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 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.
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I 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
Love this recipe. My daughter has very sensitive skin, so using something natural like this would be perfect!
Thanks 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.
How well does this work for gnats? Here in SC the gnats are as big of a problem as the mosquitos!
I 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!
This is great. I’m going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing on Brag About It Link Party
Love 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!
Wow, 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.
where can I buy the oils without having to order?
If you want to purchase therapeutic grade oils like these from Young Living, you have to order them.
Really 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.
we have a cabin in the catskills. I cant wait to try this. thank you!!
This 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
Thanks 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!
I 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!
I’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.