Repel Mosquitoes With This DIY Bug Spray With Essential Oils Recipe

Mosquitoes are just about to pack me out here where we live. They are horrible this year. Our poor daughter looks like her ankles are covered with one giant mosquito bite! They got to her before I realized they were out and biting. But no more! I’ve created a DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils recipe that repels all the nasties. It works on mosquitoes, flies, ticks and more!

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: We are not doctors and this is not to be considered medical advice. As with any product, service or supplement, ALWAYS consult your doctor before use and use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if any adverse reactions occur. We are not responsible for your use.

NOTE: As with any product, supplement, etc, always use with caution and please do research before using! Essential oils are VERY concentrated and some may interfere with certain medications and health conditions. For instance, I have high blood pressure and need to be careful when using rosemary essential oil. So, please, do your research before use and use with caution. With that said, essential oils can be an amazing addition to your health and wellness and natural home. This is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results.

These oils are safe for kids 10+, BUT I’d personally cut the amount of oils in half when using on children.

What I love about this DIY bug spray is that it is natural. It doesn’t contain the harsh nasty chemicals like DEET and other things, but it still repels really well. We use it out in the woods and come away bite free!

It uses naturally repelling oils you may already know about like citronella essential oil, peppermint essential oil and lemongrass essential oil. It also contains cedarwood (Himalayan) essential oil, lavender essential oil and rosemary essential oil. Because I have high blood pressure and rosemary may increase it, I occasionally leave it out, but, since I’m not using it daily or for long periods of time, AND it really helps repel bugs, I usually add it and have done fine. Keep an eye on how you do with it or simply leave it out.

This recipe uses a high proof alcohol (I prefer Everclear due to little to no fragrance) as well as witch hazel. The alcohol acts as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils. It also help the oils to solubilize and immerse into the witch hazel for less separation and needing to shake.

Along with those ingredients and totally optional, I use a product called Solubol (Dispersant) by Aromatics International. (get $10 off your first purchase of $30+).

There is also one available from Simply Earth called Natural Solubilizer. These products blend the oils and witch hazel together so you don’t have to shake. You can basically just spray and go, although I do still give it a slight shake before using out of habit. Both are used similarly, although the one from Aromatics can just be added with everything else. You don’t have to mix it with the oils separately like the Simply Earth instructions say to do. I use whichever one I have on hand. I tend to use Simply Earth or Rocky Mountain Oils more often though.

This recipe makes a 4 oz bottle. Feel free to cut the ingredients in half or even 4ths if you just want to test it out. I, typically, make the 4 oz and then divide it into smaller bottles so I have one in our vehicle, one at home and travel sized ones for my purse, as shown in the photo. (15ml spray bottle and a 10 ml roll-on) But, you do you boo, and make it how you prefer! 😁

DIY Bug Spray With Essential Oils Recipe

Leave us a comment, below, if you try this recipe!

And if you choose to purchase any of these essential oils, we’d appreciate if you used our affiliate links to place your order! Our top choices for oils are Rocky Mountain Oils and Simply Earth.

Links to purchase these oils on Rocky Mountain Oils:

• Citronella Essential Oil
• Cedarwood (Himalayan) Essential Oil
• Lemongrass Essential Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Rosemary Essential Oil

For more relief from bug bites, try our DIY Bug Repellent (recipe found here) AND Rocky Mountain Oils Bug Away Roll-On 10ml and Bug Away Essential Oil..

Hot this summer? Check out our recipe for a Peppermint Cooling Spray as well!