Want to make your own bug spray? Learn how to make your own DIY Bug Spray without DEET!
With the recent hurricanes that have ravaged through the south, areas impacted are seeing more mosquitos than ever. All the standing water has given those pesky mosquitos more places to breed which means more mosquitos that are looking for human flesh to bite.
Right now in Houston the mosquitos are everywhere. You literally can not walk outside without getting bit. Since I’ve always wanted to make my own DIY Bug Spray without DEET, I got out my stash of essential oils and began experimenting with the different oils I had on hand. All of these oils have been reported to be natural bug repellents. And when you add them all together, you get a powerful DIY Bug Spray without DEET.
DIY Bug Spray without DEET
Materials:
- 2 oz glass spray bottle (these are the exact bottles I use at home)
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) distilled water
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) witch hazel
- 5 drops Thieves essential oil
- 5 drops Citronella essential oil
- 5 drops Purification essential oil
- 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Using a small funnel, fill a 2 oz glass spray bottle with 1 ounce of distilled water and 1 ounce of witch hazel. (I’ve tried various bottles and I like these the best. The sprayer it comes with produces a fine mist and it has held up better than other versions.)
Pour all essential oils into the glass spray bottle. Put the top on the spray bottle and shake. If you want to, you can print these labels to put on your bottle. To use, spray as needed.
2 oz Amber Glass Bottles w/black sprayerBuy NowStaples Matte White Sticker Paper 8.5 X 11Buy Now
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One of the best things about summer, and even the fall, is spending time outdoors with those we love. But those pesky bugs sure can put a damper on the fun. Their bites not only hurt, but their presence is just a nuisance.
The best part of this DIY Bug Spray without DEET is that it doesn’t contain DEET! There have been some studies linking DEET to some damaging effects on brain cells. I’m not getting any younger, and my brain is aging right along with me. I’m trying to keep all the brain cells I can, y’all.
It won’t take you long at all to make your own DIY Bug Spray without DEET. If you are interested in more ways to your essential oils, check out these posts:
How to Make Thieves Foaming Hand Soap
Homemade Peppermint Sugar Scrub
robin rue says
This sounds AMAZING. I am super excited to make this. I think ALL parents need to make this.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Thank you so much! Down here in Georgia, it’s bug central like 8 months out of the year, BUT DEET irritates my skin. I can’t wait to try this.
Colleen Lanin says
We live in a super hot, super dry state, but there are still a couple of months out of the year that are absolutely miserable with bugs. I can’t wait to try this. I hate putting chemicals on the kids.
Tracey says
Love this! I am all about knowing what goes on my body so if I can make it myself I will!
Melissa Chapman says
That is a great DIY for a safe and effective mosquito repellant. We are lucky up north but bugs still are pesky.
Pam Wattenbarger says
Thanks for sharing this bug spray without DEET! I know a lot of people who really prefer to use natural options when they can.
Liz Mays says
This is a really nice solution. Water seems to pool up in ditches and creeks around here after big storms. The mosquitoes definitely take advantage of that!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love all the different ways we can use essential oils. I’ve never made a DIY Bug Spray, but it sounds like a great idea.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I would much rather make my own bug spray than buy it. I love that you used essential oils.
AnnMarie John says
It would be nice to make your own bug spray instead of buying one that’s filled with chemicals that can harm the family. I think this is really nice and I love that you shared printables as well for the labels.
Carol Cassara says
I’ve never tried making a bug spray before but it does make a lot of sense! This way you’re free from all the chemicals from the usual bug sprays that we buy in the market.
Felicia says
This is a great DIY! I love making my own bug spray from essential oils. I haven’t quite found the best blend yet. I need to give this a try.
Mitch says
Just the recipe I need! I hate any kind of chemical, especially when my kid is involved, and they say bugs hate those oils, so I am going to make a batch of this!
Thanks,
Mitch
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This sounds great!! I love DIY’s that could be used by my whole family! Thanks for sharing this!!
Kiwi says
I wish I knew this recipe when I went to Panama for a month this summer. I love DIY stuff no chemicals and essential oils are always a healthier alternatve to make repellent.
brianne says
I’m so making this. Bug season is still very much going on over here and I feel like worse than ever!
Dogvills says
Perfect for the whole family, especially the little ones. I always fear that they might ingest some harmful chemical in insect repellent sprays. I am going to gather the ingredients and start making my own DIY bug spray. Thanks for the idea!
Veronica Solomon says
I think this is such a great thing to try! So much better for your skin. Especially my sensitive skin
Kristi says
We go camping a ton in the summer so this will come in handy. I’ll pin it and make it after my busy season gets over for work.