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We live in the country that is completely surrounded by beautiful trees. It’s a choice that is pleasing to my children. However, with that peaceful choice, there are a gazillion mosquitos, ticks, and fleas.

I absolutely do not like the thoughts of putting smelly bug spray on my children or myself. A shower or bath is MUST after application at my house regardless if you get stinky or not from perspiration.

homemade bug spray

So, I decided to try to make our own homemade bug spray with items that I had around the house and essential oils. And after a month of spraying the wonderful smelling bug spray on myself and kids, I’m never going back to that smelly old bug spray.

It works like a charm too. I am very adamant about always wearing bug spray when we go outside because someone very close to us suffered from West Nile last summer. 

I researched essential oils that would repel insects. There were numerous ones that have been proven effective in repelling insects, such as, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Citronelle, lavender, and Peppermint. But I just used what I had on hand at the time.

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray

  • Spray Bottle
  • Witch Hazel
  • Distilled Water
  • 30-40 drops of essential oils

I bought a plastic bottle at the dollar store. I filled it half way with witch hazel and the other half with water. If you do not have distilled you can boil the water. Next, I put 10 drops of Peppermint, 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil, and 10 drops of lavender. 

The first batch I made, I put more peppermint oil in it and it burned my children’s eyes. So be careful with how much peppermint oil you put in you. I ordered some Citronelle, so I will be experimenting with that soon.

Be sure to check out our Homemade all-purpose cleaner that we have been using for year!

You didn’t know homemade bug spray was so easy to make, did you?