Do you love spending time outside this time of year, but the bugs not so much? I have just the solution for you today! Not only is this repellent water bowl practical, keeping pesky critters away, but it’s also pretty, adding ambience to your outdoor space. Join me as I walk through the step by step on how you can create a pretty pest repellent bowl for outdoor living.
Spending time outdoors is a mood booster and enhances physical and mental well-being. All this blissful outdoor living can be easily ruined by pesky pests though. This pretty citronella, herbaceous, floating candle bowl is an easy solution, which is not only practical but pretty too.
Key Takeaways
> Outdoor living can be easily ruined by pests, which is easily solved with a pretty pest repellent bowl, creating an enjoyable experience.
> Learn how to make your own pretty pest repellent bowl with step-by-step instructions
> Tips & recommendations to keep in mind
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Inspiration for the Pretty Pest Repellent Bowl
Last year I shared how to DIY citronella candles for the same purpose. Today we are going to take it a step further and lean into some organic elements to amp up the pretty factor.
The repellent bowl comes together easily, smells great and looks beautiful. When something hits more than one sensory sense it compounds the effect.
This will add a charming touch to any outdoor space, while enhancing the overall ambience and experience.
How to Create a Pretty Pest Repellent Bowl
This repellent bowl takes no time to put together and uses simple ingredients. The finishing touch includes floating candles, which distribute the repellent scent plus add a bit of twinkle.
MJ Insider Craft Tip
Read all the instructions through once & then re-read everything again, familiarizing yourself with everything you need & know what to expect. Avoiding surprises during a project prevents unnecessary stress.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Project
- Read instructions thoroughly and assemble all supplies & tools
- Select a large container
Slice Citrus
- Cut lemon into slices
- Cut lime into slices
Assemble Bowl
- Lay citrus slices on the bottom of bowl
- Layer rosemary sprigs on top of citrus
- Pour water into container covering citrus & lavender
- Layer floral stems on top of the water
- Add an ounce of Citronella oil to water
- Mix everything gently to incorporate the oil and release the fragrances
Add Candles
- Gently float candles on top of water
- Light candles
- Voila! Place pretty bowl in you desired outdoor space
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How & Where to Use the Pretty Pest Repellent Bowl
This pretty repellent display is obviously for outdoor use, but beyond that here are some suggestions on how to style your beautiful creation.
Warning
Do not leave a burning open flame candle unattended. Do not burn open flame candles near children and or pets.
Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind
Citrus Options
I used lemons and limes for this particular bowl since I like the green and yellow combination. Feel free to substitute other citrus fruits based on your preferences of scents and colors. Oranges, grapefruits, and blood oranges are all great choices as well.
Greenery Sprig Options
Rosemary grows in our garden, which made it an easy option for me, but you can substitute for other varieties you might grow or simply prefer. Eucalyptus, peppermint, basil and sage are all good options as well.
Floral Stem Options
Once again Russian sage and lavender grow in our yard, which made it an easy choice. Lavender is known for its mosquito repellent properties much like citronella. You could also use lavender oils instead of flowers as another option. Flowers amp up the pretty vibes so use whatever you have in your yard.
More Outdoor Living Related Posts
Outdoor living is good for the body, mind and soul …
Closing Thoughts ~ Pretty Pest Repellent Bowl DIY Conclusion
I hope this helps you enjoy your outdoor spaces pest free and with more comfort. Lavender and citronella are both known for their natural pest repelling properties. Lavender gives off a floral and calming scent, which mosquitoes and the like find unpleasant. Citronella, on the other hand, has a strong citrusy aroma, which masks the scents pests are attracted to not allowing them to find us humans.
What do you think about this pretty bowl as a pest repellent option? Thanks for stopping by today and hope to see you again soon.
Au Revoir!
FAQs – Pretty Pest Repellent Bowl DIY
Q1. What pests are repelled by citronella?
A1. The most common pests which do not like citronella include mosquitos, flies, gnats, ants and ticks.
Q2. Is Citronella truly effective as an insect repellent?
A2. Citronella masks scents that attract insects, preventing them from finding their prey (us). Keep in mind citronella is only a short-term repellent while in proximity.
Q3. Are citronella bowls safe for pets?
A3. Keep citronella bowls away from pets. Although the diluted scent in the air is generally mild, concentrated citronella essential oil is toxic if ingested by dogs or cats. Make sure to supervise pets outdoors if near a citronella bowl.
Q4. What other oils can I mix in.
A4. There are a few options. Citronella mixes well with lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils. These extra scents create a broader, more pleasant smelling barrier against various outdoor pests.
Q5. Can these bowls be used as an indoor deterrent?
A5. No. Citronella bowls and candles are strictly for outdoor use. When burned, citronella oil can produce smoke and poor air quality, and inhalation has been linked to potential lung irritation. Always use them in a well-ventilated outdoor area
Shop the Pest Repellent Bowl Look
- This would make a beautiful vessel option- hand crafted marble decorative bowl, white ruffle
- A glass bowl will reflect the flicker of the candlelight- Clear Glass Bowl 11.8 Inch
- This is the same oil I use – Citronella Oil
- If you don’t have fresh lavender or sage you can add oil- Lavender Essential Oil
- These rose floating candles are prefect- Unscented Rose Petals Flower White Floating Candles
- These colored daisy flowers would be super cute- Colored Candles Chamomile Floating Candles
- For a larger scale these are perfect- Mega Candles – Unscented 3″ Floating Rose Flower Candles – Ivory, Set of 4
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
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If all insects disappeared, all life on earth would perish. If all humans disappeared, all life on earth would flourish.
Jonas Salk