DIY Natural Insect Sprays to Stay Bite-Free
Bothered by bugs? Here are recipes for homemade bug repellents for your skin—and they take seconds to mix up for an effective everyday spray. Using witch hazel or other simple ingredients, these DIY bug sprays kick those pesky mosquitos and insects to the curb and keep you bite-free. If you prefer not to spray chemicals on your skin, check out these natural recipes using simple pantry ingredients.
What Bugs Are Bugging You?
As soon as we step outside, bugs have a way of finding us. Some use the carbon dioxide that we exhale to locate us; others go by scent, body heat, vibrations, or even the colors we wear. For example, deerflies are attracted to CO2, warmth, motion, and dark colors. One way to make yourself less attractive to insects is to avoid using fragrant soaps, lotions, perfume, hairspray, or aftershave. Instead, use scents that block their receptors, making you harder to find.
- Mosquitoes hate citronella, lemon eucalyptus, basil, and garlic.
- Ants and flies dislike mint, basil, and bay.
- Tiny gnats (such as No-See-Ums) are repelled by citronella, lemongrass, and rose geranium.
- Ticks and lice avoid lemon eucalyptus and geranium.
→ Learn more about plants that repel mosquitoes and other insects.
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Make an All-Purpose Insect Repellent
Since different scents repel different bugs, you can target specific ones or use a combination of oils to make an all-purpose repellent.
Here are four simple homemade bug sprays you can make using essential oils, based on your scent preference:
- 2 cups witch hazel, ½ tsp. Lemongrass or citronella oil, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, 1 cup water, ½ tsp. catnip oil.
- 1 cup alcohol or witch hazel and 10-20 drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, or lemon eucalyptus.
- 1 qt. vinegar, ½ tsp. pennyroyal oil, 1 tsp. lemon eucalyptus oil, 1 tsp. orange oil, and 1 tsp. citronella oil.
Herbal Bug Spray
No essential oils on hand? Use dried or fresh herbs instead. If you can make tea, you can make these concoctions. Keep them in the fridge for a cooling spray.
Here are two herbal recipes:
- Steep 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh mint, basil, and lavender leaves in 1 cup boiling water until cooled. Strain, add 1 cup of witch hazel, and shake.
- Boil 1 cup water; add a few cloves and 3-4 tablespoons of dried herbs, including peppermint, catnip, and lavender. Mix, cover, cool, and strain. Add 1 cup witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol.
Words of Caution Regarding Homemade Sprays
- Be aware that some herbs and oils can be harmful or irritating. Lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 or on pregnant or nursing mothers.
- Pregnant women should also avoid pennyroyal.
- Certain essential oils, such as citronella, can be harmful to pets, especially when concentrated; consult a veterinarian before using these or natural insect repellents on or near your fur friend.
- Test any homemade bug spray for possible allergic reactions before using it more liberally.
- Sprays made with vinegar may sting and smell a bit pickle-y until they dry.
- Oils may stain clothing.
Label your mixture with its ingredients and store it in a dark-colored bottle, or keep it in a dark spot to prolong its effectiveness.
See more tips about mosquito repellents and bite remedies.
Do you have a recipe for an effective natural bug repellent? Let us know about it!
Robin Sweetser
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What is the shelf life on the suggested mixes? (specifically #1)
Why is it "Lemongrass or citronella oil", an not both?
I'm thinking citronella and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil so it will be effective for mosquitos and no-see-em's.
The shelf life will depend on the mix and ingredients. On average, natural bug sprays using essential oils usually last for about 2 years. For essential oils such as lemongrass or citronella, shelf life can be about 2 or so years. However, some formulas may last 1 year, while others may last over 4 years. If your repellent changes color, odor, or consistency, toss it. Store the mix out of direct sunlight and away from heat—a cool, dark, dry place is best. Keep lids on tight.
If there are options for essential oils listed in a recipe, you can certainly try using a combination instead of just one, as long as the called for amount for the total essential oil ingredient (such as 1/2 tsp.) does not go over (so, split that initial amount into two smaller portions).
Do NOT use pennyroyal!!! Pennyroyal oil is HIGHLY toxic! The dried leaves are ok to use, maybe as a sachet for your pocket, and it’s even ok (probably?) for your dog to roll around in it. But NOT the oil—too concentrated! This is true for BOTH American false pennyroyal and European pennyroyal. There are lots of restrictions on its use. You really need to vet your information! People could get hurt.
Oil of pennyroyal should never be taken internally but one half a teaspoon dissolved in a quart of liquid and applied to the skin is not going to kill you.
To add to cautions, citrus oils will cause burn/irritation on your skin if exposed to sunlight
Josie- This is very true, thanks for the reminder.
By the time I buy all these ingredients I feel I might as well just buy the pre-made repellant. Citronella would be the only thing I might have around (I don’t).
Just my take….
If you use essential oils for other purposes you may want to invest in a variety pack. You can get a good quality variety pack of the basic oils for anywhere from $10.00 on up. When my health started failing due to auto immune issues I started removing a lot of commercial products from my home & switched to natural products. My health seems to be a little better and my house is just as clean.
Yes! It is easier to buy bug sprays and spray my pant legs! I already had 3 ticks on me working in the garden! Usually, you can feel them crawling ! Be carfeul of ticks. They are worrisome.
My thoughts exactly
