Step by step instructions for making an effective insect repellent using beautyberry leaves.
You’ve probably seen beautyberries growing in the wild if you live in the southeast United States and you probably know that the berries are edible… but did you know that you can also make an effective bug spray out of the leaves.
The American Beautyberry grows from Texas to Maryland in the moist soil along the woodland edges. It is a tall and wide shrub growing between 3-5 foot with clusters of bright pink berries. If you are foraging, it is a fairly easy plant to identify with it’s berries, distinct leaf shape, and smell. It’s fascinating to me that this plant grows in places that are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos… it’s almost like the Creator did that on purpose.
If you’d like to add it to your garden, the native variety of beautyberry grows well and requires little maintenance. It can be grown from the berries or a cutting very easily. So easily that it’ll pop up all over your yard but that not a bad problem to have. We are lucky enough to have it grow wild all over our property and I frequently reach for a leaf or two.
The leaves are known to repel mosquitos, tick and fleas! It is said that the cowboys used to put the crusted leaves under the saddles while riding their horses to repel biting insects. Sometimes we put the leaves in our pockets during early morning and evening milking since it grows near the barn.
It’s not just wishful thinking either. There have been studies showing the compounds within the plant are as effective as DEET! The beautyberry bush is the natural and nontoxic alternative to commercial bug spray.
How to make Beautyberry Bug Spray
- Harvest fresh beautyberry leaves – Using fresh leaves give you a stronger bug spray! As the leaves dry out the compound that repels insects evaporates out.
- Tear leaves & put them in a jar – this helps to release the oils from within the leaf.
- Add alcohol – use rubbing alcohol or 85+ proof vodka.
- Let it sit for a week – the infusion will start to turn green. The longer it sits the greener it gets.
- Strain & pour into spray bottles – I use these glass ones. They are affordable and can be reused again and again.
This is a really simple and safe recipe that is good to have on hand. Keep a bottle in the car, near the front door, in the barn, and the garden. We use it before working in the garden, going on hikes, riding horses, or just being outside.
If you don’t have access to beautyberries where you live but still want to try this natural form of insect repellent, check out our online farmstand!
What to Make with the Beautyberry Berries?
The berries aren’t used for the insect repellant and they don’t have much of a taste but they do make a good jam/syrup!
Leave a Reply