I am back today with the specifics on the natural bug spray we made at the DIY Natural Cleaners Party I went to recently. If you missed it, you can see all the recipes, party details and products in this post HERE. I thought this one was good enough for its own post, especially since there are several ways to make bug spray.
{Click HERE to read more and for the recipes/sources/printables}
I walk both sides of the road when it comes to bug sprays, while I hate the idea of spraying myself (so much that I don’t) with chemicals much less putting them all over my kids, I hate that a bug bite could make my kids sick. My kids are always outdoors, especially my boys, either on sports fields or fishing during the summer so this is an ongoing struggle. While I have tended to avoid areas where I would encounter ticks thanks to a powerful case of lyme disease that has cost us upwards of $20,000 and five years of my life (read more HERE and HERE) you can bet I am pretty hateful toward ticks!
For a long time I have wanted to find a natural bug spray that I could use {so I could actually garden again, which I love} and to hopefully keep my kids from contracting lyme, but without exposing them to DEET and other nasty, toxic chemicals.
There are many varieties of natural bug spray so this isn’t a magic potion. Making it was really easy, and if you made a bunch (as gifts or with friends) the cost would not be much. If you are already using essential oils you probably have many of these oils on hand anyway.
How to DIY Natural Bug Spray:
Ingredients:
20 drops Citronella Oil
10 drops Eucalyptus Oil
5 drops lemon oil
5 drops patchouli
5 drops Lavender Oil
10 drops Palo Santo
5 drops Spearmint Oil or Wintergreen
Distilled Water
4 oz glass spray bottle
You can purchase any of the above oils HERE .
In a 4 oz spray bottle, fill half way with witch hazel. Add essential oils then top with distilled water. Shake well before each use. This recipe is KID-SAFE!
Ingredients
- 20 drops citronella
- 10 drops eucalyptus
- 5 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops patchouli oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops palo santo
- 5 drops spearmint or wintergreen oil
Instructions
-
20 drops Citronella
10 drops Eucalyptus
5 drops lemon
5 drops patchouli
5 drops Lavender
10 drops Palo Santo
5 drops Spearmint or Wintergreen
Witch Hazel
TIPS for using:
- Oils and water don’t mix, so shake well before each use.
- Avoid spraying on the face
- Avoid touching eyes and mouth if you have essential oils on your fingers. Wash hands!
- For younger kids under 2, spray on their clothes not directly on their skin.
- Apply as often as you need it.
For the complete list of recipes for all the products, including the bug spray simply enter your information in the form below. A .pdf file with all the information will come via email momentarily.
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Would this be safe and effective for small pets? I have a little yorkie and I don’t like smothering him in chemicals.
I don’t think it will hurt them (but check with your Vet to be sure because I am not 100% sure). We use Seresto Flea Collars on our beloved puppies. They are the best! You can order on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_6?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=seresto+flea+collar&sprefix=serest%2Caps%2C254&crid=2H4HPUHI4DBGY
I feel safer recommending that because Lyme is so dangerous for dogs! XO, Amy
thanks for sharing Amy. I too am not a fan of spraying myself with chemicals to avoid bites, but this year due to all the rain we’ve had the mosquitos are awful!! I need to make some for my daughter as well. her apartment backs up to a wooded area where she walks her dogs, but she is a mosquito magnet!!!
You should make her some 🙂 my daughter is a mosquito magnet too! XO, Amy