Homemade Bug Spray That Actually Works

As an herbalist, it’s my goal to find natural and holistic approaches for the health of my family, community, and myself. Like this homemade bug spray! If you live in an area that is full of mosquitos, ticks, and chiggers, this recipe is for you. It is all-natural without all of the toxic chemicals, and made in under 5 minutes. 

Items needed to make homemade bug spray

Click each link below to purchase each item

• Witch hazel
• 2 oz glass spray bottle (amber is best to keep out harmful rays and to extend the shelf life and potency of the spray)
• Small funnel
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (I personally use TerraShield essential oil which includes oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil

Step-by-step instructions for how to make homemade bug spray

Step 1: Pour 2 oz of witch hazel into an amber spray bottle. Witch hazel is a natural remedy made from the bark and leaves of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. Long used in traditional herbal medicine, witch hazel is usually applied topically in order to treat certain skin conditions such as irritations and bug bites. Witch hazel contains tannins, a type of natural compound with astringent effects. 

Step 2: Add in 10 drops of TerraShield, 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops of peppermint essential oil, 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Shake the mixture well and add a label. (I use this easy label maker for all of my homemade herbal remedies.) Spray on body as needed. 

Pro tips

• Essential oils must be used in a solvent like witch hazel.
• Do not use water. Oil and water do not mix and the bug spray will not effectively work, since the essential oils will just sit on top.
• Keep spray in a cool place when not using.
• Use on any extremities and clothes exposed to insects. Be careful when using around the face and make sure to close eyes and mouth.

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Weighing the risks and benefits of natural bug spray versus DEET

The world of holistic and natural alternatives to traditional products is wide, and it can feel daunting when learning about your options. I am the first person to say that I always weigh the benefits versus the risks.

With bug spray in particular, we know that DEET contains neurotoxins.

According to a study completed by Cornell University as part of the Pesticide Information Project in 1997, "several cases of toxic encephalopathy associated with the use of DEET in children have been reported in the medical literature... toxic encephalopathy was characterized by agitation, weakness, disorientation, ataxia, seizures, coma and in three cases resulted in death. That the majority of identified neurotoxic cases involved children raises concerns that this subpopulation is at greater risk of adverse reaction following exposure to Deet than are adults" (source).

There were also reports of dermatitis and negative topical reactions on the skin in both children and adults.

You can also read about the toxicity report of DEET on the National Pesticide Information Center, as it pertains to animal and human exposure.

In my opinion, I feel more comfortable using a natural homemade bug spray, particularly on my children.

The most important ingredient for effective homemade bug spray

According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus is the crucial ingredient that has been shown to effectively repel insects (mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks in particular). The CDC recommends using EPA-registered natural repellents that include oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the main active ingredient shown to repel bugs. It is NOT the same as lemon or eucalyptus oil, because it is distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree that contains specific compounds, not the actual bark or citrus.

However, I have personally been using this essential oil formula for months, and it works well. I use and recommend the TerraShield blend. Buy it here. My guess is that if you are searching the internet for ways to get rid of toxic ingredients in your home, you are someone who doesn't necessarily believe in everything these big companies and government entities say—we know that money talks in ways that are sometimes not in the best interest of the public. And it comes down to weighing your own benefits versus risks, and what you feel is best for the health of you and your family.

In my case, this essential oil homemade bug spray recipe works well, without any adverse side effects.

I do want to mention that some people can react negatively to eucalyptus essential oil, especially children. The controversy lies in the constituents: 1,8 cineole in eucalyptus and the menthol constituent found in peppermint. When exposed to high amounts, some small children have experienced breathing complications.

The only time I use peppermint essential oil on my small children is in this homemade bug spray. We have safely tested for any contraindications, and in my opinion, the use of this spray is much less harmful than the use of another insect repellent such as DEET.

Tips for safe essential oil use

• Certified aromatherapists recommend using peppermint essential oil at or below a .5% dilution (3 drops in 1 ounce of a carrier) as a maximum for children over the age of 3 and up to the age of 6, for both topical use and diffusions. Under the age of 3, use of peppermint essential oil is not recommended.
• Experts recommend using eucalyptus essential oil at or below a 1% dilution (6 drops in 1 ounce of a carrier) as a maximum for children over the age of 3 and up to the age of 6. Under the age of 3, use at or below a .5% dilution is safe for topical use and diffusions.
• If you are new to using essential oils with small children, notify or work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to help guide safe use. All children’s use should be considered differently than adult use with all essential oils.
• Do your own thorough research about essential oils.
• Please keep essential oils out of reach of children.
• Lastly, it’s imperative that you use a therapeutic pure grade of essential oil when using them topically. I use doTERRA because of their high standards and testing for purity, and sustainable and ethical attention to co-impact sourcing. If you’re interested in how to use essential oils to support your wellness and provide more natural solutions, read my essential oils starter guide here.

Other natural ways to maximize protection from mosquitoes and ticks

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
• Do regular tick checks after being outside. Take caution to check warm crevices such as armpits, groin, hairline, and waist band.

If you like this natural homemade remedy, try these too!

• Homemade Ear Infection Drops That Actually Work
• How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
• Herbs and Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Quickly

If you’ve tried this homemade bug spray, or any other recipe on the blog, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below. I absolutely love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, for more nourishing recipes like this, and behind the scenes cooking and holistic wellness tips!