How to make your own essential oil bug spray. glass spray bottle with bug sticker and text that says bug off.

Homemade DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray and Mosquito Repellent

This DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray is an effective, natural mosquito repellent that leaves out the nasty chemicals.  No DEET necessary.   And – this Bug spray is safe for every member of the family, including kids!

No matter the activity, everyone should keep this DIY essential oil bug spray with them during their outdoor adventures.  Hanging out in the backyard in the evening when the bugs come out, hiking, and camping are a few examples of times you’ll want this handy.

DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray is Safe

​Knowing exactly what is in your bug spray is comforting.  Your body isn’t absorbing nasty chemicals that can disrupt hormones, and cause a myriad of other unwanted health concerns.  

There are many articles written on the dangers of deet and how it can affect your body.  Suffice it to say, it is a dangerous chemical that I don’t feel comfortable using on myself or my kids.

The essential oils in this blend are safe for everyone and I feel good knowing that we are using safe ingredients.  

Homemade Mosquito Repellent is Budget Friendly

​Making your own bug spray is a very cost cost effective option long term because you can refill your spray bottle over and over again with your bottles of essential oils. You may feel like it’s expensive because of the initial investment in the essential oils.  Keep in mind, that per drop, the essential oils are only a few cents.  So, the grand total is quite reasonably priced.   The cost per spray bottle is quite low – less than what you’ll pay for anything in the store

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Supplies for your DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray

Witch Hazel

I like to use unscented, alcohol free Witch Hazel, like Quinn’s Witch Hazel. You can use this in many many essential oil DIY projects like Facemask Sprays

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See Quinn’s on Amazon

Spray Bottle

You’ll want a 4 oz Spray Bottle for this recipe. Typically, I like to use glass spray bottles LIKE THESE, however since you’ll likely be taking this spray with you hiking, to the beach, and in general, using it outdoors, a PET plastic sprayer is probably a better choice. Other types of plastic aren’t safe for use with essential oils.

You can pick up this pack of plastic sprayers and whip up a bunch to have on hand and ready to go.

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See Sprayers on Amazon

Where to get that cute Bug Sticker for your Bug Spray Bottle

I found the bug sticker on Etsy! It was only $2.00 and comes in a bunch of different colors.

Click here to snag one

How to Make your DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray

This will only take you a few minutes to mix together.  It’s super fast and easy.  Before you get started, grab your ingredients from the list below.

How to make your own essential oil bug spray. glass spray bottle with bug sticker and text that says bug off.

DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray

This DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray is an effective, natural mosquito repellent that leaves out the nasty chemicals.  No DEET necessary.   And – this Bug spray is safe for every member of the family, including kids!
4.78 from 9 votes
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the essential oils and witch hazel to your spray bottle.  
  • Fill the bottle to the top with water.  You can use tap water for this.  Distilled is fine if you prefer it, but it's not necessary. 
  • Gently shake to combine ingredients.
  • To use, gently shake, then spray on exposed skin while avoiding eyes.

Not a DIY’er and don’t want to hassle with making your own spray?

An easy alternative to this DIY bug spray, is to grab the pre-blended doTERRA TerraShield Bug Spray.  It comes in either a pre-made spray, or in a 15ml oil bottle so you can make your own spray and diffuse it.  

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I am a doTERRA Certified Site which means you are guaranteed to get the real thing (unlike on Amazon).

Buy Terrashield spray here and get Free Shipping over $50!

Like this DIY? Please Share it and comment below to let me know what you think!

hot to make bug spray with essential ils safe for kids and works. glass spray bottle with bug sticker

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4 thoughts on “DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray”

  2. Katie

    Hi there! Thanks so much for this recipe. I don’t have citronella & was wondering if there’s a substitution for it or if it’s not completely necessary?

    Reply
    1. Dawn Goehring

      Hi Katie – I really do think you need the Citronella for this to be as effective as it is. Bugs hate the smell of it. You could certainly try leaving it out, but you’re running the risk of it not working quite as well as you would like it to.

      Reply

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