This natural bug repellent is tried and true. I just used it for an entire week, while on vacation in Mexico, where bugs are plentiful. I escaped the trip with only 2 or 3 bites, when I am usually the person that is eaten alive!
Several studies show that essential oils can effectively be used as a natural bug repellent. To make the spray more potent and effective, we need to use a large dose of essential oils. I lean towards the more affordable oils in this recipe, as we need so much of them compared to other DIY recipes, where I usually just use 2 or 3 drops of Essential Oils.
Natural bug repellent also needs to be applied more often than commercial repellents. I recommend using it every 2 to 3 hours, when you are in an area with lots of bugs.
Studies have also shown that Neem Oil can also be used as a natural repellent. The thing with Neem Oil is that it is super stinky. It kind of smells like garlic. When Indy was really little and we went to Hawaii, I applied it on her skin, as a natural bug repellent and it worked well.
Since then, I’ve incorporated it into my natural bug repellent recipe to make a potent formula that is safe, effective and actually smells really good!
I have made bug repellents using mostly water and witch hazel in the past. I have to say that the addition of oils has made it much more effective. I found that the repellent stayed on my skin much longer with the added oils.
DIY Bug Spray: Natural Bug Repellent
Equipment
2 ounce glass spray bottle (find it here)
small funnel (find it here)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil (find it here)
1 tablespoon Neem Oil (find it here)
30 drops of Citronellla Essential Oil (find it here)
20 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil (find it here)
10 drops of Basil Essential Oil (find it here)
~3 tablespoons witch hazel (find it here)
Using your funnel, add the Jojoba Oil, Neem Oil and Essential Oils to your glass spray bottle. Then fill up the rest with with hazel, about 3 tablespoons. Give it a good shake, before each use.
*Note: I developed this recipe using Young Living Essential Oils. These oils are very potent and pure. Essential Oils are commoly distilled using high heat or even chemical solvents. If oils are not distilled properly (i.e. steam distilled or cold pressed), they can lose their important properties. For best results, I recommend doing your research and making sure that the oils you use for this recipe are organic, potent and steam distilled. Of course, I recommend using Young Living oils. You can learn more about them HERE!
Click HERE to PIN this Bug Spray Post!
I wish Citronella wasn’t out of stock! :/
Do you use a special sprayer that can handle something oily?