I have been using my own bug repellent for years now using essential oils and herbs to keep the bugs off. Not only are herbal bug repellents safer, using no toxic chemicals, they also work much better. I made my neighbor a bottle of bug repellent to take to girls camp and by the end of the week she said everyone was using her repellent. She also came home without a single mosquito bite. This recipe is my favorite one to use and the essential oils to liquid ratio seems to be perfect for a potent batch of "bug off" repellent. The bug repelling properties of citronella are enhanced whenever cedarwood is included in the mix so I always like to use these two oils together. I have also included a list of bug repelling essential oils and herbs below if you would like to have a hand at mixing up your own batch!
The Recipe
1 oz. witch hazel or catnip hydrosol
1 oz. grapeseed oil
35 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
15 drops cedarwood essential oil
1 oz. grapeseed oil
35 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
15 drops cedarwood essential oil
I really like to use catnip hydrosol but didn't have any on hand so instead I infused some dried catnip in the witch hazel. You can also use any of the herbs listed below to make a hydrosol or infuse your witch hazel or just use plain ole witch hazel. The oil in this recipe is to keep the essential oils on your skin, if you only use the witch hazel or just add essential oils to water they evaporate too quickly so always use the oil as part of the recipe. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and apply every 2 hours or so. I like to put mine in the small 2 oz. travel size spray bottles and let each child have their own spray, I also keep one in my purse at all times.
Bug Repelling Essential Oils
Another way to utilize the bug repelling properties of these oils is to apply a few drops to some ribbons and hang them around the area you want to keep clear of insects. Apply them straight to your clothing, behind your ears, knees and the joint of your arm. Place a few drops on cotton balls and place under beds, in drawers, closets, or other areas that creepy crawlies like to hang out.
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basil
- bergamot
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cedarwood
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citronella
- clove
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eucalyptus
- geranium
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lavender
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lemon
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lemongrass
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Melaleuca (alternifolia - tea tree)
- palo santo
- patchouli
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peppermint
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rosemary
Bug Repelling Herbs
These herbs can be used to make an herbal hydrosol, tea, infuse into an oil or witch hazel or Vodka to make your own bug repellent spray. You can also plant these herbs around areas of your home in which you would like to ward of bugs.
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You can purchase floral hydrosols from Mountain Rose Herbs as well as dried herbs and 100% witch hazel, all of which are organic and fair trade. Make sure the essential oils you use are 100% geniune essential oils.
