This Homemade Bug Spray works great, and you do not have to worry about harsh chemicals. It’s very simple to make and only requires a few ingredients.
We love spending time outdoors. However, we do not like having mosquito’s and other bugs bothering us.
I was looking recently to purchase bug spray for my kiddos and had a terrible time finding something all natural. Everything at the store contained chemicals like deet and other harsh ingredients.
I didn’t feel good about spraying that on the kids or myself. I looked into organic and natural buy sprays but they are expensive.
So, I made my own DIY bug spray at home. It works wonders and no worries about what I’m putting on the kids. One thing to keep in mind with this natural bug spray is application is needed more frequently than store-bought.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
It works great and takes minutes to make. I love the peace of mind of knowing it’s all natural and chemical free.
It seems to do the trick and keeps bugs away. I reapply every 2 hours. You may need to adjust the time a little but that seems to work for my family.
Toss those commercial bug sprays and make this homemade buy spray. DIY Mosquito Repellent is so easy to make.
This bug spray recipe works great and costs very little to make. You can feel good about what you are applying to your skin without worrying about pesticides and chemicals.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 20 drops, essential oil (try rosemary, citronella oil, tea tree, lemongrass or eucalyptus or a combination of lemon eucalyptus works great.)
- 4 oz spray bottle
Variations
- Essential Oils. Choose the blend that you prefer the best. Choices include rosemary, lavender, citronella oil, tea tree, catnip, lemongrass, basil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil or eucalyptus. I also like to use a combination of lemon eucalyptus oil for natural insect repellents and a great scent.
- Vinegar. Substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you prefer in this recipe.
- Coconut Oil. You need a base ingredient to make bug repellent. ⅓ cup coconut oil can be used instead of witch hazel.
- Garlic Oil, Clove and Cedarwood Oil. Helps to repel ticks.
- Rose Geranium. Repels gnats.
How to Make DIY Bug Spray
Step 1. Place witch hazel into a measuring cup.
Step 2. Then add apple cider vinegar.
Step 3. Once combined, add essential oils into the mixture.
Step 4. Mix everything together thoroughly. Once combined, pour the insect repellent liquid into the spray bottle.
How To Use
- Shake well and spray your body and clothing with bug spray when outside.
- Repeat every couple of hours to repel mosquito bites. You may need to reapply frequently to provide the greatest amount of mosquito control.
How Long Will Homemade Bug Spray Last?
Natural bug spray recipes typically have a shelf life of 3 years. If you have not used it after a couple of years, it is recommended to toss it as it will lose its effectiveness.
Expert Tips
- Spray frequently. Homemade bug spray will need to be applied more frequently than commercial bug sprays. Usually, every 2 hours works great.
- Container. I like to use 4 oz spray bottles to put the homemade mosquito repellent in. It’s so handy and the perfect size to throw in my purse. I love this size because I can keep one at home and one at Grandma’s house and just wherever the kids can use it frequently.
- Glass Bottles. You can also use a glass bottle if you prefer.
- Travel. I like to use the glass bottles a home and the plastic bottles for traveling or at the pool and such. No more worries about bug bites with these natural bug repellents.
Try More Natural Ideas
- Honey Body Wash
- The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo
- 6 Amazing Essential Oil Blends for Allergies
- The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo
- 25 of the Best Natural Moisturizers
Give this DIY bug spray a try. We love using natural options for repelling mosquitos. Let us know by leaving a comment how this method works for you.
Homemade Bug Spray
Materials
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 20 drops Essential Oil (try rosemary, citronella, tea tree, lemongrass or eucalyptus or a combination of them)
- 4 oz spray bottle
Instructions
- Place witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils into a small measuring cup with a spout. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray your body and clothing with bug spray when outside.
