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DIY natural bug spray

It’s the peak of summer and the bugs have been crazy after all the rain we got. I thought I’d share how I make my own homemade bug spray on the cheap with just a few natural ingredients — and it works! I’ll be sharing a 2 ounce recipe and a 16 ounce recipe.

DIY homemade natural bug spray with essential oils and witch hazel
DIY natural bug spray - homemade insect repellent with witch hazel and essential oils
DIY homemade natural bug spray with essential oils - citronella and lavender

Oils

I like to use citronella and lavender (effective and smells nice), but here are more oils that make great insect repellent:

  • citrus
  • lemongrass
  • peppermint
  • geranium
  • eucalyptus
  • cedar wood
DIY homemade natural bug spray with witch hazel - no alcohol and aloe vera- insect repellent

Witch hazel

It is derived from the witch hazel plant. This formula of witch hazel is extracted without alcohol and is mixed with aloe vera to moisturize skin. It is also used as a gentle facial astringent. It doesn’t have an odor so it pairs well with whichever oils you choose.

Potency

I have experimented with different ratios and different recipes. My bug spray is a little weaker than other recipes because I have mild asthma and if it’s too strong it irritates my throat. (I can hardly even tolerate regular bug spray.) You can experiment what works best for you, but I find this recipe to use less ingredients but still be effective.

DIY homemade natural bug spray - small bottle - 2 ounce - - insect repellent

2 ounce bug spray recipe

*If you would like a stronger recipe: 1) use a ratio of 1:1 witch hazel and half water and 2) add 3 more oil drops each

DIY homemade natural bug spray - large bottle - 16 ounce spray bottle - insect repellent
DIY homemade natural bug spray

16 ounce bug spray recipe

*If you would like a stronger recipe: 1) use a ratio of 1:1 witch hazel and half water and 2) add 5 more oil drops each

DIY bug spray - insect repellent

Why are some people more likely to get bit?

Ever notice how some people seem to get bit more than others? Well, there are some factors involved according to Very Well Health.

  • People wearing dark colors (green, black, red) are more likely to get noticed by insects.
  • People with blood type O are more likely to be bitten due to protein in the blood desired by female mosquitoes for egg production. Blood type B is in the middle and A is last.
  • Mosquitos seek out carbon dioxide that is exhaled. That’s why they pester us buzzing around our heads!
  • Mosquitos are attracted to heat and sweat.
  • They are also attracted to bacteria on the skin. The more microbes, the better. That’s why they go for the feet and ankles where more bacteria accumulates.

DIY homemade natural bug spray with essential oils and witch hazel
DIY homemade natural bug spray with essential oils and witch hazel

1 thought on “DIY natural bug spray

  1. Why add the distilled water? I’ve seen some recipes with it and some without. What is the purpose/benefit of the distilled water?

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