Natural Bug Repellent Recipes That Work!
Warmer weather brings sunshine, flowers, and unfortunately – bugs! Mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can quickly turn a fun outdoor activity into an annoying or even dangerous situation. Skip the harsh chemical bug sprays and instead make your own safe, natural bug repellents using simple kitchen ingredients.
Here are effective all-natural, DEET-free bug repellent recipes to keep pesky insects away:
Citronella Candle Repellent
Citronella essential oil has a strong grassy, lemony scent that bugs dislike. Burn citronella candles outside in bug-prone areas to create a zone of insect repellency.
You can easily make citronella candles at home.
Ingredients:
– Soy or beeswax – 10 ounces
– Citronella essential oil – 7 drops
– Lemon eucalyptus essential oil – 3 drops (optional)
– Tea tree essential oil – 3 drops (optional)
– Candle wicks – 3
Instructions:
1. Melt soy or beeswax in a double boiler or carefully in the microwave until fully liquid.
2. Remove melted wax from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add in 7 drops citronella oil, plus any optional oils if desired. Stir to combine.
4. Carefully pour wax into 3 candle jars fitted with wicks.
5. Allow candles to fully set undisturbed. Takes 6-24 hours.
6. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before burning.
7. Place citronella candles near outdoor gathering spaces. Never leave burning candles unattended.
The citronella oil gives these homemade candles their bug-repelling power. Soy or beeswax ensure a clean burn. Enjoy your insect-free backyard!
Essential Oil Bug Spray
Essential oils make fantastic natural mosquito and tick repellents in homemade spray recipes.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
– 1⁄2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
– 30-50 drops essential oils
– 4 ounce spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, glycerin, and any essential oils to a spray bottle. Shake vigorously.
2. Spritz over exposed skin such as arms, legs, neck, and ankles for protection wherever bugs may land. Reapply every 1-2 hours.
Great oils to include are citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, lavender, neem, tea tree, peppermint, lemongrass, geranium, or rosemary. The glycerin helps the spray stick to your skin.
This works as both a mosquito and tick repellent. Non-toxic for the whole family!
Lemongrass + Vanilla Bug Spray
Enjoy the uplifting scent of lemongrass and vanilla as you ward off mosquitoes naturally.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces distilled witch hazel
– 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon lemongrass essential oil
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add witch hazel, vanilla extract, and lemongrass oil to your spray bottle. Shake to mix.
2. Mist liberally over exposed skin to repel mosquitos and other bugs for 1-2 hours. Reapply as needed.
The lemongrass oil contains the mosquito-repelling compounds citronella and geraniol. Vanilla adds a sweet, soothing aroma. This spray is very effective at deterring mosquitos naturally.
Lavender and Mint Body Spray
Lavender essential oil plus extracts of mint and citrus make an incredibly fragrant, skin-friendly bug repellent spray.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces witch hazel
– 15 drops lavender essential oil
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 teaspoon lemon extract
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add witch hazel and all extracts and essential oils to your spray bottle. Shake vigorously to mix and dissolve extracts.
2. Mist over skin including legs, arms, neck, and ankles whenever going outdoors. Reapply hourly.
Lavender oil gives this spray its bug-repelling abilities. Peppermint and lemon extracts provide a clean, refreshing scent that you don’t mind spraying liberally. The witch hazel ensures this spray won’t feel greasy.
Fruit Peel Mosquito Repellent
Along with commercial citronella candles, try this homemade repellent using actual citrus peels.
Ingredients:
– Dried peels from 1 lemon
– Dried peels from 1 lime
– Dried peels from 1 orange
– Cinnamon stick
– Whole cloves
– Water
– 14 oz metal tin with lid
Instructions:
1. Place all fruit peels and the cinnamon stick in the bottom of the metal tin.
2. Poke holes through the peels with the cloves – about 20-25 holes total.
3. Fill tin with water just until peels are fully submerged.
4. Place lid on tin and let mixture infuse for 1-2 days.
5. Bring tin outside to your patio, picnic, or other gathering space and light the fuel can beneath it to gently warm the infused fruit water.
6. Let the water simmer to release the oils in the peels – this creates your mosquito repellent zone.
Both the citrus oils and clove oil naturally deter mosquitos and other bugs when warmed in this homemade infuser tin. Simmer to release the protective vapors before spending time outdoors.
Essential Oil Bug Repellent Bracelets
Keep bugs away with these aromatic and fashionable repellent bracelets made with essential oils.
Ingredients:
– 10 drops citronella essential oil
– 5 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
– 5 drops lavender essential oil
– 1 tablespoon carrier oil like olive or coconut oil
– 3 cotton rope bracelets
Instructions:
1. Add all essential oils to the 1 tablespoon of carrier oil in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Soak the cotton bracelets in the oil mixture until fully saturated.
3. Wring out excess oil back into the bowl.
4. Put bracelets on your wrist and your kids’ wrists before going outside. Re-saturate weekly.
The essential oils soak into the bracelet fibers and slowly diffuse their oils onto your skin to create a mosquito repellent area. Much safer than commercial bug bracelets!
Essential Oil Bug Spray Bracelets
An even easier way to make natural insect-repellent bracelets is to add oils to reusable microfiber bracelets.
Ingredients:
– 3 microfiber bracelets
– 15 drops citronella oil
– 10 drops geranium oil
– 5 drops lavender oil
Instructions:
1. Add the essential oils to the microfiber bracelet fibers. Use more or less oil depending on bracelet size.
2. Rub the oils in so they evenly saturate the fibers.
3. Twist bracelet to help absorb the oils. Let sit 5+ minutes.
4. Wrap bracelet around your or your kids’ wrists when enjoying the outdoors.
Microfiber absorbs and diffuses the oils nicely. Re-apply oils weekly or when the scent fades. Avoid getting bracelets wet.
Natural Bug Spray with Sunscreen
Get UV protection and bug protection in one natural, non-greasy lotion.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄4 cup aloe vera gel
– 1⁄4 cup coconut oil (melted)
– 2 tablespoons local honey
– 10 drops citronella oil
– 10 drops lemongrass oil
– 5 drops lavender oil
– 2-4 tablespoons zinc oxide powder
Instructions:
1. Whisk together the aloe gel, melted coconut oil, honey, and essential oils until smooth and uniform.
2. Fold in zinc oxide powder until fully incorporated into lotion.
3. Apply liberally to exposed skin before going outdoors. Shake or stir mixture each time before use.
4. Store any extra in the fridge for up to 1 week.
The zinc oxide gives this lotion its sunscreen abilities, while the essential oils provide the bug repellency. Honey helps retain moisture in your skin. Coconut oil and aloe soothe skin and give the lotion its smooth texture. Two birds, one stone!
Natural Tick Repellent Spray
Keep away ticks and Lyme disease with this natural tick repellent made with neem oil.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces witch hazel
– 1⁄2 teaspoon neem oil
– 1⁄2 teaspoon citronella oil
– 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
– 5 drops geranium essential oil
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to spray bottle and shake vigorously to mix and emulsify the neem oil.
2. Mist over skin and clothing before going into wooded, tick-prone areas. Focus on ankles, wrists, neck and hairline.
3. Reapply every 1-2 hours if still outdoors. Shake before each use.
The neem oil masks human scent to ticks, while the cedarwood oil helps mask carbon dioxide we exhale that attracts ticks. Spray shoes and pants too for maximum protection.
Natural Flea and Tick Collar
Protect your dog or cat from annoying and dangerous pests with this essential oil flea + tick collar.
Ingredients:
– 4 drops citronella oil
– 4 drops lemongrass oil
– 4 drops cedarwood oil
– 1 drop tea tree oil
– 1 ounce carrier oil like olive or jojoba oil
– Breakaway cat collar or adjustable dog collar
Instructions:
1. Add the essential oils to the carrier oil. Mix thoroughly.
2. Soak a fabric strip or bandana in the oil blend. For collars with plastic snaps, avoid getting oil on snaps.
3. Tie oiled fabric securely around pet’s existing collar. For cats, use breakaway collars designed to release if caught.
4. Check collar weekly and re-apply oil blend after 1 week or when scent fades. Monitor skin for any irritation.
The essential oils repel and deter ticks, fleas, and mosquitos around your pet’s neck and coat. Much safer than commercial chemical flea collars!
Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs
Keep ticks off your dog with this spray recipe using essential oils. Avoid spraying in your dog’s eyes.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces distilled witch hazel
– 30 drops cedarwood essential oil
– 15 drops citronella essential oil
– 10 drops rose geranium essential oil
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add witch hazel and essential oils to spray bottle. Shake vigorously.
2. Before going outdoors, spray your dog’s coat avoiding eyes and nose. Focus on legs, belly, neck, and tail.
3. Rub in the spray a bit by massaging it into your dog’s fur to help spread the oils around.
4. Reapply every 1-2 hours while outdoors in tick-prone areas.
Cedarwood, citronella, and geranium oils help hide your dog’s scent from ticks while also repelling them. These oils are safe to use directly on dogs when diluted with witch hazel.
Natural Bug Bite Relief Spray
Soothe itchy bug bites and stings with the anti-inflammatory powers of nature.
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces witch hazel
– 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
– 10 drops tea tree oil
– 5 drops chamomile essential oil
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Add witch hazel and essential oils to spray bottle. Shake to mix.
2. After a bug bite, spray the irritation 2-3 times for quick relief from swelling, redness and itchiness.
3. You can also spot apply a drop of lavender oil and dab on tea tree and chamomile oils too.
The lavender, tea tree, and chamomile oils all have anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling, anti-itch, and pain-relieving properties. The witch hazel helps draw out any venom while also soothing the skin.
Natural Anti-Itch Bug Bite Balm
For longer-lasting relief after bug bites or stings, make this soothing balm.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄2 cup coconut oil
– 1⁄4 cup shea butter
– 1⁄4 cup beeswax pellets
– 12 drops lavender essential oil
– 8 drops tea tree essential oil
– 6 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
– 5 drops chamomile essential oil
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax until fully liquid.
2. Remove from heat and allow to slightly cool. Stir in all essential oils.
3. Pour into an airtight storage container or tin. Place in fridge 2 hours to solidify.
4. Rub a small dab of the balm onto bug bites as needed to relieve itching and swelling.
Coconut oil and shea provide soothing hydration, while the beeswax gives the balm its solid texture. The essential oils reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and itchiness when applied to bug bites and stings. Store any extra balm in a cool, dark place.
Natural Anti-Itch Bug Bite Stick
For quick bug bite relief on the go, make this anti-itch cooling stick.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets
– 5 drops tea tree essential oil
– 5 drops lavender essential oil
– Peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. In a small tin or lip balm container, place coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils.
2. Rest tin in shallow warm water until beeswax and oil melt fully when stirred.
3. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then swirl in a few drops of peppermint extract for cooling sensation.
4. Place in the fridge until mixture fully sets.
5. Glide stick over bug bites and stings to relieve itching, swelling, and pain. Reactivate soothing effects by reapplying as needed.
The coconut oil moisturizes while the essential oils soothe inflammation. The peppermint extract provides an instant cooling effect to distract from the itch.
Aloe Vera Bug Bite Gel
For immediate cooling relief, aloe vera gel is a fantastic natural treatment for mosquito and other bug bites.
Ingredients:
– 1 small aloe vera leaf
– 1 tablespoon witch hazel
– 5 drops tea tree essential oil
– 3 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. Break open and extract the clear aloe gel from an aloe vera leaf.
2. Mix gel with witch hazel and essential oils in a small bowl until uniform.
3. Apply gel mixture directly to bug bites using a cotton swab or your fingertips. Reapply every few hours for continued relief.
4. Store extra gel in the fridge for 1 week max. The witch hazel helps preserve it.
The hydrating aloe vera gel instantly cools and soothes irritated skin when applied to itchy bug bites. Tea tree and lavender oils enhance these effects with their anti-inflammatory properties. Pick up an aloe plant or buy pure aloe vera gel to make this simple home remedy.
Bee and Wasp Sting Relief Poultice
Draw out bee or wasp venom from a sting with this homemade poultice.
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons bentonite clay
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1⁄2 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
– Water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal and enough water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply paste directly to the bee or wasp sting area.
3. Cover poultice with gauze and gently wrap area with an elastic bandage to hold it in place.
4. Leave poultice on for 10-20 minutes. The clay will harden as it pulls out venom.
5. Carefully remove poultice. Rinse area with water. Apply ice pack if swelling persists.
The clay and charcoal work together to draw out inflammatory venom components from underneath the skin, neutralizing toxins. Keep poultice thick but spreadable – add water slowly. Provide pain relief and reduce swelling.
Plant-Based Mosquito Repellents
Certain plants naturally deter mosquitos with their fragrances. Crush up leaves or stems and rub onto your skin for quick DIY repellency outdoors.
Some effective options are:
– Basil – Rub crushed basil leaves directly onto skin.
– Catnip – Crush catnip leaves in your hands and apply to skin.
– Lemon balm – Rub bruised lemon balm leaves on exposed skin.
– Lemongrass – Crush up a lemongrass stalk and apply the juice to your skin.
– Garlic – Rub a halved garlic clove over your extremities. The sulfur compounds repel mosquitos.
– Lavender – Pick a lavender sprig and gently rub the aromatic oils onto your skin.
Experiment with various plants from your garden to make easy natural mosquito repellents. The stronger and more pungent the scent, the better the effects!
Conclusion
Enjoy the outdoors pest-free with these natural DIY bug sprays and repellents using simple ingredients like essential oils, plant extracts, soap, and witch hazel. They keep away mosquitos, ticks, and flies without any DEET or harsh chemicals.
Choose recipes with your favorite protectant oils and scents. Many of these also soothe bug bite skin irritations. With proper application, these
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