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When summer calls, so do the bugs! Summer is a time for outdoor adventures. But with the sunshine often comes unwanted guests – pesky mosquitos, biting flies, and stinging insects.
Traditional bug sprays offer protection, but many contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and may pose health risks.
There’s a natural alternative! This DIY bug spray recipe with essential oils utilizes the power of natural extracts, offering a safe and effective way to keep bugs at bay.
Essential Oils: Nature’s Built-in Bug Repellent
Many plants have evolved natural defenses against insects. These defenses come in the form of complex chemical compounds found in the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers.
When extracted in the form of essential oils, the extracts have the same properties as the chemical compounds they contain.
Some essential oils contain specific compounds that insects find unpleasant or even toxic. These repellent properties make them ideal for creating a natural bug spray.
Interesting fact: We may love the aroma of essential oils such as cedarwood and lemongrass. However, bugs hate these smells, which is what repels them and protects humans. Interesting, right?
Benefits Beyond Repelling Bugs
While traditional bug sprays often contain just one or two synthetic chemicals, essential oils offer a bouquet of natural benefits.
In addition to repelling bugs, many essential oils, have soothing properties that can be gentle on the skin. Certain oils, like tea tree, help to soothe bug bites too.
By choosing essential oils, you’re opting for a more natural approach to insect protection, potentially avoiding the irritation and health concerns sometimes associated with chemical repellents.
This is one of many studies that suggest Plant essential oils are a promising alternative to the established chemical mosquito repellent DEET.
DIY Bug Spray Recipe With Essential Oil
This is my go-to bug-repellent blend recipe. It utilizes carrier oil to dilute the essential oils and provide a moisturizing base for the spray.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. amber glass spray bottle
- 1 oz. witch hazel (acts as a base and disinfectant)
- 1 oz. jojoba oil (carrier oil – lightweight and moisturizing for skin)
- 20 -25 drops essential oil (of your choice from the list below)
- 10 drops KidSafe ShieldMe essential oil for kids aged 3+
This recipe makes a 4-ounce spray which is the equivalent of 6 standard-size roller bottles.
Instructions:
Pour the witch hazel and jojoba oil into your clean spray bottle.
Add your chosen essential oils to the bottle. You can use the recommended blend above, or create your own using the list provided.
Be sure to stay within the recommended total of 20-25 drops.
Age Restrictions: Keeping Little Ones Safe
This bug spray recipe is not recommended for children under 3 years old. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults, and essential oils can be especially irritating. Below, you will find a KidSafe option that you can use when using this recipe for kids.
Best Bug-Repelling Essential Oils
Citronella: The most effective and widely-used insect repellent, citronella essential oil contains a mixture of components including citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol as major constituents, which contribute to its repellent properties. Citronella essential oil is registered as an insect repellent by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) due to its high efficacy, low toxicity, and customer satisfaction.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass essential oil boasts a grassy, lemony aroma that deters mosquitoes and other insects. Several studies have shown that the deployment of lemongrass essential oil as a spatial repellent in outdoor gatherings can be very effective.
Cedarwood – The aroma of the cedarwood essential oil acts as a powerful natural bug repellent. This is one of the reasons why cedarwood is often used to make closets and drawers.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca): Known for its antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil also has insect-repellent properties.
Basil – Who’d think an everyday herb that we add to our dishes would also act as a bug repellent? But this study found that it does. Basil essential oil contains an ingredient that is a proven larvicide. Its sweet-spicy aroma acts by targeting insects at the larvae stage.
Catnip – One of the lesser-known oils in everyday use, catnip is commonly used in bug-repellent recipes. While it is not yet known how it works, the bug repellent properties of catnip essential oil are undeniable. It is thought that mosquitoes stay away because they dislike its scent.
KidSafe Essential Oil Bug Repelling Blend
For kids, I always recommend using options from Plant Therapy’s KidSafe line. These essential oils and blends are specially formulated and safe for kids.
Plant Therapy’s Pre-diluted KidSafe Shield Me Roll-On is hands down the best option if you’re looking for a ready-to-go bug-repellent spray that’s safe for kids. It contains citronella essential oil and is already diluted with carrier oil so it can be applied directly to your little one’s skin.
If you prefer to make your own bug-repellent spray with essential oils, use Plant Therapy’s KidSafe Shield Me blend. This contains an undiluted blend of essential oils that work together to repel bugs. You will need to dilute this before use.
Important Note: When using essential oils, dilution is crucial. Never apply them directly to your skin without dilution.
Diluting: Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. Distilled water is recommended to avoid any potential interactions with minerals in tap water.
Shaking it Up: Shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed.
How To Use Homemade Bug Spray With Essential Oils
Shake well before each use.
Apply the spray to your clothes, paying attention to areas like ankles, wrists, and behind the ears.
Avoid spraying directly on your face.
Reapply every few hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
Important Safety Information
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts and a little goes a long way. Never apply essential oils directly to your skin without dilution. They can be irritating or cause allergic reactions. This recipe utilizes a carrier oil like jojoba oil to safely dilute the essential oils before application.
Patch Test: A Simple Precaution: Even diluted essential oils can cause skin irritation in some people. Before liberally applying your bug spray, it’s wise to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the diluted spray to a non-sensitive area of your skin, like your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Special Considerations: Certain essential oils can be harmful to pregnant or breastfeeding women and their developing babies. If you fall into this category, consult with your doctor before using any essential oil products.
Protecting Your Furry Friends: While this DIY bug spray is intended for humans, it’s important to remember that essential oils can be toxic to pets. Avoid spraying your pets directly with the repellent, and don’t allow them to lick it off your skin.
Finding the Right Choice for You
The best bug repellent for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:
Level of insect activity: Are you facing a mild mosquito annoyance or a full-on swarm?
Length of time outdoors: A short evening walk might require less protection than a day spent hiking.
Skin sensitivity: For those with sensitive skin, a natural option might be preferable.
While DIY bug spray with essential oils provides a safe and effective alternative to harsh chemicals, it does require more frequent reapplication to keep you protected.
Embrace the Outdoors, Naturally!
This DIY bug spray recipe offers a safe and natural way to harness the power of essential oils for insect protection. With its blend of repellent properties and potentially gentler touch on the skin, this spray is a great option for those seeking an alternative to traditional bug repellents.
Creating your own bug spray with essential oils is a practical and rewarding experience. You get to customize the essential oil blend to suit your preferences, and the satisfaction of crafting your own natural repellent adds another layer of enjoyment.
With a little natural protection, you’re ready to conquer bug-free adventures all summer long.
Related Reads:
Best essential oils to soothe bug bites and how to use them
Best essential oils for your camping first-aid kit
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
