DIY Essential Oil Bug Repellent

Are you looking for a great way to keep bugs off? This DIY essential oil bug repellent is great for keeping bugs away so you can enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

 

Oh the joys of summer nights, campfires, night swimming, hikes, s’mores. This time of year is amazing.

Until the biting starts, followed by the itching and scratching….. that high pitched little whine in your ear that says, “I’m coming to bite you and make you wake up at 3 am with an itchy ankle!

Let me tell you, mosquitos think I’m tasty. I had a theory a few years back that maybe it had something to do with blood type, so I asked like everyone I knew what blood type they were. I thought maybe mosquitos liked certain types more and apparently, A+ is at the top of their list.

Regardless of why they do the biting, it seems they like me, so if I want to enjoy time outdoors it needs to involve bug repellent!

This summer I decided to make some using essential oils. I figured I’d see if could replace the yucky smelling chemical laden ones in favor of something a little more pleasant and natural!

So I made this, and I tested it. I have never been able to come away from 4th of July fireworks without a few bites, sitting outside for a few hours watching fireworks makes me a mosquito target for way too long.

But this year? No bites!

This essential oil bug repellent really works, like crazy good, and it smells nice too! Now I haven’t tried it walking through the woods but I have a friend who swears by one of the ingredients, rose geranium, as a tick repellent.

This has several different oils that each work to repel nasty little biters so combine together they make an excellent repellent!

Here’s how you make this Essential Oil Bug Repellent-

1/2 Cup Witch Hazel

1/2 Cup Distilled Water

10 Drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil

15 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

10 Drops Patchouli Essential oil

10 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

10 Drops Citronella Essential Oil

Here are my favorite places to buy affordable essential oils 

Spray Bottle

 

This is super easy to make, first combine your witch hazel and water in your spray bottle. Now add in each of your essential oils. Once they’re all added put the lid on and give your bottle a shake. That’s it! It’s ready to use!

Make sure to give it a shake each time you use it to make sure the essential oils are well dispersed. To use it just spray it all over yourself. You can even spray your blanket or chair to keep the bugs out of your area!

If you’re someone like me who gets chewed up when you go outside I’d love for you to let me know if this essential oil bug repellent works for you!!

Enjoy your bug-free time in the outdoors!