Summer is still here, and unfortunately, the bugs are still biting! Today we’re happy to share our DIY mosquito and bug repellent spray with essential oils.
Something about my blood type or pheromones really attracts mosquitoes every year. It’s maddening! This simple, inexpensive essential oil bug spray has been an absolute life saver. Best part? It really works and there are none of the harsh chemicals that you get from commercial brands!
This all-natural essential oil bug spray is also perfect for those fall evenings around the camp fire with family and friends!
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DIY Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray With Essential Oils
Our Answer to the Harsh Chemicals in Commercial Bug Spray Brands
Commercial mosquito and bug repellent sprays contain very harsh chemicals that are absolutely wonderful at keeping bugs off! But these chemical concoctions can also be quite dangerous for the human body (and the environment.) To be honest, some of the possible side effects of these products are down right scary. This may have you re-thinking buying that next bottle at the store.
For example:
- DEET: Deet is linked to neurotoxicity, which can cause physiological disturbances in the body. It is also attributed to behavioral changes, along with learning and memory issues.
2. CYFLUTHRIN: Cyfluthrin is another chemical used in commercial bug sprays. The chemical profile looks very similar to DDT, as it works in much the same way. It’s a neurotoxin that accumulates in the fatty tissue of the body and can contribute to liver function issues.
3. PYRETHROIDS: Pyrethroids are also commonly used in mosquito sprays. It’s a neurotoxin, which makes it an endocrine disruptor. It can increase the risk of breast cancer, and pollute water life.
These toxic products have been known to cause seizures in children and they also kill bees and other pollinators. Hopefully this gives you a good idea of what you’re dealing with and inspires you to make your own diy essential oil bug spray!
Reference: For further information and research on the toxicity of commercial bug spray ingredients, visit madesafe.org
DIY Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray With Essential Oils Recipe
What you’ll need:
- A 12 ounce spray bottle
- 1 1/2 Cups rubbing/isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel
- 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 24 drops of geranium essential oil
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Another 8 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
Marshall’s is a wonderful place to find great deals on essential oils!
Directions:
Place the alcohol or witch hazel into a 12 ounce spray bottle. Add each essential oil. Shake well. That’s it! The diy mosquito and bug repellent spray is ready to be used.
The Power of Essential Oils
There are many essential oils that are great at repelling mosquitoes and other bugs naturally. This recipe includes our favorite, tried and true combination. (It’s been successfully tested in hot, humid, mosquito-laden Merida, Mexico, guys!) If for some reason you don’t have all of the essential oils we name in the recipe above, a combination of the following essential oils should also be great bug repellents!
Additionally, remember that you do not need to spend lots of money on high end essential oils! Simple, inexpensive, therapeutic grade essential oils work just fine with this mosquito and bug repellent spray! No need to break the bank for a simple homemade bug spray. Keep it frugal!
Essential Oil Bug & Mosquito Repellent: Other Uses
Not only is this great for keeping bugs off of your skin, but it can also be used to spray porch and outdoor living furniture as well. With just the right balance of alcohol to oil ratio, this all-natural bug spray isn’t greasy and won’t leave a yucky residue. Simply spray yourself and the area you’re seated in liberally and you should be bug free for the evening.
Additionally you can find fabulous deals on essential oils from TJMaxx as well!
Other Mosquito Prevention Tips
To protect your property from being overtaken by mosquitoes, be sure to remove any standing water from your yard and patio areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnate water. As long as the water is moving, such as a stream, water fall, or fountain, you’re out of danger. On the other hand, if you have a rain barrel or other container collecting stagnate water in the yard, be sure to empty it frequently to prevent mosquito larvae.
Ducks and chickens are also wonderful about keeping the fly and mosquito population down in and around your property. They simply walk around all day eating grass, weeds, and best of all, those pesky insects. Plus they give great eggs, so it’s a win win!
Keeping a pot of catnip, thyme, lavender, basil, or mint on or around the patio can also repel mosquitoes and other pests. For more tips on the best pest fighting plants, click here.
It’s Your Turn to Try Your Own DIY Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray Made with Essential Oils
Now it’s your turn to try your hand at making your own safe, all-natural essential oil bug spray for yourself! Let us know what combination of oils you used and how it worked in the comments below!
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