How to repel insects at a picnic without repellent

Spending time in nature is like a breath of fresh air for city dwellers. But this joy can easily be ruined by something small — insects. They crawl under clothes, land on food, bite and cause discomfort. If you don’t have repellent with you, here are natural ways to deal with unwanted pests.

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are great for repelling bugs. Their strong scent deters gnats, flies, and ants. You can cut the fruits in half and place them around your picnic area or make a spray by mixing citrus juice with water in a spray bottle.

Certain herbs can also help. Basil, mint, and rosemary are effective natural insect repellents. Plant them in small pots and place them nearby, or crush their leaves and rub on your skin. You can also make an herbal spray by mixing crushed leaves with water.

Garlic is another powerful solution. Its sharp smell drives away gnats, flies, and ticks. Place garlic cloves around your picnic spot or make a spray by mixing crushed garlic with water.

Vinegar is also a good repellent. The smell repels ants, gnats, and flies. Pour some vinegar into a cup and place it nearby or mix it with water in a spray bottle.