The Hour

We Scots don’t know a good thing when we see it, and love nothing more than a good moan. Even during the summer, when the sun is shining and the weather is fair, we still moan about all those pesky little bugs that ruin our day.

Well fear not, for herbalist Karon Grieve joined The Hour to reveal some top tips for keeping them away.

1. Fly deterrant

An open window is an open door and welcome mat to flies. To keep them away, hang half an onion studded with cloves or put a pot of basil on the windowsill. Alternatively, fill a bowl with orange peel and cloves. This will look great, smell great, and keep flies to a minimum.

2. Midge Spray

Ingredients:
1 ½ tsp citronella oil
1 ½ tsp lavender oil
¾ tsp eucalyptus essential oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
250ml distilled witch hazel

Method:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray skin whenever you go outside in the evening.

3. Simple Mozzie Spray

Mosquitos aren't normally a problem in Scotland, but if you’re straying further a field this summer you may want to bring a bottle of lavender essential oil with you. Mix a few drops with water in a plastic spray bottle and spray yourself in the evening and your bedding at night.

As well as keeping the bugs away it will also help you sleep at night.

4. Ant Attack

Tasty summer treats tend to attract ants in to the house, but Karon can help out here as well. One way to put them off is to mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar with ten drops of lavender and mint essential oils in a spray bottle.

Use it to spray surfaces and it will keep ants away, and is also antibacterial.

Alternatively, mix dried mint and cayenne pepper and put this in areas where ants are getting into the house.

5. Fleas & Ticks

Ingredients:
1 cup mild liquid soap (you can buy organic liquid soap from good iron mongers or online)
2 cups warm water
3 drops each of citronella, thyme, rosemary and cedar wood essential oils

Method:
Mix well, shampoo dog twice and rinse with cool water.

You can also use these essential oils on a bandana round your pet’s neck.

HERBAL HIGHLIGHTS

• New Year detox tips
• Healing herbs
• Visit Karon's website for the easy life