4 Pest-Repellent Recipes for People and Pets: A Pleasant Smell and Price

In this article: Pleasant-smelling, natural, cost-effective pest repellent recipes for keeping bugs away
recipes provided by Irene Helen Zundel
Pest-Repellent Recipes photo
Many commercial pest repellents do the job but don’t smell great, and they are pricey, too. Consider mixing up these affordable pest-repellent recipes to help you keep bugs and unpleasant odors away.

1. Moth Repellent

This formula will keep moths from invading your linen closet, plus keep your linens smelling fresh.

Scent cotton balls with a few drops of patchouli, cedarwood, lavender or sandalwood oils and place them in your closets. Using real cotton balls rather than those that contain polyester will hold the scent longer.

Do not place essential oils on finished woods, dyed materials, plastic or inks. They may damage these finishes or surfaces.

2. All-Purpose Bug Repellent

In a small spray bottle, add the following:

  • 4 ounces of purified water
  • 30 drops of citronella
  • 20 drops of eucalyptus
  • 10 drops of lavender
  • 10 drops of patchouli

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3. Flea Repellent for Pets

Combine 10 drops of pennyroyal, 10 drops of eucalyptus, 10 drops of cedarwood, and 9 drops of citronella. DO NOT put directly on your pet’s fur. Instead, put it on a rope collar or bandana and place the collar or bandana around your dog or cat’s neck.

4. Flea Repellent for Carpets

Add three drops of pennyroyal, three drops of eucalyptus, three drops of cedarwood oil and nine drops of citronella to a one-pound box of baking soda. Sprinkle over the carpets and let it sit for one hour before vacuuming.

Reviewed May 2024

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