Natural Bug Repellent Recipes

The summer months mean lots of outdoor activities and lots of insects. A bottle of bug repellent is a necessity if you love to be outdoors.

Why not try making your own?

You can customize the scent and avoid harsh chemicals because of course, it’s natural.

Here are three easy DIY options:

Option #1

Ingredients 

• Essential Oil: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint (any 1 or mixture of these)
• All-natural witch hazel
• Distilled or boiled Water
• Vegetable glycerin

Directions

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1. Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounces) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water.
2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top.
3. Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (if using).
4. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be. A great-smelling mixture consists of Rosemary, Clove, Cajeput, Lavender, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus.

RELATED: How To Protect Yourself From Summer Health Hazards

Option #2

Ingredients

• Distilled water
• Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
• Dried herbs: peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, etc.

Directions

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in any combination from the above. A great mixture consists of peppermint, spearmint, catnip and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves.
2. Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oils in!)
3. Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
4. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (the fridge is the
   
   
   

   best option, especially in the warm months).

   

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Option #3 (Extra Strength)

Ingredients

• 1- 32 ounce bottle of apple cider vinegar
• 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
• At least quart size glass jar with an airtight lid

Directions

1. Put the vinegar and dried herbs into a large glass jar.
2. Seal tightly and store on a counter or place somewhere you will see it daily.
3. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store them in a spray bottle.
5. To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.

Option #4 (BONUS): Lime

Take a couple of limes and either slice them into 1/2-inch slices or just cut them in half.

Place them in a bowl or plate with cloves on top and place them around the area that you want to keep bugs from (as if they are a wall).

That should keep out some of those pesky bugs!

For more DIY tips, follow me on Instagram: @Ooolala_laa