DIY Natural Insect Sprays to Stay Bite-Free
Are you bothered by bugs? Here are four recipes for natural bug repellents—using witch hazel and other ingredients right from the pantry. All effectively repel mosquitos, flies, and other insects that “bug” you—without chemicals soaking into your skin!
What Bugs Are Bugging You?
As soon as we step outside, bugs have a way of finding us. Some use the carbon dioxide we exhale to locate us; others go by scent, body heat, vibrations, or even the colors we wear. For example, deerflies are attracted to CO2, warmth, motion, and dark colors. One way to make yourself less attractive to insects is to avoid using fragrant soaps, lotions, perfume, hairspray, or aftershave. Instead, use scents that block their receptors, making you harder to find.
- Mosquitoes hate citronella, lemon eucalyptus, basil, and garlic.
- Ants and flies dislike mint, basil, and bay.
- Tiny gnats (such as No-See-Ums) are repelled by citronella, lemongrass, and rose geranium.
- Ticks and lice avoid lemon eucalyptus and geranium.
→ Learn more about plants that repel mosquitoes and other insects.
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Make an All-Purpose Insect Repellent
Since different scents repel different bugs, you can target specific ones or use a combination of oils to make an all-purpose repellent.
Here are four simple homemade bug sprays you can make using essential oils, based on your scent preference:
- 2 cups witch hazel, ½ tsp. Lemongrass or citronella oil, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, 1 cup water, ½ tsp. catnip oil.
- 1 cup alcohol or witch hazel and 10-20 drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, or lemon eucalyptus.
- 1 qt. vinegar, ½ tsp. pennyroyal oil, 1 tsp. lemon eucalyptus oil, 1 tsp. orange oil, and 1 tsp. citronella oil.
Herbal Bug Spray
No essential oils on hand? Use dried or fresh herbs instead. If you can make tea, you can make these concoctions. Keep them in the fridge for a cooling spray.
Here are two herbal recipes:
- Steep 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh mint, basil, and lavender leaves in 1 cup boiling water until cooled. Strain, add 1 cup of witch hazel, and shake.
- Boil 1 cup water; add a few cloves and 3-4 tablespoons of dried herbs, including peppermint, catnip, and lavender. Mix, cover, cool, and strain. Add 1 cup witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol.
Words of Caution Regarding Homemade Sprays
- Be aware that some herbs and oils can be harmful or irritating. Lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 or on pregnant or nursing mothers.
- Pregnant women should also avoid pennyroyal.
- Certain essential oils, such as citronella, can be harmful to pets, especially when concentrated; consult a veterinarian before using these or natural insect repellents on or near your fur friend.
- Test any homemade bug spray for possible allergic reactions before using it more liberally.
- Sprays made with vinegar may sting and smell a bit pickle-y until they dry.
- Oils may stain clothing.
Label your mixture with its ingredients and store it in a dark-colored bottle, or keep it in a dark spot to prolong its effectiveness.
See more tips about mosquito repellents and bite remedies.
Do you have a recipe for an effective natural bug repellent? Let us know about it!
Robin Sweetser
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What bug spray recipe can I make to keep fruit flies from attacking me? They literally attack me 24/7.
Hi, Laura. Fruit flies do not like the scent of rosemary, lavender, or mint. You could make some essential oils and rub a small amount on the insides of your wrists to keep the flies away.
Bit of history facts about bug repellents during WW2. My uncle was in the Army serving in the South Pacific on the islands. He said the bugs were so bad it was hard to sleep. The only bug repellent available was DDT. Stuff today would have been a godsend. They made a paste of the DDT and smeared it on themselves, kept the bugs away. He was in his 80's when he told this to me and he lived beyond 100. He was very active, no harmful effects. Wonder how Rachael Carlson would have reacted upon learning this. Harmful to animals and birds but not to him.
DDT is 100% safe for people. My dad tested it way back when.
That's of great interest to me that your uncle was not harmed by the DDT. I'm familiar with Rachel Carson and her fight against the use of DDT post-WW II. Your uncle perhaps had good protocols going on in his life -- raised his own food?....good mental/spiritual outlook....hard worker/effective perspiration (eliminate toxins).....no pharmaceutical drugs (stressing his liver)..... Other things? Thanks for sharing. His life was a blessed one.
What is the shelf life on the suggested mixes? (specifically #1)
Why is it "Lemongrass or citronella oil", an not both?
I'm thinking citronella and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil so it will be effective for mosquitos and no-see-em's.
The shelf life will depend on the mix and ingredients. On average, natural bug sprays using essential oils usually last for about 2 years. For essential oils such as lemongrass or citronella, shelf life can be about 2 or so years. However, some formulas may last 1 year, while others may last over 4 years. If your repellent changes color, odor, or consistency, toss it. Store the mix out of direct sunlight and away from heat—a cool, dark, dry place is best. Keep lids on tight.
If there are options for essential oils listed in a recipe, you can certainly try using a combination instead of just one, as long as the called for amount for the total essential oil ingredient (such as 1/2 tsp.) does not go over (so, split that initial amount into two smaller portions).
Do NOT use pennyroyal!!! Pennyroyal oil is HIGHLY toxic! The dried leaves are ok to use, maybe as a sachet for your pocket, and it’s even ok (probably?) for your dog to roll around in it. But NOT the oil—too concentrated! This is true for BOTH American false pennyroyal and European pennyroyal. There are lots of restrictions on its use. You really need to vet your information! People could get hurt.
Oil of pennyroyal should never be taken internally but one half a teaspoon dissolved in a quart of liquid and applied to the skin is not going to kill you.
To add to cautions, citrus oils will cause burn/irritation on your skin if exposed to sunlight
