All-Natural DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

Need to repel bugs? Make this super easy all natural DIY bug spray with essential oils! It is so easy to make and will help keep you safe while outside.

Our family loves being outside, but where we live, we have tons of mosquitos, and unfortunately, they love my blood.

Growing up for girl’s camp, I would get hundreds of bites by the end of the week. And I cannot stand all the itching.

If you are like me, you might reach for a commercial bug spray only to be overwhelmed by its strong chemical smell.

What if you could create your own bug spray that’s just as effective but safer for you and the environment?

Here you will learn the benefits of DIY bug sprays and exactly how to make your own homemade bug spray for mosquitos using essential oils!

Why Choose a DIY Bug Spray?

Here are some of the benefits of making your own homemade insect repellent for skin:

Health Benefits

Commercial bug sprays often contain DEET, a powerful chemical repellent that, while effective, can cause skin irritations and other health issues with prolonged use.

A DIY bug spray, on the other hand, uses natural ingredients like essential oils, which are gentler on the skin. This makes it a better option for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Environmental Impact

Many store-bought insect repellents contain chemicals that can harm the environment. When sprayed, these chemicals can contaminate soil and water sources, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Homemade bug spray with essential oils use natural, biodegradable ingredients, significantly reducing your ecological footprint.

Cost-Effectiveness

A bottle of commercial bug spray can be quite expensive, especially if you use it frequently.

Your own essential oil bug spray is made from natural ingredients, many of which you might already have at home, especially if you love essential oils.

This not only saves money but also reduces waste from plastic packaging.

Customization

One of the best things about making your own bug spray is the ability to customize it. You can choose your preferred scents, adjust the strength of the repellent, and tailor it to your skin type and personal needs.

I love personalizing all my products I make, so this is the best benefit for me!

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Bug Spray Ingredients

Creating a DIY bug spray using natural ingredients like witch hazel, almond oil, and various essential oils is one of the easiest ways to repel mosquitos and other bugs.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient:

Witch Hazel

• Astringent Properties: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to tighten the skin and reduce inflammation.
  
• Antimicrobial: It has mild antimicrobial properties, which can help to keep the skin clean and potentially aid in repelling bugs.

Almond Oil

• Moisturizing: Almond oil is an excellent moisturizer, which helps to keep the skin hydrated.
  
• Carrier Oil: It acts as a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils, ensuring they are safe for skin application.
  
• Nutrient-Rich: Rich in vitamins E and D, almond oil nourishes the skin, making it smooth and healthy.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

• Insect Repellent: Lemongrass is known for its strong insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes.
  
• Antibacterial and Antifungal: It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help protect the skin.
  
• Pleasant Aroma: It adds a fresh, citrusy scent to the bug spray, which is pleasant for humans but repellent to insects.

Citronella Essential Oil

• Insect Repellent: Citronella is one of the most well-known natural insect repellents, effective against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
  
• Deodorizing: It has deodorizing properties, helping to mask human odors that attract bugs.
  
• Refreshing Scent: The lemony scent is refreshing and helps to create a pleasant fragrance for the bug spray.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

• Antimicrobial: Tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent infections from bug bites.
  
• Insect Repellent: It has been found to repel various insects, including mosquitoes and lice.
  
• Healing Properties: Tea tree oil can help to soothe and heal the skin after insect bites.

Lavender Essential Oil

• Insect Repellent: Lavender oil is effective in repelling moths, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.
  
• Calming Effect: It has a calming and relaxing effect, which can help to reduce stress and improve sleep.
  
• Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic: Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help to soothe and heal the skin after bites.

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DIY Essential Oil Bug Repellent Recipe

Here is a super simple bug spray recipe with essential oils to follow:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup almond oil
• 8 oz spray bottle
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

Add the drops of essential oils into the almond oil. Then add in the witch hazel.

Pour into your spray bottle. Shake well to mix.

Spray on exposed skin and clothing before going outdoors. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.

Tips for Using Your DIY Bug Spray

• Spray the bug repellent generously on exposed skin and clothing. Avoid spraying directly on your face; instead, spray on your hands and then apply to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  
• Reapply the spray every couple of hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Natural repellents may not last as long as chemical ones, so frequent application is necessary.
  
• Always perform a patch test before using a new DIY spray to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
  
• For added protection, wear long sleeves and pants, and use citronella candles (check out this DIY recipe for one!) or essential oil diffusers in outdoor areas. Combining these methods with your DIY bug spray will provide comprehensive protection against bugs.

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DIY Bug Spray

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Materials

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup almond oil
• 8 oz spray bottle
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Add the drops of essential oils into the almond oil. Then add in the witch hazel.
2. Pour into your spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
3. Spray on exposed skin and clothing before going outdoors. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.

Notes

• Spray the bug repellent generously on exposed skin and clothing. Avoid spraying directly on your face; instead, spray on your hands and then apply to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
• Reapply the spray every couple of hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Natural repellents may not last as long as chemical ones, so frequent application is necessary.
• Always perform a patch test before using a new DIY spray to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
• For added protection, wear long sleeves and pants, and use citronella candles (check out this DIY recipe for one!) or essential oil diffusers in outdoor areas. Combining these methods with your DIY bug spray will provide comprehensive protection against bugs.

Best Essential Oils for a Bug Spray

When making a DIY bug spray, certain essential oils are particularly effective due to their insect-repellent properties.

Here are some of the best essential oils to include in your recipe:

Citronella Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
  
• Benefits: Citronella is widely recognized for its strong insect-repelling properties. It masks scents that are attractive to insects, making it difficult for them to locate their targets.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Effective against mosquitoes and other bugs.
  
• Benefits: Lemongrass oil has a strong, fresh citrus scent that is unpleasant to many insects. It’s also antibacterial and antifungal, adding an extra layer of protection.

Lavender Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies.
  
• Benefits: Lavender not only repels insects but also has calming, soothing properties. It’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which helps soothe and heal bug bites.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes and lice.
  
• Benefits: Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infections from bug bites. It’s also soothing and helps to reduce inflammation.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes and other insects.
  
• Benefits: Eucalyptus oil has a strong scent that insects find unpleasant. It’s also antibacterial and has a cooling effect, which can soothe skin.

Peppermint Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes, spiders, and ants.
  
• Benefits: Peppermint oil has a strong, minty scent that is effective in repelling various insects. It also provides a cooling sensation and can help soothe itchy bites.

Thyme Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes.
  
• Benefits: Thyme oil has strong insect-repellent properties and is particularly effective against mosquitoes. It also has antimicrobial properties.

Patchouli Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
  
• Benefits: Patchouli oil has a deep, musky scent that repels insects. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to treat bites.

Geranium Essential Oil

• Primary Use: Repels mosquitoes and other insects.
  
• Benefits: Geranium oil is effective against a variety of insects and has a pleasant floral scent. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Use any of these for the best DIY bug spray with essential oils!

Essential Oil Insect Repellent Recipe Wrap-Up

Creating your own DIY bug spray with essential oils is a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to protect yourself from annoying insects.

Give it a try and see how well it works for you! Happy bug-free adventures!

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