Use cupcake tins to form these homemade lotion bars. Photo by Floortje; iStock

Use cupcake tins to form these homemade lotion bars. Photo by Floortje; iStock

Crock-Pot Lotion Bars One way to prevent and treat insect bites is to make bug-repellent lotion bars. They are simple to make and can be customized to fit your needs.

• 4 ounces beeswax, bars or pellets

• 4 ounces shea butter or cocoa butter

• 4 ounces coconut oil

• Essential oils of choice, try one or a blend, 30 to 40 drops total (try peppermint, cinnamon, basil, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary or catnip)

• Crock-Pot liner

1. Put the liner in your Crock-Pot. This will allow for easy cleanup.

2. Add beeswax, shea or cocoa butter, and coconut oil to Crock-Pot. Turn Crock-Pot on high and let ingredients melt. This should take about an hour.

-Advertisement-

3. Once ingredients are completely melted, turn Crock-Pot to its lowest heat setting. Add essential oil(s) and stir to combine.

4. Line a muffin pan with paper cupcake liners. Using a ladle, fill each cup half full. Put pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to harden.