This homemade natural bug and tick spray is super fast and easy to whip up before heading out camping, hiking or fishing.
I hate getting bit by bugs! However, bugs, mosquitoes, chiggers and fleas all love me. Don’t ask how I know:)
But there is one thing I almost hate worse than getting bit by bugs.
The way I smell after spraying on bug spray! There has to be a pretty thick fog of bugs actively biting me to want to spray any of that nasty chemical stink in a can on my skin!
The result: I don’t use the spray -> walking pin cushion for bugs. Ugh. ITCHY!
This is why I decided to make my own homemade all natural bug and tick spray and use only ingredients which I can stand the smell of.
There many essential oils and herbs that repel bugs and ticks. In this recipe, I will share with you how to use 4 common essential oils and some witch hazel to make a bug deterring spray that won’t have your eyes watering with chemicals.
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Why make your own bug and tick spray?
Making your own homemade natural bug and tick spray may seem kind of silly to some.
But, if you look at the back label of some of those conventional bug sprays, you may change your mind. Which is probably why you’re here.
Most bug sprays you can buy contain the active ingredient DEET.
DEET, which is found in many bug sprays is also used as a pesticide. So, yes, DEET does work amazing to get rid of pesky bugs, but it is also quite a strong chemical to be used as a pesticide.
Bug sprays you can buy which contain DEET only contain levels that are considered safe, but as for me, I would rather not put any on my or my family’s skin.
About the ingredients
Lemongrass: repels mosquitoes and house flies
Eucalyptus: repels mosquitoes, ticks and other pests
Peppermint: repels ants, spiders, mosquitoes and ticks
Lavender: repels mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, fruit flys and spiders
Witch Hazel: works in this recipe as a emulsifier for the essential oils and as a soothing agent if bug bites occur
How to use your natural bug and tick spray
To use this bug repellent, first shake your spray bottle up, then spray it onto your clothing.
It is not considered safe to spray directly onto your skin, especially your face.
Reapply spray every two hours for maximum protection.
How long does this natural bug and tick spray work?
Because this bug repellent is not chemical based, it is best to reapply this spray every two hours.
You can store and use this bug and tick spray for several months up to a year.
How to make homemade bug spray
This easy homemade natural bug and tick spray uses 5 ingredients and will take about five minutes to make and is very cost effective. It can make a great addition to any camping or fishing trip.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions:
Pour witch hazel into a mason jar or jar with a lid.
Add the essential oils.
Screw the lid onto the mason jar and shake well.
Pour the bug spray into a spray bottle and keep handy for your next outdoor adventure!
Notes: You can also make this bug spray more potent by substituting 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar for 1/4 cup of the witch hazel. Bugs hate the smell of ACV. I personally don’t add the ACV because not everyone who uses my bug spray loves the smell of ACV. If you decide to add it though, just add 1/4 cup of witch hazel and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and the essential oils.
Easy Homemade Natural Bug and Tick Repellant
Equipment
- 1 mason jar with a lid
- 1 spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Pour witch hazel into a mason jar or jar with a lid.
- Add the essential oils.
- Screw the lid onto the mason jar and shake well.
- Pour the bug spray into a spray bottle and keep handy for your next outdoor adventure!
Notes
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Do you use essential oils to deter bugs?
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