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. 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.
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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
Spray Bottle
You’ll want a 4 oz Spray Bottle for this recipe. I always recommend using glass spray bottles when using essential oils.
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.
Related Article – Bug Repellent Balm Recipe
If a balm is more your style, you’ll love this Bug Balm Recipe that uses a essential oils and/or herbs to keep the bugs away.
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.
- 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.
Like this DIY? Please Share it and comment below to let me know what you think!
More DIY Essential Oil Recipes you may love
Essential Oil Infused Honey Respiratory Syrup Recipe
DIY Zit Zapper Recipe, Natural Acne Remedy
Mosquito & Bug Repellent Balm Recipe with herbs and essential oils
DIY Easy Vaseline Copycat Recipe
DIY Lemon Balm Lip Balm Recipe
Tallow Lip Balm DIY Recipe
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Dawn Goehring
Hi! I’m Dawn, the founder of Desert Naturals. My family , including my 2 teen boys, husband and myself, live in the southern California desert, I’m passionate about natural living and a life free of synthetics, dye’s, artificial fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. I love to use essential oils and natural ingredients for pretty much everything from natural remedies for my family, to non toxic cleaning for my home, to making my own DIY Beauty products, self care products, and more.
Love this! What is the shelf-life?
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