I love making and using essential oils for bug repellent. Because it’s all natural and effective! Are you tired of the bugs bugging you!?
Let me tell you, we have SO MANY bugs down here in the deep south. The mosquitoes and gnats always seem determined to carry us away anytime the weather is pleasant. It is so annoying. Since our family does not use any products containing DEET, I decided to create my own bug spray to help repel those pesky pests. And I am happy to report that we have had great success keeping our Lowcountry bugs at bay by using essential oils for bug repellent! (If you live in a different demographic, you may find that you need to play around with which oils work best to deter the insect species where you are.) For this recipe, I chose several essential oils known for their insect repelling properties. (Remember this will not kill bugs, it works to repel them.) I also decided not to use any citrus essential oils for this recipe. The reason is they are photosensitive, and we are likely to be out in the sunshine when we use this.
Here is a simple breakdown of the essential oils for bug repellent that I chose and what bugs generally dislike them.
Essential Oils for Bug Repellent:
Citronella essential oil has a fresh, green, and lemony aroma that is well known for deterring outdoor pests like mosquitoes and spiders.
Lemongrass essential oil has a fresh, lemony, and grassy smell that can work to repel mosquitoes, gnats, and fleas.
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil has a fresh eucalyptus scent that can repel mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, bees, ants and spiders.
Materials Needed:
Essential Oil Bug Repellent Recipe:
1: First gather all the supplies and ingredients. Then open the 4 ounce glass spray bottle.
2: Add 10-15 drops of EACH essential oil to the glass bottle and set the spray top aside.
3: Add 2 ounces of witch hazel to the glass bottle
4: Top off glass bottle with filtered or distilled water – being careful to leave space for the spray top.
5: Secure top and gently shake to combine. Enjoy your homemade essential oil bug repellent spray!
Directions: Shake well before each use! Use on skin or clothing to help deter bugs when outdoors. Exercise caution not to get into eyes, nose, or mouth. Reapply as needed.
“Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?” ~ Annonymous
