DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray

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Well, spring has sprung and it has ushered in the return of ticks and all the bugs. This is not something I ever worried about where we lived before. But it’s a big issue living in the country, especially with our backyard being completely wooded. We like to be outside as much as possible and I am always in the garden, so ticks and mosquitoes and other bugs are definitely on our radar all the time.

Fortunately, essential oils can be a really helpful and natural way to deter all the pests. I keep this DIY bug spray on hand all the time and we spray it regularly. I use six specific oils but I am sure there are plenty of variations that would work just as well! There’s a lot of documented repellent power in plants!

This insect repellent, to my knowledge, is incredibly effective for our outdoor family time. We still check for ticks regularly to be on the safe side, but this repellent goes a long way. Having said that though, the only time we have bites is when we haven’t sprayed, usually in the beginning of the season when we aren’t in the routine. We do still experience mosquito bites from time to time, so fair warning. I’m more concerned about the ticks anyway, so this spray is an everyday part of my summer survival toolkit.

Below is the recipe I use, but I encourage you to do your own research about the uses of essential oils. I also earnestly recommend that you do regular tick checks even when using repellent, and be vigilant with your own research about what works for you. We make sure to spray up every couple hours to keep our minds at ease.

I’ve made this without the witch hazel too and it doesn’t seem to be less effective, although I have heard that mosquitoes don’t like witch hazel so it’s worth using. Also, the witch hazel emulsifies the oils and make everything mix better together (oil and water doesn’t mix), so I make it a priority to have it on hand. The six oils I use are:

• Citronella: well known for its use in outdoor candles, sprays, and lotions to repel insects
• Geranium: includes the naturally occurring constituents citronellol and geraniol
• Lemongrass: especially effective when paired with citronella
• Peppermint: flying insects, especially, like mosquitoes and flies, (but also ants), shy away from the invigorating scent
• Purification: blend that includes scents known to repel insects
• Thieves: blend that includes scents known to repel insects

As a side note, we use these TickEase Tweezers specifically designed to pull ticks when we forget to spray up. We prefer to just pull them versus trying to make them back out with products. These tweezers work incredibly well.

And lastly, if you’re looking for pretty labels for your bottles like the one above, please see my friend at Abundant Seas on Etsy! She is wonderful to work with, will customize labels, and ships quickly.

Happy spraying!

Statements regarding essential oils have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Products and suggestions on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.  If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using these products.

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