When warm weather hits, the bugs come out — but that doesn’t mean you need to reach for toxic chemical sprays. This natural bug spray is made with essential oils that repel insects without coating your skin in questionable ingredients.
Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive skin — and it smells way better than anything you’ll find on the store shelf.
🌿 Why Go Natural?
Most commercial insect repellents contain DEET, a chemical linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and potential neurological effects — especially in children.
This DIY spray uses essential oils like lemongrass, citronella, lavender, and peppermint, which are known to naturally repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests — without side effects.
🧴 Ingredients
- ½ cup witch hazel (or vodka)
- ½ cup distilled water
- 30–40 drops total of essential oils such as:
- Citronella (mosquito repellent)
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree (bonus: antibacterial)
- Eucalyptus
- Optional: 1 teaspoon glycerin or carrier oil (for skin softening)
- 4 oz. spray bottle (preferably amber glass)
🧪 Instructions
- Add essential oils to the spray bottle.
- Pour in the witch hazel (or vodka) and shake gently.
- Add distilled water to fill the rest of the bottle.
- Shake again before each use — oil and water naturally separate.
🧴 How to Use
Spray on exposed skin, clothing, and even around windows or outdoor spaces to keep bugs at bay. Reapply every 1–2 hours or after heavy sweating.
💡 Pro tip: Store in the fridge for a cooling, refreshing mist on hot days.
✅ Safe + Effective
- Kid-safe: Swap peppermint for extra lavender if needed
- Pet-safe: Use with caution on dogs, avoid tea tree and peppermint for cats
- Smells great: Light, herbal scent that doesn’t overwhelm
