Homemade Bug Spray Recipe (2024)

Jack Frost skipped us this winter, and you can guess what that means. Yep, instead of dying off in a deep freeze, the bugs from last season are out in full force.

That’s why I’m making up a batch of this easy homemade bug spray, which has worked really well for my family over the years. We use it any time we head to aneighborhood BBQ, summer concert, hiking trail, or even just our own backyard.

In this article I’ll cover which oils can be used – you probably already have a few of them on hand – plus safety information and what to buy if you don’t want to DIY.

So, which essential oils repel ticks, mosquitos, gnats and other bugs?

There are a lot of essential oils that have insect repelling properties, and many of them have additional therapeutic benefits as well. Here are my top nine based on personal experience and available research.

Also, if you’d rather invest in just one bottle instead of several different essential oils, you can use a pre-made blend such as the Shield Me (safe for everyone including kids)orNature Shield.

1. Catnip Essential Oil

Catnip(Nepeta cataria) has long beenbrewed as an herbal teato support digestion, relaxation and restful sleep. However it’s impact on other animals is different. When cats eat it they tend to become relaxed as well, but when they smell it it usually has the opposite effect.

So what kind of effect does it have on bugs? According toScience Daily:

Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.”

Unfortunately it smells kinda, well, not great, so don’t plan on using this one alone.

Other uses for catnip:Along withdiatomaceous earthand a few other ingredients, it makes a greatnatural flea and tick powder for dogs.

2. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Chests made from cedarwood have been used for generations to store clothing while repelling insects such as moths.

Calming, skin soothing and absolutely delightful in thisWild Vanilla No. 2 Solid Perfume Recipe,cedarwood(Cedrus atlantica) is also often used to repel mosquitos.

Other uses for cedarwood:It’s a lovely addition to bothhomemade arnica creamandhomemade body wash.

3. Citronella Essential Oil

If you search on theEPA’s guide to insect repellents, you’ll find that when you specifically search for repellents for ticks it lists three oils as active ingredients that can be selected.

Citronella(Cymbopogon winterianus) is one, and catnip (listed above) and lemon eucalyptus (listed below) are the others.

Other uses for citronella:Outdoor citronella candles

4. Geranium Essential Oil

Inthis study,geranium(Pelargonium graveolens) was found to repel lone star tick nymphs.

Other uses for geranium:It supports skin repair and renewal, elasticity and firmness, and even skin tone, which is why I use it in myhydrating skin serum recipe.

5. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender(Lavandula augustifolia)- Calming, helpful forsoothing bug bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations. In astudyon hairless mice, lavender was effective at repelling adult mosquitos. Although I don’t typically use it in my DIY bug spray, if you already have it at home it can be used as a substitute for tea tree or patchouli essential oil.

Other uses for lavender:I always keep a large bottle on hand for makingall-purpose cleaner with lemon and lavender,diaper rash cream,homemade air freshener,magnesium body butter, andtallow skin balm.

6. Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

According to theAmerican College of Healthcare Sciences:

“In a 2010 study,[7] three species of eucalyptus (E. staigeriana, E. citriodora, and E. globulus) were tested for use with the blood-sucking sandfly, lutzomyia Lutzomyia longipalpis. Researchers found the eucalyptus essential oils were more effective against L. longipalpis than other natural products.” (source)

The E.citriodoravarietycan be found here.

Other uses for lemoneucalyptus:Makes a great addition tohomemade granite cleaner.

7. Patchouli Essential Oil

According tothis study, constituents found inpatchouli essential oil(Pogostemon cablin) repelled several different types of mosquitos.

Other uses for patchouli:It makes a great addition to men’s personal care products, likethis homemade deodorant.

8. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Inone study, researchers looked at whethertea tree(Melaleuca alternifolia) is a viable alternative to synthetic repellents for mosquito protection. They found that it did have mosquito-repelling properties, but did not last as long as the synthetic stuff. They concluded that tea tree may have “potential as a short-period repellent or under conditions of low mosquito abundance.”

Other uses for tea tree:I love it inthis face wash recipe.

9. Vetiver Essential Oil

According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences:

In Java, Indonesia, sustainable vetiver essential oil production has produced a viable vetiver craft industry with items such as aromatic mats, baskets, candles, and soaps—all being produced from the spent root. The added benefit is vetiver acts as a natural mosquito deterrent in the house. Diffusing a few drops of this oil will help repel the mosquitoes and also create a spicy, Balinese ambience for summer.”

You can find vetiver (Vetiver zizanoides) here.

Other uses for vetiver: Relaxing and emotionally grounding, it’s wonderful inessential oil diffuser blendsandthis DIY beard oil.

What Else You’ll Need

In addition to essential oils, you’ll need a high proof vodka to help solubilize (disperse) the essential oils evenly throughout the liquid, plus either distilled water or fractionated coconut oil to dilute it.

Here are the pros and cons of each:

• Water– Dries very clean but reduces shelf life to only a few weeks. May be drying on skin if applied to often.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil– Longest lasting spray with just a tiny smidge of moisturizing properties that help counteract the drying effect of the alcohol. If sprayed in huge quantities it may leave a little oil residue on clothes.

What To Buy If You Don’t Want To Make Your Own

DEET-free Wondercide Bug Repellentis the best option I’ve found. I personally would opt for thecedar formula(orlemongrassfor kids over two) instead of the ones withpeppermintorrosemary oil. Although many kids won’t have a reaction to peppermint or eucalyptus, for some it can cause breathing issues so I don’t use it with kids under six.

You can read more about special considerations with peppermint/rosemary oil and childrenhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions I’ve received since first posting about DIY bug spray years ago.

Are these recipes safe for kids?

YES. Although there are other essential oils that are helpful for repelling insects, I decided to keep things simple and only include options that are considered safe for the whole family.

Special Note Regarding Kids Under Two: Even when using child-friendly oils, I recommend avoiding topical application for children under two. Instead, when my babies were over six months old but under two, I sprayed their clothes rather than their skin. For babies under six months old, netting, fans and clothing should be used to keep bugs off baby’s skin.

What about pregnant and nursing moms?

Yes, these recipes are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. However, many experts urge women to be cautious about application during the first trimester. If it were me, I’d probably opt to justspray my clothes during that period.

Special note on dilution ratios: For general use, a topical dilution of 1% is usually recommended during pregnancy – the typical dilution suggested for adults is 2.5%. However, there are instances when a higher dilution ratio is considered appropriate, such as to repel bugs.

The recipes above are just under 3%. If I were pregnant/nursing and using these everyday I would probably either dilute them more or just spray them on my clothes. However, if I was just using them occasionally I would go with the recipe as it is.

Can I use witch hazel, apple cider vinegar or regular vodka instead of Everclear?

While you’ll find a lot of DIY recipes that use these ingredients, experts in the fields of essential oil formulation have recently published information which states that they are not effective at evenly dispersing essential oils and should not be used. For more information, check out this article:Effective Use of Alcohol for Aromatic Blending.

Does This Spray Kill Ants?

While it might, if you’re trying to get rid of ants in the kitchen or just outside the house, check outthis article on how to get rid of ants naturally.

Any tip for soothing bug bites I already have?

This bug bite balmsoothes mosquito bites, ant bites, and more.

Do you have recipe for ticks specifically?

Yes, you can check out mytick spray recipe here.

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