DIY Bug Repellent Spray with Essential Oils

DIY bug repellent spray uses essential oils to deter bugs. The summer months don’t have to be frustrating with bugs when you use this bug spray. All of these essential oils are proven to deter bugs and have a pleasant aroma as well!

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It is a running joke in Minnesota that the mosquito is the state bird here. Let me tell you, sometimes it feels like it.

With all the lakes here you can expect that there would be a lot of mosquitos and it is hard to enjoy sitting outdoors in the evenings when you have mosquitos buzzing all around you and having to worry about things like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and listening to kids complain about itching mosquito bites. 

If you’re new here, you’ll learn that I don’t like using any harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances in my home. Commercial bug sprays are full of chemicals that are harmful to our environment and potentially to our health. The Environmental Protection Agency cautions that bug sprays can impact air quality for humans and animals. They also can cause skin irritation and lung issues if accidentally breathed in…which is pretty likely with kids. 

Commercial bug sprays can also contain DEET products which is harmful to pets. I’d rather use a homemade bug repellent that I know will be safe around the whole family. 

If you need a bug spray specifically for pets, I have you covered with this homemade bug repellent for dogs!

This bug spray is effective against mosquitos, chiggers, and ticks! We never have an issue with them when using this bug spray!

Do Essential Oils repel bugs?

There is LOTS of research that shows us essential oils and plants are great at being natural bug repellents. For example, citronella has been shown to confuse bugs with its scent and therefore they have a harder time finding their prey due to the chemical properties of citronella.

The menthol component of peppermint irritates and deters certain bugs like mosquitos, spiders, ants, and more! Lemon eucalyptus oil has shown to be JUST as effective as DEET if not better at repelling mosquitos. I’ll have studies and articles linked at the bottom if you want to read more research!

Why make your own bug spray?

I have come to love using essential oils over time, especially after having kids. If you know how to use them effectively, essential oils have so many amazing benefits to take advantage of. 

By taking advantage of essential oils you are reducing your toxin exposure, especially to things that are going on your skin or potentially inhaling. 

The better news is that the Center for Disease Control issued a statement years ago approving oil of lemon eucalyptus to be JUST AS effective as DEET! This is amazing because lemon eucalyptus does not present with the side effects of deet! 

I firmly believe nature is there to provide for us as long as we look for it!

What’s in this natural bug repellent?

Essential Oils:

This combination of oils is perfect for repelling bugs as all of these oils are shown to be very effective at doing so. The essential oils are the active ingredient in this homemade bug-repellent recipe. 

  • Citronella
  • Lavender oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Rosemary
  • Geranium
  • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

See my post here on the best essential oil brands!

Other Ingredients:

The following ingredients are great natural repellents and are needed to complete our DIY bug repellent spray. 

  • Witch Hazel- Witch hazel acts as a carrier for your essential oils. Typically recipes have a carrier oil but I want to avoid using an oil because it can feel greasy on your skin. Witch hazel also carries the scent of your oils and helps them “stick” to your skin and clothing. 
  • White Vinegar- The acetic acid in vinegar acts as a great bug control in natural bug spray recipes. The potent smell of vinegar deters mosquitos and other bugs away from us! You won’t smell the vinegar in this mixture!
  • Distilled Water- You need DISTILLED water to dilute your spray or it will be too potent for your skin. You have to use distilled or very filtered water so you don’t grow bacteria. 

Other Materials you will need:

A spray bottle- I use a 2oz bottle and this recipe is designed for 2oz

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Can this be used on young children?

This is advised not to use on children under 2 years of age because certain oils such as peppermint are deemed unsafe for kids under 2! You can follow my recipe here if you want a bug spray that is good for babies and young children. I say use it at your own discretion.

How long does this bug spray last?

I would keep this spray for up to one year and make a new batch! 

Other ways to repel bugs

There a so many great ways to repel buys without having to use chemical-based insect repellents, especially around your home! With the use of plants and herbs you can reduce chemical repellents while also having your own cute little garden and adding a beautiful aesthetic to your home!

Plants:

  • Citronella Plant
  • Peppermint plants
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Mint
  • ​Rosemary

Other Natural Bug repellents:

Citronella Candles

Neem oil- you can use this to spray on your plants if you have bug problems or you can use a good quality neem oil to use topically!

How to use natural bug spray

When using your natural bug spray you want to make sure you are applying it before you go into mosquito-heavy places such as bogs, standing water, lakes, and long, grassy areas. 

For best results, I would re-apply your bug spray every four hours depending on if you are sweating, in the water, or how long you are outside. 

When first using your natural spray, ensure you spray it on a small section of your skin to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions to any of the essential oils. 

How to make your own bug-repellent

In a 2oz bottle combine your essential oils first. This recipe has a total of 24 drops of essential oil. If you have more sensitive skin or you prefer to omit a certain scent, you can adjust to your preferences! You don’t want too much essential oil otherwise it could be very potent and you have the potential to irritate your skin. 

  • 5 drops citronella essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 3 drops geranium essential oil

Add:

  • 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
  • 1 Tablespoon white vinegar

Top off with distilled water

Shake well to incorporate the mixture!

Store your homemade bug spray away from direct sunlight when not in use. 

Final Thoughts:

Getting bug bites takes the fun out of being outside but you don’t have to worry about that with this DIY bug-repellent spray. Using the perfect essential oil blend you can repel bugs without the use of harsh chemicals. If you try this I’d love to know so leave a comment if you do! 

Studies and Sources:

Effectiveness of Lemon Eucalyptus

What Bugs Does Peppermint Oil Repel? | BeatPests

DIY Bug Repellent Spray

DIY bug repellent spray uses essential oils to deter bugs. The summer months don't have to be frustrating with bugs when you use this bug spray. All of these essential oils are proven to deter bugs and have a pleasant aroma as well!

Ingredients
  

Essential Oils

  • 5 drops citronella essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 3 drops geranium essential oil

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp witch hazel
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • distilled water

Instructions
 

  • Add essential oils, witch hazel, and vinegar to a 2oz spray bottle
  • Top mixture off with distilled water and shake to mix

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