DIY Mosquito Repellent Spray

I love hot summer nights, but out of a whole group of people, I am the first to get bitten. I am trying to stay away from DEET products as they are toxic and harmful for our skin.

The recipe below is an all natural bug repellent that smells wonderful, is effective, and takes only minutes to mix up.

Please take note that different oils repel different bugs, so it’s best to use a combination of essential oils to ward off several types of biters.

Don’t let a fear of being eaten alive keep you inside this summer. Instead, invest in a few hard-hitting essential oils and test out this natural alternative to chemical sprays.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of one or a combination of the following: witch hazel or vodka
2 tablespoons of one or a mixture of the following: grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, or neem oil (which contains natural insecticidal compounds) – (where to buy these oils)
½ teaspoon vodka as a preservative (if not already using)
100-110 drops essential oils (where to buy 100% pure essential oils)
Instructions

Add carrier liquids to a small spray bottle (3 or 4 oz. works well, so there is room for shaking). Add essential oils. Shake well before each use. Natural bug repellent will need to be reapplied every few hours for maximum effectiveness.

Here is a sample Bug-Repelling Essential Oil Blend:

55 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil (reported by the CDC to be an excellent natural substitution for DEET in repelling insects, but not recommended for use on children under 3 yrs.)
add 15 drops cedarwood essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil (if using, choose Lavandula angustifolia – “Lavender (40-42) essential oil” does not have the same insecticidal qualities)
15 drops rosemary essential oil
This natural homemade mosquito repellent is great for mosquitos, flies, and other annoying warm season bugs. Tweak to your liking and apply with confidence.

Other Bug-Repelling Essential Oils:

citronella
eucalyptus
lemongrass
tea tree
peppermint
cypress
rose geranium
bergamot
lemon

If I do not have time to create a mosquito repellent, I always pack Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent with me. $7.99, Bed Bath and Beyond