Homemade Bug Spray with 3 Simple Ingredients
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Did you know there are some essential oils that bugs HATE? I’ll admit I was skeptical, until my friend Beth whipped up a homemade bug spray for us while in Florida and it WORKED. And if it works on those ginormous Florida critters, I know it’ll work on just about anything! Which also proves that DIY bloggers can and will try to DIY just about anything, homemade bug spray included.
I’ll be honest, I never thought a homemade bug spray would work, let alone work WELL, so color me impressed when this stuff performed as well as the chemical laden versions. It’s all I’ve used on myself and the kids this summer, and I feel great knowing it’s natural and I’m not spraying chemicals all over my family.
I’ve posted the essential oil bug spray recipe with some add-ons listed below to tweak it to your needs! The more drops of essential oil you use, the better it will work. I love how you can customize it!
Ingredients:
- Distilled water
- Witch Hazel
- Purification essential oil
- 4 oz. glass spray bottle
- Additional oils such as Citronella, Lavender and Peppermint (optional)
Directions:
- Add 15-20 drops of Purification to the bottle.
- Fill the bottle 2/3 of the way with distilled water and the rest of the way with Witch Hazel as a dispersant.
It’s perfect for taking along on hikes, day trips, to playgrounds, amusement parks, and while traveling (spray your luggage) I’ve even used it on myself in hotels just in case. You can also use it on school bags and backpacks, especially if you add some Rosemary Essential Oil or Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil, both of which are hated by critters that hangout in school. ISN’T THIS A LOVELY TOPIC TODAY? Yeesh. Create a calmer home by spraying the area to be treated and/or leave cotton balls with the oils in areas where unwanted things enter the home.
You can even use some essential oils on your pets, though the dilution is much different than for humans so if you do so please make sure to find a trusted resource for that information. I’ve heard they can work wonders when used correctly.
I also like to diffuse Citronella Oil on the deck. Keeps the bugs away and the glowing diffuser is even slightly romantic. True story.
Other Oils to Add to You Homemade Bug Spray
Here are some additional essential oils you can use in your homemade bug spray. With so many options, you can customize the scent to something you love while keeping bugs at bay. A spray that smells great and works? That’s a win-win!
- Purification
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint (ants really hate this one)!
- Lavender
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil)
- Rosemary
- Patchouli
- Geranium
Plus if you forgot to put on your outdoor spray and the buggers got one up on you, add a dab of lavender or purification to that spot. You’ll thank me for this!
These guys are too precious not to protect, and to do so naturally makes my heart sing. Yup, we’re rocking the pajamas in the Pamlico Sound here. And our essential oils. LIFE IS GOOD.
Now go forth outdoors, my friends! Plus, did I tell you that you smell amazing? ‘Cause essential oils smell WAY better than that other brand of chemical-filled bug spray, so there’s that, too. Happy Summer!
If you’re looking for other natural ways to enjoy the outdoors, check out my Bug Repelling Mason Jar Luminaries and the Homemade Natural Bug Spray for Plants.
Information and statements regarding health claims on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
