronella essential oil. Shake the mixture and keep it in a handy place, such as near an exit to go outdoors and into your backyard to make sure to protect yourself and others from mosquitoes.
Vinegar, Vodka and Eucalyptus
Another homemade spray mixture has vodka as a main ingredient. Use one-third cup of vinegar, one-third cup of vodka and five drops of eucalyptus oil. Lemon balm oil can be used as a substitute for the eucalyptus oil.
Cookout Picnic Table Bowls
The next time you have an outdoor cookout, keep everyone protected from pesky mosquitoes. Use small dessert bowls and fill them with either white or apple cider vinegar. Set the bowls on the picnic tables to help keep mosquitoes from interfering with the enjoyment of eating and relaxing outdoors and driving everyone back inside the house.
Vinegar and Catnip Spritz
Team together two natural ingredients to make a mosquito repellent spritz. Use a mortar and pestle or grinder to crush two cups of catnip leaves. Pour the leaves into a one-quart jar. Add three cups of either white vinegar or rice vinegar. Shake well and store the jar in a dark place, such as inside a cupboard or pantry. Give the jar a good shaking every day for the next two weeks. Get out your sieve and strain the mixture into a clean jar. You can pour a small quantity into a spray bottle to spritz and store the rest in the refrigerator to keep a supply on hand. The spritz can be sprayed on your clothes as well as on your body.
Pet Protection
Add one tbsp. of organic apple cider vinegar to your pet's water bowl to deter mosquitoes. The scent will keep the mosquitoes away so they don't lay eggs in the water. When you give your pet a bath, you can also use apple cider vinegar to rinse the fur as another way to repel mosquitoes when the animal goes outdoors. Vinegar also works to repel fleas.
Tags: apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cider vinegar, keep mosquitoes, either white, five drops