Here’s how to make your own essential oil bug spray. This essential oil insect repellent recipe is quick and easy to make and a better, more natural alternative to commercial insect sprays. We even have free printable labels to add to the outside of your spray bottle.
Spring is here, so is the sun, the weather is finally warming up. But with the warmer weather, comes the bugs. Spiders, ants, mosquitoes, etc. These insects are one of the not-so-pleasant parts of spring and summer.
Essential Oil Bug Spray
If you don’t have the time to go through this post (which I recommend that you do), here’s a quick guide to get you started:
How To Make Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Spray:
Here’s how to make your own essential oil insect repellent. This essential oil bug spray recipe is quick and easy to make and a better, more natural alternative to commercial insect sprays. We even have free printable labels to add to the outside of your spray bottle.
- Gather your essential oils, spray bottles, a whisk, and everything you will be needing to whip up this insect repellent spray.
- Measure and add witch hazel and distilled water to a bowl.
- Add 10-15 drops of each of the essential oils to the bowl. Please note that for kids under 10 you should decrease drops of essential oils to 5 of each type.
- Then add Vitamin E and Argan oil to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together well using a whisk.
- Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Why Homemade Insect Spray?
Not everyone feels comfortable using chemicals and insecticides to ward off insects and bugs. Aside from the smell, a lot of people consider that bug sprays contain harmful and unpleasant ingredients that are harsh on the skin.
So, many people are turning to more natural, environmentally friendly remedies for warding off insects, and homemade bug sprays are an easy and quick solution. Not only are they safer, but they’re also effective too
Is Homemade Insect Spray Safer Than DEET?
You can make your own homemade natural bug spray inexpensively. But does that make it safer than DEET? Or, is DEET harmful? “The majority of studies indicate that DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent for the longest period of time,”
DEET is present in many commercial insect repellents and has gotten a bad rap when it comes to safety. The EPA weighed in on DEET in 1998 and again in 2014, saying “it does not present a health concern to the general population, including children.” But taking a look at their long list of warnings and precautions, many people prefer to stick with the natural bug spray.
So, before you invest in the commercial bug sprays (that may or may not contain some nasty chemicals), take some time to consider a more natural and better alternative; a natural DIY mosquito repellent that smells wonderful, is effective, and takes only minutes to make.
Why Use Essential Oils As Insect Repellent?
Essential oils have been used in candles, air fresheners, aromatherapy, and many natural home remedies. Essential oils have numerous health, domestic and cosmetic usage. They also also work very well to effectively keep insects and bugs away.
A homemade essential oil mosquito spray is very fast and easy to make and it’s inexpensive, compared to natural store-bought repellents. That’s because the essential oils will last a long time and give you many batches.
How Long Does Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Last?
This essential oils insect repellent spray actually works! I’m not guaranteeing you’ll never get bit again wearing this stuff, but it dramatically reduces how much and often you get bitten. And if you factor in the whole not-spraying-your-body-with-chemicals-regularly aspect. It’s a win!
The key here is to apply liberally and reapply frequently— Every 1-2 hours. Natural mosquito repellents do not last as long as the chemical versions.
What Essential Oils Keep Mosquitoes Away?
There are many essential oils that work, there are even ready-made blends you can purchase, but I’ve found that these essential oils work well for repelling mosquitoes and bugs:
- Citronella
- Arborvitae
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Cypress
- Lemon myrtle
- Patchouli
- Lemon Oil
This natural bug spray will keep those mosquitoes and more at bay all summer long. Plus you can feel good about using a product that is all-natural. So, let’s learn how to make some essential oil mosquito repellent of your very own!
Homemade Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 10-15 drops each of lemongrass, citronella, lavender, and patchouli essential oil (You can see my guide for buying essential oils cheaper here.)
- 2-3 drops Argan oil
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Brown glass spray bottle
- Printable labels (you can see how to download these below)
Free Printable Labels
Now that you have your other supplies, you will want to download and print our labels. Just sign up for the newsletter below and the free labels will be sent to your email address. Look for a form below with a picture of the file you want and add your information to download. Please note that if you already get our newsletter, just add your information again as you will not be signed up for anything further. Once you sign up, check your email to download the PDF and print.
Please note that these labels are for personal use only. You can also contact me if you have any issues with your download.
Instructions: How To Make Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Spray:
1. Measure and add witch hazel and distilled water to a bowl.
2. Add 10-15 drops of each of the essential oils to the bowl. Please note that for kids under 10 you should decrease drops of essential oils to 5 of each type.
3. Then add Vitamin E and Argan oil to the bowl.
4. Mix the ingredients together well using a whisk.
5. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Using brown glass is preferred when working with essential oils. The dark glass prevents deterioration of the effectiveness of the oils.
6. Then just print the free printable labels. You can print them on sticker sheets and add them right to the bottle of this essential oil insect repellent.
Be sure to spray yourself with this essential oil mosquito repellent recipe before heading out into nature this summer. You can re-apply as needed and this recipe is safe for all skin types.
Protect yourself this summer with this all-natural bug spray recipe. Keep it on hand and dose yourself liberally before heading out to the garden.
Be sure to mix up a separate batch for smaller kids and label it properly. Then head out and enjoy nature while being protected by this essential oil mosquito repellent! You are going to love the results!
Homemade Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe
Tools
- Spray Bottle
- Whisk
- Bowls
Supplies
- 1/4 cup Witch hazel
- 1/4 cup Distilled water
- 10-15 drops Each of lemongrass, citronella, lavender, and patchouli essential oil
- 2-3 drops Argan oil
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Spray Bottle
- Printable Labels
Instructions
- Measure and add witch hazel and distilled water to a bowl.
- Add 10-15 drops of each of the essential oils to the bowl.
- Then add Vitamin E and Argan oil to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together well using a whisk.
- Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Notes
- Please note that for kids under 10 you should decrease drops of essential oils to 5 of each type.
- Using brown glass spray bottle is preferred when working with essential oils. The dark glass prevents deterioration of the effectiveness of the oils.
- Print the free printable labels. You can print them on sticker sheets and add them right to the bottle of this essential oil insect repellent.
This is so useful to know, thanks. Pinning.
No See Ums are bad here in FL so thanks so much for the recipe !!
This sounds like a useful DIY project! My mom loves to go outside but she cannot use conventional bug sprays, due to the odor. I’m going to make this bug repellent for her. Thank you!
This mixture seems like it would smell REALLY good, too!
Essential oils are so relaxing. I love the idea of creating an insect repellant out of it. The extra links are also great variations.
This is a good idea. I only use essential oils for massage and aromatherapy. I’ll try this one too.
Its very interesting the different types of things you can use to make a bug repellent spray, but I really like how you can use lemongrass. My family is going camping in 2 days and I want to make my own spray since the ones at the store are very expensive. Thanks so much for the information I will keep it in mind when I make it.
What can I use instead of patchouli in the bug spray mix
Sorry not sure.