Homemade Bug Repellent
It is definitely mosquito season around here. It’s a challenge to be outside at dusk and not get eaten up with mosquito bites. Being the natural-loving momma that I am, I knew there had to be a better bug repellent solution for myself and my babies than the chemical-filled options. I did some research and found this recipe using essential oils.
We’ve used this homemade bug repellent for a while and have had 100% success with it. And to make the deal even better, it cost me less than $2.50 to make!
Homemade Bug Repellent
- Plastic spray bottle
- 8 oz distilled water
- Pinch of epsom salts
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
- 8 drops purification essential oil
- 8 drops citronella essential oil {optional, but I have found it very effective!}
Pour the distilled water into a 2-cup measuring cup. Add a pinch of epsom salts. Add the oils and stir. Use a funnel and pour the mixture to the spray bottle.
Before you use the bug repellent be sure to shake the bottle to make sure the oils are suspended in the water as much as possible.
Spray skin and clothes generously and be sure to have the kids close their eyes while you spray their necks and arms.
Notes: The epsom salts help suspend the oils in the water. Peppermint essential oil is just that – peppermint. Purification is a blend of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, melaleuca, lavandin, and myrtle.
Also…if this bug repellent isn’t effective, add more essential oils. Everyone’s body chemistry is different so the proportions that work for us, may not work for you.
I buy my oils from Young Living Essential Oils at wholesale prices. The 16 drops used in this homemade bug repellent recipe cost less than $1.50 with oils I already had on hand.
Check out my other Natural Living posts and Dr. Mom series!
Have you ever made your own bug repellent?
Happy Friday!!
xoxo
Myra
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This homemade bug repellent is also not scientifically proven to prevent mosquito bites, West Nile virus etc. However, it works for us and I just had to share how easy it is to make non-toxic and safe bug repellent for your family!
Myra, I’ve been meaning to try homemade bug repellent, and I’ve pinned this one because it sounds great! Does it have a strong peppermint scent from the oil?
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It doesn’t have a strong Peppermint scent. It smells a bit citronella/minty. Not strong though. 🙂
Yes, we have been getting bit like crazy lazy lately. Thanks for sharing this because I’ve been wanting something natural instead of the store bought chemicals! 🙂
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What?! You’re supposed to tell me when I need an oil! Gotta order Purification now. ;). Lisa~
Going to our little natural store right now…so excited to have this recipe. Now I can enjoy the outdoors this summer and not stay cooped up inside for fear of mosquitoes. When I use chemical repellant, I can actually feel a weird sensation in my arms…it’s dreadful and I’m afraid of it. Thank you so much, Myra. God bless you!
Thanks! We live in the SF Bay area, so we don’t have too many bugs to deal with, but we do have 3 camping trips coming up where this will come in mighty handy!! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
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love having this info, thanks.
did you know that eating peanut butter or bananas will make you more attractive to mosquitoes? And eating garlic will make you less yummy. I lived in the mosquito capital of Canada and this was common knowledge there
Are oils safe to use in plastic since they are both petroleum based? I put 2 drops in a styro cup of water and within 15 minutes, the cup was disolving. LUV your blog, your recipes, and your family.
Being diluted in water, it’s totally fine. 🙂 Undiluted citrus oils blaze right through plastic.
Can you just order a few bottles of oil rather than getting into marketing it? I just want a few.
You sure can! You can join as a customer and purchase at retail prices. Or you can join as a distributor (no obligations to buy/sell) and receive wholesale pricing. 🙂 Feel free to email me at myblessedlife.net@gmail.com
Would this be safe forbabies? I have a ten month old and know there ate certain oils you are not supposed to use o. Them because so little. …also have you used this as a bug spray on plants or is there sonethi g different you use? Im attempting plantong veggie garde. This weeke d and wondering if this might work.thanks!:)
I use this on my 11mo! 🙂 It’s perfectly fine and safe. I use diatomaceous earth on outdoor plants to keep the bugs away. 🙂
I made this recipe and it is not working at all . 🙁 I’m very bummed about it because I live in south Louisiana so we have waaaayyy too many mosquitos to the point where I can’t sit on my back porch at sunset without a swarm of huge ones around me. I was really hoping it would work! 🙁
Do you have any advice?
We own river front property and love camping, but the dreaded Mosquitos eat everyone alive.We have tried practically everything suggested. I made a mixture of coconut oil,peppermint.tea tree oil and lavender for this weekend..wish us luck
I will definitely need to give this a try! I hate getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, but hate using nasty store-bought bug repellant even more. Plug, you can never go wrong with Young Living essential oils. Thanks for sharing!