Easy Homemade Bug Spray Recipe
A Safe Alternative to Store-Bought Repellents!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy in Terms of Use.
The really bad bug season may be past, but fall camping is still in full swing and that means the mosquitoes are still out to get you. Which is why I just stocked up on some homemade mosquito repellent, because there is nothing worse than mosquito bites on your feet.
Every year I stock up on every possible option there is out there for keeping bugs away, so we can enjoy our backyard. I’ve found some really great options that I love to use for my patio, like the Thermacell Patio Shield. I works really well, and I do highly recommend them, but it’s a limited area that you have to sit in to reap the benefits of them.
Buy the Thermacell Patio Shield in Canada or in the US
I want to be able to feel comfortable spraying something on my skin that moves around with me. But I need something that is a natural solution to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects. Deet definitely works, it does the job, but who knows what chemicals in it are seeping into your body and the long term harm they may cause.
So, I’ve developed this all natural bug spray recipe that smells great and keeps the bugs away. You can feel comfortable spraying it on any member of your family. And as an added bonus, this DIY bug spray doubles as an after bite soother. Every one of the ingredients in my bug spray recipe are also known to soothe the itch and swelling of bug bites. So it’s a great After Bite substitution.
The base of this homemade bug spray is witch hazel and rose water. Many DIY bug sprays will just use regular old water as a carrier for the essential oils. Which works since the actual repellent comes from the essential oils, not the carrier. However, I choose to use witch hazel and rose water instead as they both contain properties that are anti-inflammatory and are soothing to the skin.
Witch hazel in particular is great for relieving minor skin irritations, including bug bites. Rose water blends great with witch hazel and adds a beautiful subtle scent that helps mask the not so pleasant smell of witch hazel. Some people might like the smell, I do not!
Ingredients You’ll Need for DIY Bug Spray
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel acts as the main carrier and blending agent in natural bug sprays. Its light, non-greasy texture makes it comfortable to apply on skin, while its natural astringent properties help soothe irritation from existing bites. It also helps the essential oils disperse evenly, creating a consistent and effective spray.
Rose Water
Rose water brings a gentle, skin-friendly base to your spray. Not only does it dilute the essential oils safely, but it also has a cooling, hydrating effect that feels refreshing on hot summer days. Its light floral aroma balances the stronger scents of the bug-repelling oils, making the spray pleasant to use.
Rose water combined with witch hazel is often used as a facial toner, so your helping your skin while repelling the bugs.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon eucalyptus is one of the most powerful natural insect repellents. Studies show it’s especially effective against mosquitoes, making it a must-have in DIY bug sprays. Its crisp, citrusy scent provides long-lasting protection without harsh chemicals.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is known for its high citral content, a compound insects dislike. It helps keep mosquitoes, flies, and even ants at bay. Beyond repelling bugs, it also adds a fresh, clean fragrance that makes your spray enjoyable to wear. My kids will not use it if it smells gross. Lemongrass is key to a great smelling homemade mosquito repellent.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil offers a dual benefit — it repels moths, flies, and mosquitoes, while also calming and soothing the skin. If you do get bitten, lavender’s natural anti-inflammatory and calming properties can help reduce itching and irritation.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which insects strongly avoid. Its cooling sensation feels refreshing on the skin and adds an energizing scent to the spray. This makes it especially useful for hot summer outings. The peppermint and lemongrass combined is what makes this natural bug spray smell so good!
Grapefruit Seed Extract (Optional Natural Preservative)
Not to be confused with grapefruit essential oil. Grapefruit seed extract extends the shelf life of your DIY bug spray by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. It allows you to safely store your spray for longer without needing synthetic preservatives. As a bonus, it provides light antimicrobial benefits for the skin. Its not the cheapest ingredient, so you skip it if you wish, but only a few drops are needed and it make your DIY bug spray last much longer.
Easy Homemade Bug Spray Recipe
Difficulty: Easy, beginner8
Ounces3
minutes3
minutesEquipment:
– 8oz amber glass spray bottles (buy in Canada or US)
– Kitchen scale (optional to make pouring faster) (buy in Canada or US)
Directions
- Add witch hazel and rose water to bottle.
- Add in essential oils and grapefruit seed extract.
- Place on lid and shake well.
- Store in a dark cool place.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with a friend and save it to Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy. And if you want more simple, natural recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter – I’ve got plenty more tips and recipes coming out on a weekly basis.
