Mosquito & Bug Repellent Balm Recipe with herbs and essential oils

Keep mosquitos and irritating bugs away with this easy homemade Bug Repellent Balm with lemon balm infused oil and essential oils.

Do bugs always seem to find you? It can be so frustrating trying to enjoy time outside when you’re constantly swatting them away. This DIY Bug Repellent Balm is here to help. It’s easy to make, gentle on your skin, and gives you a natural way to keep those pesky insects at bay. You’ll love how simple it is to protect yourself and feel more comfortable outdoors!

Let’s learn what makes this balm so effective and how you can make it yourself.

Why This Bug Repellent Balm Will Be Your Favorite

This homemade balm offers more than bug protection—it’s a thoughtful combination of natural care and practicality that fits seamlessly into your daily life. Here’s what makes it so special:

Safe and Gentle

Commercial bug repellents can be tough on your skin, but this balm is different. Made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, it provides effective protection without irritation. You can feel confident using it on yourself and even on kids, knowing it’s free from harsh chemicals. It’s gentle, soothing, and gives your skin the care it needs while keeping bugs away.

Highly Effective

Lemon balm and essential oils like citronella, cedarwood, and tea tree are well-known for their bug-repelling properties. These natural ingredients create a protective barrier that helps keep insects at bay. Whether you’re dealing with mosquitoes, gnats, or other pesky bugs, this balm offers reliable protection while also smelling fresh and clean.

Simple and Customizable

This recipe is as flexible as it is effective. You can choose the carrier oil that works best for your skin or add your favorite essential oils to create a personalized scent. Whether you prefer a calming aroma like lavender or a fresh scent like eucalyptus, the possibilities are endless. You can easily tailor the balm to fit your needs, making it both functional and unique.

Convenient and Long-Lasting

This balm’s solid texture makes it incredibly portable and easy to use. Pack it in a small container and slip it into your bag or pocket—it won’t spill, leak, or take up much space. Once applied, it lasts for hours, giving you peace of mind whether you’re on a hike, at a picnic, or simply enjoying your backyard. It’s a practical and reliable companion for any outdoor activity.

This bug repellent balm combines effectiveness, convenience, and natural goodness into one easy-to-make product. You’ll love how it protects your skin while being gentle and versatile enough to suit your lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your DIY Bug Repellent Balm

This recipe makes about 4 ounces and uses natural ingredients that are easy to find:

If making the infused oil (optional – can skip this an use plain carrier oil with essential oils):

• Dried Lemon balm
• Carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil, olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, or almond oil)

For the balm:

• ½ cup infused lemon balm oil (or plain carrier oil)
• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 15 drops essential oils (e.g., lemon eucalyptus, citronella, cedarwood, or tea tree)
• 2 oz containers

Now, let’s find out why these ingredients work!

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a powerful herb for repelling bugs. Its natural oils have a strong aroma that insects dislike, effectively keeping them away. I love how lemon balm adds an extra layer of protection to this balm, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use. 

If you don’t have lemon balm, don’t worry—the balm will still work wonderfully with the infused oil and essential oils alone. However, adding lemon balm enhances its bug-repelling properties, making it even more effective.

If you grow it in your garden, your ready to go! Pick some leaves and proceed to make your infused oil.

Carrier Oil

Carrier oil is the base of this recipe and helps extract the beneficial properties of lemon balm. I used jojoba oil because it’s nourishing and closest to our skins natural oils, but you can use olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or any other carrier oil you prefer. Each one has its own skin-loving benefits, so feel free to experiment.

Beeswax

Beeswax gives the balm its solid texture, making it easy to apply and store. It also creates a light barrier on the skin, helping the repellent stay in place for longer. This is one of my favorite ingredients because it’s natural and adds a smooth finish to the balm.

I have so many other DIY’s that use beeswax such as lemon balm lip balm, and my ultimate favorite body butter.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the key to making this balm effective against bugs. Lemon Eucalytpus and Citronella are my go-to for its proven insect-repelling properties, while cedarwood and tea tree oils add a fresh, earthy scent and boost the balm’s effectiveness.

Lemon Balm (a.k.a. Melissa essential oil) is also an option to go with the infused lemon balm oil, however due to is high price, I recommend using the Lemon Eucalyptus and Citronella.

You can mix and match oils to create a blend that works best for you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Bug Repellent Balm

Once you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create your balm:

Step 1: Infuse the Oil – optional can use plain carrier oil and essential oil

Fill a glass jar halfway with the dried lemon balm leaves. Pour your carrier oil over the lemon balm herbs until they are completely covered.

Seal the jar and let it infuse for a few weeks, gently shaking it occasionally.

Once infused, strain the oil to remove the lemon balm leaves so you have only the oil left, which you will use in the next step.

Step 2: Melt the Ingredients

Combine the infused oil and beeswax in a glass jar. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until fully melted.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

Let the melted mixture cool slightly before adding 15 drops of essential oils. Stir well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour and Set

Carefully pour the mixture into your containers. Allow it to harden overnight before placing the lid on. This ensures the balm sets perfectly and is ready for use.

How to Use Your Bug Repellent Balm

Using this bug repellent balm is quick and easy, making it a hassle-free way to protect yourself from pesky insects. Start by scooping out a small amount of balm with clean fingers or a spatula. You only need a pea-sized amount to cover most exposed areas effectively.

Rub the balm between your hands to warm it up slightly. This helps soften the balm, making it easier to apply evenly. Once ready, gently massage it onto areas of your skin that are most vulnerable to bug bites, like your arms, legs, neck, and ankles.

If you’re spending extended time outdoors, don’t forget to reapply the balm every few hours to maintain its effectiveness. This balm is perfect for activities like hiking, camping, or gardening, and its natural formula is gentle enough for all skin types.

Keep a small container of the balm with you, and you’ll always have a reliable, skin-friendly solution to stay protected and enjoy the outdoors worry-free!

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