Homemade Essential Oils Bug Spray Recipes (by an Aromatherapist)
Warmer months mean more outdoor time with your friends and family, but let’s do that without pesky bugs taking away the fun.
If you’re like me, the last thing you want is to have to use bug sprays with nasty chemicals, especially on your kids.
So, instead, you’ll be able to make your natural bug spray recipe that keeps bugs away without those nasty chemicals.
As a Certified Aromatherapist and mother of four, I’ll teach you how to use your favorite oils that have potent properties for keeping bugs away, as well as how to store them and safety precautions.
I love these friendly remedies for a natural spray that I can use while camping, picnicking, bonfires, or any outdoor activity. I believe you will too!
I trust you’ll find your new favorite homemade bug spray with essential oils recipe among these.
Best Essential Oils for Bug Repellent
Some amazing essential oils are natural bug repellents you can use to make your own bug spray.
I made these regularly when my four children were little and we would go on camping trips each Spring and Summer.
The different essential oils I used work by giving off scents that bugs dislike. When you use these oils, mosquitoes and other pesky insects stay away.
Let’s talk about the best essential oils for keeping bugs at bay.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella oil is a top choice. It has a strong odor that mosquitoes and other bugs hate. When you go outside, citronella can help keep those insects from biting you.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is another great option. Not only does it smell nice, but it also helps prevent mosquito bites.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is known for its effectiveness too. It’s a natural alternative to commercial insect repellents and can protect you from various bugs.
Fun fact: Lemon eucalyptus oil smells almost exactly like Citronella oil.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil, also known by its scientific name Melaleuca alternifolia, is powerful against different bugs.
Its unique aroma is excellent for keeping insects away.
Thyme Essential Oil
Another good choice is thyme oil. It has a potent scent that bugs don’t like, making it a perfect ingredient for homemade bug repellent.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is one of my favorite essential oils to use as a bug-repellent oil.
It has a strong aroma and refreshing feel and it is effective at repelling various insects, including mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and flies.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is another effective bug-repellent oil. It has a fresh, citrusy scent that mosquitoes and other insects find unpleasant.
When used in bug sprays, lemongrass oil can help deter mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other pests.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil is also known for its bug-repellent properties. It has a floral and slightly minty aroma that bugs find repulsive.
Geranium oil can be effective against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects.
These oils work as natural alternatives to chemical-based insect repellents.
They contain active ingredients that bugs find unattractive or irritating. By using these natural products, you avoid the toxic chemicals found in many commercial bug sprays.
When warmer weather arrives, it’s the time of year when bugs become more active. That’s why having a natural bug repellent is essential. You can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about insect bites.
The essential oil bug spray recipes I’ll give you in this article will include a combination of oils to target different bugs. This way, you get broad-spectrum protection against pesky mosquitos and other insects.
Natural ingredients like citronella oil, lavender oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil are excellent for repelling bugs.
These essential oils offer a safe and natural way to keep insects away, whether it’s for your personal use or as gifts for others.
By understanding how these oils work, you can make an effective homemade bug spray. This gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re using a natural product that’s friendly to both you and the environment.
3 Proven Homemade Bug Spray Recipes with Essential Oils
Making your bug spray with essential oils is simple and effective. I find it fun to do as I can customize them and know that they will work amazingly for keeping my family bug-free.
As a Certified Aromatherapist, I created these three homemade bug-repellent recipes that you can easily make at home to keep those pesky insects at bay.
Basic Bug-Repelling Essential Oil Blend
I love having a basic homemade bug spray with essential oils that I can easily grab and go and know that it will work. This blend effectively repels mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
Ingredients:
- Distilled water: 1 cup
- Witch hazel: ½ cup
- Lavender oil: 10 drops
- Lemon eucalyptus oil: 10 drops
Instructions:
- Mix the distilled water and witch hazel in a dark-colored glass spray bottle.
- Add the lavender oil and lemon eucalyptus oil to the mixture.
- Close the bottle and shake well to combine all the ingredients
Strong Protection Blend
If you need extra protection against stubborn bugs, try this strong protection blend. This blend is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. It’s ideal for outdoor activities or areas where bugs are abundant.
Ingredients:
- Distilled water: 1 cup
- Witch hazel: ½ cup
- Citronella oil: 15 drops
- Tea tree oil: 10 drops
- Peppermint oil: 5 drops
Instructions:
- Combine the distilled water and witch hazel in a dark-colored glass spray bottle.
- Add the citronella oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil to the mixture.
- Shake the bottle well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Sensitive Skin Bug Spray
For those with sensitive skin, this gentle bug spray is perfect. This gentle blend repels mosquitoes and flies while being gentle on sensitive skin. It’s suitable for use on young children and pregnant people.
Ingredients:
- Distilled water: 1 cup
- Vegetable glycerin: 1 tablespoon
- Lavender essential oil: 10 drops
- Lemongrass oil: 5 drops
- Geranium oil: 5 drops
Instructions:
- Combine the distilled water and vegetable glycerin in a dark-colored glass spray bottle.
- Add the lavender essential oil, lemongrass oil, and geranium oil to the mixture.
- Shake the bottle well to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
Each of these homemade bug spray recipes offers natural protection against a variety of insects.
Experiment with different essential oil blends to find the one that works best for you and your family.
Enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about bug bites and the need for chemical-based insect repellents.
How to Best Use and Store a Homemade Bug Spray with Essential Oils
Using and storing your homemade bug spray properly ensures its effectiveness and longevity.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your natural insect repellent.
Tips for Effective Application:
- Apply your bug spray evenly to exposed skin and clothing before heading outdoors.
- Reapply the spray every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Avoid spraying the repellent directly on your face; instead, spray it on your hands and then apply it to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- Consider spraying your clothes and gear, such as tents or sleeping bags, for added protection.
- Test a small area of your skin before widespread use to check for any skin irritation.
Guidelines for Storage:
- Store your homemade bug spray in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Use a glass spray bottle to store the repellent, as plastic bottles may degrade over time and leach chemicals into the spray.
- Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and maintain potency.
- If you’re not using the repellent for an extended period, consider storing it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
Shelf Life of Homemade Bug Sprays:
The shelf life of homemade bug sprays varies depending on the ingredients used and how they are stored.
On average, these sprays can last anywhere from six months to a year.
However, it’s essential to monitor the scent and effectiveness of the spray over time. If it starts to smell off or loses its effectiveness, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Why Can’t I Mix Essential Oils with Just Water?
Essential oils and water don’t mix well on their own due to their different properties.
You need to use an emulsifier or carrier substance when making a bug spray.
Oil and water have different molecular structures, making them immiscible.
When you try to mix them, they separate into distinct layers, with the oil floating on top of the water. This separation prevents the essential oils from dispersing evenly in the spray solution, reducing its effectiveness.
An emulsifier or carrier substance helps bind the essential oils with the water, creating a stable mixture. This ensures that the repellent is evenly distributed when sprayed, maximizing its effectiveness in repelling bugs.
By using a carrier substance or emulsifier, you can create a homemade bug spray that effectively repels insects while ensuring that the essential oils are evenly dispersed in the solution.
Safety Precautions for Making Homemade Bug Spray with Essential Oils
When making your bug spray with essential oils, it’s essential to prioritize safety.
Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind.
- Follow recommended dilution rates to avoid skin irritation or sensitization. Typically, a 2% dilution rate is suitable for most adults, which equates to about 12 drops of essential oil per ounce bottle of carrier oil or water.
- When using essential oils on children or individuals with sensitive skin, opt for lower dilution rates and milder oils like lavender or geranium. Always perform a patch test before widespread use.
- Be aware of potential essential oil allergies and avoid using oils that individuals may be sensitive to. Common allergens include cinnamon oil and citrus oils. Additionally, some oils, like bergamot and lemon, can cause phototoxicity when exposed to sunlight.
By following these tips and precautions, you can safely create and use your bug repellent with essential oils.
Prioritizing safety ensures that you and your family can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about skin irritation or harmful effects on the environment.
Continue with: Most Popular Essential Oils for Summer Use
