We moved last year from a studio apartment on the 24th floor to a bigger apartment on the 3rd floor, with courtyard facing balconies. We excitedly bought a set of outdoor couch for the bedroom balcony to enjoy the greenery and shades of the courtyard. Unfortunately, our anopheliphobia has only permitted us to sit out thrice. This year, after a series of unfortunate events (fire hazard from flown-in cigarette buds, tenants on the wanted list living in the floor above) we’ve been able to negotiate with the building committee for permission to install nets and stainless steel cords as security measures. A few mosquitos may still penetrate our new fort every now and then, but it’s definitely more manageable.

In Taiwan, with our subtropical climate, there are a huge varieties of mosquito prevention products available, from sprays, incense to electric vape, bug capturing lights and hanging mosquito cards. Toxicity is not a major point of discussion, since dengue fever can be more deadly. Most of these solutions work to a certain extent but are not completely effective and have strong scents. These commercial supplier, nonetheless, can really bite your wallet and suck on your money with the prices they charge.

I usually avoid the outdoors in Taiwan as much as I can. But now I have a near-greenhouse balcony to enjoy, I want a more enjoyable bug repellent. I use menthoglycol, a natural active ingredient in insect repellents, in addition to a combo of essential oil. Menthoglycol has an slurry ointment feel and appearance, and is oily and cooling to the touch. It also smells quite pleasant.

I’ve also selected a few essential oil to add to the mix. I use eucalyptus and lemon grass essential oil. You are welcome to try others, such as citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, or tea tree. I’ve also used lemon myrtle hydrosol, while you are welcome to try frankincense, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint.

I first dissolve the menthoglycol in 75% alcohol, then add the essential oil and hydrasol. I’ve also added a bit of Tween or Polysorbate 20 to help the oil and water to mix a little. You would still need to shake well before use but it helps with the dispersion. There’s a slip or slight oiliness to the spray, but much better than commercial options I’ve tried. It smells much nicer than most commercial products, has a slight cooling feeling, and is much more effective than most home remedy recipes I’ve tried. I’ve been able to enjoy some wine & cheese out on my balcony, and am looking forward to a little alfresco dining.

我使用的原料比例:

• 孟二醇 PMD Para-Menthane-3,8-diol / Menthoglycol 5ml | 1 tsp 茶匙

• 酒精 75% Alcohol 10ml | 2 tsp 茶匙

• 防蚊精油 Bug Repelling Essential Oil of Choice 15 ~ 30 drops 滴

• Tween 20 乳化劑 Polysorbate 20 5ml | 1 tsp 茶匙

• 花水 Bug Repelling Hydrasol of Choice 30ml

更多居家用品 DIY Household Essentials:

• 簡單省錢自製洗碗機粉 + 光潔潤乾劑 | Best DIY Dishwasher Powder & Rinse Aid (NOT Vinegar!!)

• 只要1/5價？！自製森呼吸環保萬用清潔劑 | DIY Biodegradable All-in-One Cleaner

• DIY Toothpaste 自製無毒牙膏

• 自製防蟲防蟻噴霧 - 超簡單天然DIY

• 自製萬用濕紙巾、寶寶潔膚巾｜DIY Baby Wipes 濕擦更乾淨、無添加不含防腐劑

• 簡單自製護色絲滑洗髮精 | DIY Easy Silky Shampoo

• 自製簡易頭皮淨化洗髮精 | DIY Easy Clarifying Shampoo

• DIY無患子洗髮精－純天然健康無負擔

DIY原料線上購買:

iHerb.com
城乙化工行
第一化工 
順億化工
香草工房
Amazon.com
Lotion Crafter
MakingCosmetics