homemade natural bug spray
The most common oils used to repel mosquitos include citronella, catnip, clove, peppermint, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
They’re not the only ones… there’s also oils from geranium, eucalyptus, basil, clove, thyme, tea tree, clary sage, rosemary and lavender.
Your choice of oil pretty much depends on which smell you prefer. And some people mix and match to create unique scents.
Remember that essential oils are potent and should be mixed with a carrier before being applied to the skin.
So once you’ve settled on which oil or oils to use, you need to decide on a carrier… the most popular are apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, rubbing alcohol and fractionated coconut oil, which does not solidify. You can even use cooking oil or vodka!
Here are the recipes:
Witch Hazel Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ⅓ cup witch hazel
- ⅓ cup water
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
In a glass spray bottle, combine the witch hazel and water. Witch hazel doesn’t have its own odor so it pairs well with any type of essential oil. Add 40 drops of essential oil, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Shake well before each use.
Apple Cider Vinegar Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
Combine the apple cider vinegar and water in a glass spray bottle. Add 40 drops of essential oil. Rosemary, lavender, and peppermint complement the strong scent of the vinegar. Shake well to combine the ingredients. Shake well before each use.
Coconut Oil Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ⅔ cup coconut oil (warmed to a liquid state or use fractionated)
- 30 drops essential oil
Instructions
Add the coconut oil to a small, lidded glass jar (Coconut oil will clog a spray bottle). Add 30 drops of essential oil. Mix or shake and apply the mixture by hand.
Rubbing Alcohol Mosquito Repellent
Materials
- ½ cup water
- 4 Tbsp rubbing alcohol
- 40 drops essential oil
Instructions
Combine water, rubbing alcohol and essential oil in a glass spray bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients. Shake well before each use.