DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray
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. Â 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.
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DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray is Safe for kids
​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 Humphrey’s Witch Hazel. You can use this in many many essential oil DIY projects like Facemask Sprays
- Helps to minimize large pores and reduce fine lines without drying.
Spray Bottle
You’ll want a 4 oz Spray Bottle for this recipe. I always recommend using glass spray bottles when using essential oils.
- ★DESIGN FEATURES – Solid amber small glass spray bottle, Empty, Refillable, Leak proof, UV Protection
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
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.
Buy Terrashield spray here and get Free Shipping over $50!
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.
DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray
Ingredients
- 4 oz glass spray bottle
- 2 oz Witch Hazel
- 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops Citronella essential oil
- 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- water
- 1 Bug Sticker (obviously optional)
Instructions
- Add the essential oils and witch hazel to your spray bottle. Â
- 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.Â
- Gently shake to combine ingredients.
- To use, gently shake, then spray on exposed skin while avoiding eyes.
Like this DIY? Please Share it and comment below to let me know what you think!
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Dawn Goehring
Dawn Goehring is the founder of Desert Naturals where she writes educational articles on essential oils, DIY’s on natural beauty products, homemade cleaners, and provides related essential oil accessories like planners, trackers, tshirts, and custom designed essential oil storage. She has been featured in articles on Porch.com, Redfin.com, MommyOnPurpose and more.
Dawn has earned an aromatherapist degree and has earned a doTERRA essential oil specialist certification which is a fancy way of saying she has learned a lot about the chemistry of essential oils and how they work in the body.
Is it safe for in the sun?
Hi Franchesca! Yes, this is safe for use in the sun. None of these essential oils are photosensitive.
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?
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.
How can I get a cute sticker like that for my bottle?
Hi Ashton – you can find it on etsy! Here’s the link for it: https://go.magik.ly/ml/1mwun/
-Dawn