Bugs begone
Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. That means it is time to prep for one of the most enjoyable and highly anticipated seasons — patio season. There is a lot of work that goes into prepping for patio season. It can mean anything from staining decks, buying new patio furniture, staging it differently from other years, hauling out and cleaning the barbecue. Unless, that is, you are a year-round kind of barbecue person.
“Welcome to our patio, where we do a lot of sipping, grilling and chilling.”
It also means we will, unfortunately, be sharing our beloved patio time with some guests. I’m not talking about the invited kind. The kind that annoyingly buzz around and bite you. Yup, patio season also means mosquito season. Depending on where you are in the province, they can be sporadic or out in full force.
Where am I going with this you may ask? Well, foodie friends, instead of buying up all the usual bug repellent tools like mosquito traps, coils and burners — how about making your own homemade bug repellent with some kitchen foodie items?
I know this isn’t your typical fit to eat column but sometimes it’s great to take a step outside of the foodie box and put what you have around the kitchen to use in a different way — other than your belly.
Today, we are going to make homemade mosquitorepellent candles. Why? Why not! Not only do they repel those annoying bugs, they are pretty outdoor decorations, they smell nice, and they’re probably healthier than the stuff you would otherwise burn. Added bonus, they take about ten minutes to make. It’s a win-win all around.
“Why can’t mosquitoes suck fat instead of blood?”
— Unknown
Let’s start by gathering up ingredients. You are going to need mason jars. Well, you can use any type of jar you have lying around the house —jam, mason, spaghetti — your preference. If you don’t have any, mason jars are available at most stores in the kitchen section. You will also require floating candles, lemons, limes, basil and lemongrass essential oil. Doesn’t it sound lovely?
To put your mosquitorepellent candles together, start by slicing one lemon and one lime and add a couple of slices of each to the bottom of the jar. Add in some sprigs of basil and fill the jar with water. Side note, if you have been growing a basil plant through the winter and have lots of leaves left, this is a great way to use it up. My mother has a basil plant that has found the coziest place next to a window and it won’t stop growing. I’m going to do her, and the plant, a favour by harvesting the leaves. Once that’s complete, add about 10 to 15 drops of lemon grass oil and stir it up. Last by not least, add the floating candles.
Oops! I spoke to soon. The very last step should be the lighting of the candle.
How pretty is that? Much better than those ugly coils and gross looking mosquito burners you get in the camping section. Speaking of camping, you can easily transport these to your camp ground by placing the top back on the jar. So don’t throw the lids away. Homemade bug-repellent candles make interesting hostess gifts as well. Especially if you are invited over to someone’s home for an outdoor barbecue. So many options and uses for homemade bug repellent candles.
Imagine, you are striving to make something in the kitchen that’s not palatable. They might be everyday ingredients to you but they are sickening to mosquitoes — that’s exactly what you are trying to achieve.
— Unknown “Dad fly: How’s your first flight son? Son: Feels great, everyone is clapping for me!” — Unknown
Fresh ingredients are the best way to live a bug-free summer. Now you’ll be able to eat your summer spread in peace. Enjoy to the fullest as homemade bug repellent is definitely fit to er… make? Yes, that’ll do.