How to get rid of mosquitoes DIY Style
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ......
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Ouch!
Is that how most of your sleepless
nights begin?
Or how your outdoor adventures turn
out?
Well, being located along the beach, in
the very lush and moist part of KZN, we at Sugar Bay are so used to
these buzzing pests. In fact, we're so busy having so much fun that
we don't even know they're around buzzing in our terrain.
Nevertheless, going to bed with red and itchy
bumps or being woken up with the urge to scratch them isn't exactly
exciting.
That's why we've decided to save you
from the mosquitoes and other bugs by showing you how to create your
own Mosquito No More Candles.
MOSQUITO NO MORE CANDLES:
You will need:
- Candle Wax
- Wick
- Essential oils
- Candle holder
- Double boiler
SMART TIP:
A candle, as a heat source, will naturally distract some insects from biting people. Adding essential oils from herbs that have natural insect repellent properties will improve the insect repelling ability of your candle.
Consider adding any of the following list of natural herbs to your candle: - Basil
- Bay leaves
- Catnip
- Ceder
- Citronella
- Clover
- Eucalyptus
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Lemon grass
- Mint
- Pennyroyal
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Warning: Pennyroyal should not be
used around pregnant women!
METHOD:
STEP 1: Choose a Candle Holder
A decorative, metal bucket makes an
excellent candle holder. Something that will hold the wax as it melts
is all that is necessary. A rinsed aluminium can or emptied out glass
jar would also do just fine.
STEP 2: Prepare the Wick
Choose a wick thickness that is large
enough for the size of the candle you are making. With insect
repellent candles you want a large, smoky flame that melts a great
deal of wax. This will disperse the scent of the essential oils
better.
Soak the wick material in a small
selection of melted wax. You will see bubbles of air leaving the wick
as it absorbs the wax. This will improve the burning ability of your
candle. Once the wick is saturated, remove it from the wax and let it
dry flat and straight.
STEP 3: Place the Wick
Secure one end of the dried wick to the
centre bottom of your candle holder. Accurate placement of the wick
will provide an even burn.
STEP 4: Prepare the Wax
Melt the wax in a double boiler. Most
wax will reach an even melt at about 180 Degrees Celsius. Stir in the
essential oils you have chosen once the wax is molten. Provide 1 to
1.5 millilitres (ml) of essential oils for each 10 millilitres of
melted wax.
STEP 5: Pour the Wax into the Candle Holder
Once the wax and essential oils are
combined, let the wax cool for 5 minutes before you pour the hot wax
into the candle holder. Keep the top of the wick in the centre of the
candle holder while pouring the wax in. Work very carefully when
pouring as any splash or spillage will burn.
STEP 6: Let the Candle Harden
Set your candle somewhere cool so the
wax will harden. The larger your candle, the longer it will take to
harden. Wait at least 24 hours before lighting your insect repelling
candle.
And there you have it! No more buzzing
mosquitoes, only happy campers!
Have any questions? Don't be shy! Ask by commenting on our blog! And we will be delighted to reply!
Missed
out on our last holiday camp? No problem! Head over to our website
and book online to secure your
place for another fun themed camp this April. To view the finer
details for each of our themed holiday camps and prices, check out
our rates and dates.
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