How to Make Bug Spray with Essential Oils

Learn how to make bug spray with essential oils and other simple ingredients to manage bug bites in a more natural way.

My kids, specifically my oldest, have always been really sensitive to mosquito bites. I remember when she was little she would get huge, hard welts around her bites and were red and painful. Years later I learned that’s called skeeter syndrome, and thankfully she grew out of that. That being said, we try really hard to protect our family from mosquito and other bug bites as best we can when we’re outside. I try to stay away from DEET as much as possible, except in cases where we are trekking through the woods (which we don’t very often). Instead, I opt for a more natural form of bug spray that uses essential oils and other natural ingredients.

I’ve used a special blend of essential oils for years now and absolutely love it. This particular blend combines citronella and other oils that work to naturally repel bugs. I love that I can control all the ingredients and still use something that’s just as effective as more conventional products.

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Ingredients

Shield Me essential oil blend: This kid-safe essential oil blend contains oils like citronella, pink grapefruit peel, bourbon geranium and patchouli that help to repel bugs while your family enjoys the outdoors. This particular blend has a lot of great reviews, but you can absolutely create your own blend of oils that work best for you and your family. Just be mindful of dilution. Here’s the dilution information from Plant Therapy’s website.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is soothing and absorbs well in the skin. It can counteract any dryness the witch hazel and/or water may give the skin. You can also use other carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil and olive oil.

Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent and great for soothing the skin. It can also be effective in helping with skin irritations, which include bug bites. It’s best to use a witch hazel without alcohol, but use what you have or can find.

Water: Water helps to dilute the essential oils in this DIY bug spray and allows for the spray to, well spray.

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How to Make Bug Spray with Essential Oils

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• 2 ounce glass spray bottle
• Measuring spoons or kitchen scale

MATERIALS

• 2 tbs water (1 ounce)
• 1 tbs witch hazel (0.5 ounces)
• 1 tsp jojoba oil (0.25 ounces)
• 20-25 drops Shield Me essential oil

DIRECTIONS

Add 20-25 drops of essential oil to the spray bottle, followed by the jojoba oil and witch hazel.

Fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving about an inch of space from the top.

Add a spray nozzle, shake the bottle and the homemade bug spray is ready to be used!

NOTES

• This recipe is about a 1% dilution, which is great for the whole family, excluding children under the age of 2. Always do your own research prior to using essential oils.
• Shield Me is a kid safe essential oil brand. Be sure to use only kid safe oils in this recipe if they will be used on children.
• You can use other carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil or olive oil in place of the jojoba oil.
• It's advised to use distilled water in recipes like this, however I feel comfortable using filtered water.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR OTHER BODY CARE RECIPES?

Looking for more body care recipes like this DIY bug spray? Check these out!

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• Homemade Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
• Homemade Lotion Bars
• Lemon and Honey Sugar Scrub Bars

Did you enjoy making your own bug spray? If you did, tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!