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.

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

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.

2 ounce bug spray recipe

• 2 ounce glass bottle
• .5 ounce witch hazel
• 3 drops each of citronella and lavender
• Add distilled water to fill

*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

16 ounce bug spray recipe

• 16 ounce glass bottle
• 4 ounces witch hazel
• 15 drops each of citronella and lavender
• Add distilled water to fill

*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

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.

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