Make Homemade Insect Repellent for Horses Essential Oils vs Lemon, Rosemary and Water vs Natural Ingredients ... and 2 more

We all enjoy the balmy summer days, but nobody appreciates the 30,000 species of insects and other pests that come out to rejoice in the good weather at the same time. Animal friends, in this case, our horses, also share this revulsion, especially because they spend most of their time outdoors.

While they cannot openly complain, it is obvious that they are bothered when they are swarmed and bitten by a myriad of insects all over their bodies. And they are not simply annoyance; most of these insects are carriers of diseases and illnesses that can prove fatal to our pets.

Horses tend to be more affected by insect infestation because they have a thin layer of skin. They suffer from insect bites that can damage their sensitive skin and compromise their health. In an effort to ease their discomfort, we usually think of using over-the-counter insect repellents, which we all know contain chemicals that are harmful to the horse's skin. Thankfully, there are simple ways to make natural, home-made insect repellent for horses that are just as effective, safe, and save you a lot of money. Just follow the recipes below and you'll have a insect repellent that won't cause harm to the horses or the environment, while leaving a shiny healthy looking coat on your horses.

• Rubbing alcohol.
• Essential oil of catnip.
• Sugarless vanilla extract
• Vinegar.
• Baby oil or mineral oil
• Palmolive bath soap.
• Soybean oil
• Vodka
• Citronella oil.
• Lavender oil.
• Tea tree oil.
• Jojoba oil.
• Water.
• Empty spray bottle.

1. 1
   Catnip Spray.

   Advertisement

    

   1. Combine 1 cup each of water and rubbing alcohol in an empty spray bottle.
   2. Add ½ teaspoon of essential oil of catnip.
   3. Replace the nozzle on the spray bottle.
   4. Shake well before spraying over the horse's coat. Avoid spraying near the horse's eyes.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Vanilla Spray.

   Advertisement

    

   1. Pour a bottle of sugarless vanilla extract into an empty spray battle.
   2. Refill the empty vanilla bottle with water and pour it into the spray bottle.
   3. Shake well before spraying on your horse.
   4. Do not use sugared vanilla, as it will only attract more insects!

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Vinegar/Oil.  

   1. Combine equal parts of vinegar and baby or mineral oil in an empty spray bottle.
   2. Shake well then spray all around the horse's coat.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Palmolive/Soy Spray.  

   1. Fill an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of water.
   2. Add ¼ teaspoon of Palmolive bath soap
   3. Add 1 teaspoon of Soy bean oil.
   4. Shake well to completely mix the ingredients then spray on the horse's skin.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Vodka/Citronella/Essential Oil Spray.  

   1. Pour 16 ounces of vodka into an empty spray bottle.
   2. Add ½ ounce of citronella oil.
   3. Add ¼ ounce of lavender oil.
   4. Add 0.15 ounces of tea tree oil.
   5. Add 16 ounces of jojoba oil.
   6. Shake well to combine all ingredients before spraying all over the horse's body. ## Do not spray near the horse's eyes.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   Citronella Shampoo.  

   1. Add two drops of citronella essential oil in your horse's regular shampoo.
   2. Shampoo as you usually do.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

• 1 large lemon with a thick rind
• 3 cups boiling water
• ½ cup dried rosemary leaves
• 2 large bowls
• 1 funnel or cheese cloth

1. 1
   Slice the lemon into thin slices.

   Advertisement

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Place the lemon slices in a bowl.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Sprinkle the lemon slices with dried whole rosemary.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Pour boiling water over the lemons and rosemary.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Use wooden spoon to blend the ingredients.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   Let the mixture steep overnight.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7. 7
   In the morning, using a fennel or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into another bowl. You don't want any bits in your spray.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
8. 8
   Spray the mixture all over the horse's coat.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

• 16 ounces non-aerosol bug repellent
• 16 ounces vinegar
• 16 ounces citronella
• Dish soap
• A few drops of eucalyptus oil
• Water
• Large bowl
• Empty spray bottle

1. 1
   Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl.
   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help