We have a need for all natural bug spray. I live in Louisiana, and we have a major problem with ‘bugs’ down here in the humid states. The mosquitoes here are quite literally the size of small birds in some areas. I think I have even heard stories of small animals being taken away by a freakishly large breed of mosquito. I am totally kidding about that last part, but seriously, they are quite big.
Needless to say, if you are going to be out between dusk and dawn, you are going to need a bug spray. I like to use an All Natural Bug Spray. I HATE the store bought kind, and I decided to make my own bug spray that I think works really well. That’s why today I am going to share with you this simple recipe to help keep you bite free from some of those nasty little critters.
In order to make this all natural bug spray you are going to need a few supplies on hand. Here is a quick list of what you are going to need (affiliate links):
- 16 oz Glass Spray Bottle
- Lemongrass Essential Oil (this is the brand I use)
- Citronella Essential Oil (this is the brand I use)
- Spearmint Essential Oil (this is the brand I use)
- Rosemary Essential Oil (this is the brand I use)
- 100% Natural Witch Hazel
- water
All Natural Bug Spray
Once you have all of your supplies, let’s start making our all natural bug spray.
Take your glass bottle and fill it up about 3/4 of the way with your witch hazel. You are then going to use 20 drops of Citronella, 20 drops of Lemongrass, 10 drops of Spearmint, and 10 drops of Rosemary essential oils. I then add in about 1/2 cup of water, and then shake to mix all of the ingredients well.
Make sure you always shake well just before using.
You may be wondering why I make such a large bottle? In Louisiana, our ‘bug season’ lasts for a really long time. It starts about the end of March, and runs all the way through the end of October (unless it gets cold sooner). That’s a REALLY long time to have to deal with bugs and mosquitoes. Not to mention, we are outside as often as possible, and I want this bottle to last for as long as possible.
I love how this works, and I even think it smells good. I personally think it smells WAY better than the store bought kind. It’s not 100%, but honestly, what is? So when one of those rabid super human mosquitoes breaks through and actually makes contact (and you get bitten), you can always rub a little Lavender oil over it to make it stop itching or burning. It’s so soothing.
All natural bug spray
Are you new to using essential oils? There are so many different ways you can use them. I have created a group of posts (just like this one) to show you how me and my family like to use our essential oils.
If you have never heard of, or ever used essential oils, now is the time to get started. I chose to start using them so I could create a little more of a chemical free environment for me and my family. If you want to learn more about essential oils and why I like to use them, then head over to my page where I discuss all of the reasons why I chose this brand, and why I love essential oils.
If you like this post, you might also like:
If you have a little bug problem this year and you want to let them know who is boss, then make this awesome all natural bug spray to help keep those little pests out of your life in a chemical-free way.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.
Tamara says
April 3, 2015 at 22:19I can’t wait to try it out this spring and summer! It’s my least favorite thing about summer – humidity and BUGS.
I have Purification too, which I’ve heard works well
Cynthia says
April 6, 2015 at 10:19Love this recipe. My daughter has very sensitive skin, so using something natural like this would be perfect!
Joyce @ It's Your Life says
April 6, 2015 at 10:44Thanks for the recipe. I am also in Louisiana and can testify to the nastiness of the bugs down here. Mosquitoes are the worst and where I am it does not matter what time of the day it is. Followed you here from Inspire Me Mondays party.
Ashley says
April 7, 2015 at 21:05How well does this work for gnats? Here in SC the gnats are as big of a problem as the mosquitos!
Jennifer says
April 9, 2015 at 13:22I don’t have any experience with using this on gnats because we don’t have those where I live. I would still give it a try! I totally am with you for using this on gnats. In Colorado last year I was bitten numerous times, and those little buggers hurt and itch even more than a little mosquito bite!
Free says
April 8, 2015 at 13:38This is great. I’m going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing on Brag About It Link Party
Creatively Homespun says
April 10, 2015 at 10:27Love this!!! A safer way to keep the kids from getting bothered with pests in the summer! 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the Artsy-Fartsy Link up!
Jen says
April 10, 2015 at 20:45Wow, we use so much bug spray during the summer. I like that we can make it at home! Bites are awful especially for the little ones.
Teresa says
May 4, 2015 at 04:50where can I buy the oils without having to order?
Jennifer says
May 4, 2015 at 07:06If you want to purchase therapeutic grade oils like these from Young Living, you have to order them.
Rebecca says
June 15, 2015 at 17:56Really great post to get ready for those summer “bug” days. And I like the natural way to go much better than all those chemicals in the commercial sprays. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from A Pinch of Joy.
kandice says
June 15, 2015 at 18:19we have a cabin in the catskills. I cant wait to try this. thank you!!
Jennifer says
June 16, 2015 at 23:40This sounds great! Thanks for the recipe.
By the way, I’d love to have you post at my new blog hop—The Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home (www.myflagstaffhome.com). It begins on Thursday evenings and lasts through the weekend, if you’re interested.
Jennifer
Itchin' for some Stitchin' says
June 18, 2015 at 14:58Thanks for this! I am always looking for all natural means rather than chemicals. I have a cabin in Idaho that has a sign saying “Beware of the Mosquitoes”. So, this should come in handy!
Andrea says
June 22, 2015 at 17:00I am glad the bug spray is working for you! I use tea tree oil and sometimes eucalyptus, but I have heard lemongrass and citronella work well. I may add those in my next batch. Thanks for linking up to This is How We Roll Linky Party!
Christine says
June 30, 2015 at 12:23I’ve made this and will test it out! It’s not inexpensive given the cost of the oils. Still if it works, I’ll have lots of oil to refill the bottle. I spent $60 on oils.