Say goodbye to pesky bugs and hello to enjoying the great outdoors with these fantastic DIY bug repellent recipes! You can easily whip up your own natural spray at home using simple ingredients and essential oils, creating a repellent that's not only effective but also gentle on your skin.
Ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace these plant-powered solutions for a worry-free summer..
Table of Contents
1. 5-Minute Essential Oil Bug Repellent Spray
This quick and easy bug repellent uses a blend of powerful essential oils like geranium, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay.
It's perfect for spraying on clothing and gear, offering a natural shield for all your outdoor adventures.
The delightful aroma is a welcome change from conventional sprays..
Key Ingredients:
- Geranium essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Vodka or rubbing alcohol
- Witch hazel
- Vegetable glycerin
- Water
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes and insects
- Uses natural essential oils
- Quick and easy to make
Pro Tip: Shake well before each use, as the oils and water will naturally separate over time.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Essential Oil Bug Repellent Spray
2. Natural Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils
Create your own effective mosquito repellent using a blend of essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender.
This recipe is a wonderful way to avoid harsh chemicals and enjoy the outdoors.
It's customizable to your scent preferences and provides a natural barrier against those annoying bugs..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel or carrier oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Tea Tree Oil
Benefits:
- Wards off mosquitoes naturally
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Test your mixture on a small patch of skin 24 hours before widespread use to check for any reactions.
Get the Recipe: Natural Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils
3. DIY Natural Bug Spray with Witch Hazel & Essential Oils
This easy DIY bug spray is a fantastic alternative to store-bought options, made with witch hazel and a blend of essential oils known for their bug-repelling powers.
It gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what's going on your skin and your family's skin, all while smelling much better than chemical sprays..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Distilled water
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Geranium essential oil
- Tea Tree essential oil
Benefits:
- Natural pest control
- Gentle on skin
- Budget-friendly
Pro Tip: Consider kid-safe essential oil combinations for younger children, like lavender, cedarwood, and lemon eucalyptus (but avoid for children under 3).
Get the Recipe: DIY Natural Bug Spray with Witch Hazel & Essential Oils
4. Apple Cider Vinegar & Lavender Bug Be Gone Spray
This simple yet effective bug spray uses apple cider vinegar and lavender essential oil to keep those pesky bugs away.
It's a super easy and cheap way to create a non-toxic repellent that works! While it has a slight vinegar scent initially, it fades quickly, leaving you protected without the harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled water
- Apple cider vinegar or witch hazel
- Lavender essential oil
Benefits:
- Repels bugs naturally
- Non-toxic and safe
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: You can easily adjust the recipe for smaller bottles, perfect for keeping in your car, purse, or diaper bag.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Vinegar & Lavender Bug Be Gone Spray
5. DIY Natural Bug Spray with Essential Oils
Whip up this effective DIY natural bug spray using essential oils like citronella, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
It's a safe, eco-friendly, and nourishing alternative to conventional sprays that keeps insects at bay.
The essential oils work by masking scents that attract bugs and also offer skin-soothing benefits..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Distilled water
- Vegetable glycerin
- Citronella essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Benefits:
- Repels biting insects
- Gentle and skin-nourishing
- Safer alternative
Pro Tip: For tick protection, consider adding rose geranium oil, eucalyptus oil, or cedarwood oil to your blend.
Get the Recipe: DIY Natural Bug Spray with Essential Oils
6. Essential Oil Bug Spray for Kids and Adults
This versatile bug spray recipe offers both adult and kid-safe options, utilizing a variety of essential oils known for their insect-repelling properties.
It's a cost-effective way to protect your family from mosquitoes and ticks naturally.
You can easily customize the blend to create your family's favorite scent while staying bite-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Distilled water
- Essential oils (e.g., geranium, lavender, lemongrass, citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, cedarwood)
Benefits:
- Effective against mosquitoes, flies, and ticks
- Customizable for different ages
- Natural and non-toxic
Pro Tip: For younger children (under 3), spray the bug spray onto their clothes rather than directly on their skin.
Get the Recipe: Essential Oil Bug Spray for Kids and Adults
7. Citronella, Lemongrass, and Lavender Essential Oil Bug Spray
This wonderfully fresh-scented DIY bug spray is a fantastic natural alternative to chemical-laden options.
It combines the power of citronella, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and basil essential oils to create a refreshing barrier against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
It’s super easy to whip up and can be used liberally to keep you protected while enjoying the outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Distilled water
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Basil essential oil
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- Repels black flies
- Fresh, clean scent
- Natural alternative
Pro Tip: Store your spray in a dark glass container to help preserve the potency of the essential oils. If using plastic, ensure it's HDPE (#2) or PET (#1).
Get the Recipe: Citronella, Lemongrass, and Lavender Essential Oil Bug Spray
8. Vinegar and Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent
If you prefer to avoid vinegar's strong scent, this recipe offers a lovely alternative that still packs a punch against mosquitoes.
By combining water with witch hazel and a blend of your favorite essential oils like lemon, lemongrass, catnip, citronella, or eucalyptus, you create a light and effective spray.
It’s a must-try for keeping those buzzing pests away naturally..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Witch hazel
- Lemon essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Catnip essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- Pleasant scent
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: For something that lasts longer and won't evaporate as quickly, try mixing essential oils with coconut oil or a fragrance-free lotion for a repellent balm.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent
9. Herbal Infusion Bug Spray with Common Garden Herbs
Harness the power of your garden with this herbal-infused bug spray! This recipe uses common herbs like basil, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender steeped in witch hazel.
It's a wonderfully fragrant way to deter mosquitoes and black flies.
Making it at home allows you to avoid harsh chemicals and enjoy the natural scents of the outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Basil
- Lemon balm
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Witch hazel extract
Benefits:
- Deters mosquitoes
- Deters black flies
- Naturally fragrant
- Avoids chemicals
Pro Tip: If you can't use fresh herbs, dried herbs work well too! You can also add optional herbs like citronella or lemongrass for extra bug-repelling power.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Infusion Bug Spray with Common Garden Herbs
10. Quick Essential Oil Bug Spray with Witch Hazel
This super simple bug spray recipe is a lifesaver for those times you need quick protection from bugs.
Made with witch hazel, water, and a blend of essential oils like lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium, and peppermint, it's easy to create and smells great.
It's a fantastic way to naturally keep bugs away without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Water
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Geranium essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Vegetable glycerin (optional)
Benefits:
- Repels bugs
- Pleasant aroma
- Quick to make
Pro Tip: A touch of vegetable glycerin can be added for a better feel on the skin and can also help the essential oils disperse more evenly.
Get the Recipe: Quick Essential Oil Bug Spray with Witch Hazel
11. Citronella and Tea Tree Oil Bug Repellent
This classic bug spray combines the well-loved insect-repelling power of citronella essential oil with the versatile benefits of tea tree oil.
It’s a simple yet effective blend that helps keep mosquitoes and other critters at bay.
Plus, it’s a natural alternative you can feel good about using on yourself and your family..
Key Ingredients:
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Water
- Witch hazel
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- Repels various bugs
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: This spray is great for personal use or even as a gentle deterrent for common household pests like spiders.
Get the Recipe: Citronella and Tea Tree Oil Bug Repellent
12. Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oil Blend
This recipe cleverly uses apple cider vinegar as a base, which many bugs dislike, and then enhances its power with a blend of essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
It's a simple, effective spray that smells so much better than conventional options and is ideal for keeping bugs from bothering you outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Apple cider vinegar
- Tea tree essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Vegetable glycerin (optional)
- Distilled water (optional)
Benefits:
- Repels bugs
- Pleasant smell
- Natural and safe
Pro Tip: You can adjust the essential oil ratios or the amount of vinegar if you find the scent too strong. Distilled water can be used to lighten the scent if needed.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oil Blend
13. All-Natural Bug and Tick Repellent with Cedarwood
Keeping ticks and mosquitoes at bay is a breeze with this natural repellent.
Featuring cedarwood essential oil, known for its tick-repelling properties, along with citronella and other effective oils, this spray is designed to keep you protected.
It’s a must-have for any outdoor adventure, offering peace of mind without the harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Witch hazel
- Distilled water
Benefits:
- Repels ticks
- Repels mosquitoes
- Natural protection
Pro Tip: If ticks are a big concern in your area, feel free to add an extra drop or two of cedarwood essential oil to this blend for enhanced protection.
Get the Recipe: All-Natural Bug and Tick Repellent with Cedarwood
14. Essential Oil Bug Spray for a Natural Home
Create a safe and effective bug spray with this easy recipe, perfect for a natural home.
It uses a combination of essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood, tea tree, lemongrass, and peppermint mixed with apple cider vinegar and witch hazel.
This blend not only smells fantastic but also works wonders at keeping bugs away, letting you enjoy your time outdoors more..
Key Ingredients:
- Citronella essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Witch hazel
Benefits:
- Repels various insects
- Pleasant scent
- Toxin-free
Pro Tip: To specifically combat buffalo gnats, consider adding vanilla essential oil to your blend. Remember to always store your spray in a dark glass bottle to maintain its effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Essential Oil Bug Spray for a Natural Home
15. Chemical-Free Bug Off Spray
Enjoy your outdoor time without the bother of flies or mosquitos with this fantastic chemical-free bug spray.
It’s designed to work effectively without leaving your skin feeling sticky, making it perfect for those warm summer evenings.
This is a must-have for any family looking to embrace nature without the unwanted insect companions..
Key Ingredients:
- Essential oils (specific blend not detailed)
- Witch hazel
- Apple cider vinegar
- Distilled water
Benefits:
- Repels bugs
- Non-sticky feel
- Chemical-free
Pro Tip: Keep your bug spray by the door for easy application before heading outside. Reapply every couple of hours or as needed for continued protection.
Get the Recipe: Chemical-Free Bug Off Spray
16. DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray
This refreshing DIY bug spray is a wonderful way to keep pesky insects away naturally.
It uses a blend of powerful essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and lavender, mixed with witch hazel to create a pleasant-smelling barrier.
It's a fantastic, chemical-free option for the whole family to enjoy outdoor fun without the bites..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Essential Oils (Citronella, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender)
- Spray Bottle
Benefits:
- Natural Insect Repellent
- Pleasant Scent
- Family-Friendly
Pro Tip: For an extra soothing effect, add a few drops of lavender essential oil directly to any existing bug bites.
Get the Recipe: DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray
17. Vanilla Mint Bug Spray for Skin
Enjoy the outdoors without the buzz! This delightful bug spray uses the lovely scents of vanilla and peppermint to naturally deter insects.
It's made with simple ingredients and witch hazel, leaving your skin feeling good.
Plus, it smells absolutely amazing – a must-try for anyone wanting a gentle, effective repellent..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Vanilla Extract
- Peppermint Extract
Benefits:
- Repels Pests
- Pleasant Aroma
- Gentle on Skin
Pro Tip: If you omit the vanilla and use peppermint Castile soap, this version is often safe for pets, but always test a small area first.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Mint Bug Spray for Skin
18. Homemade Nontoxic Bug Spray
Say goodbye to chemical worries! This homemade bug spray uses witch hazel and a blend of potent essential oils to create an effective, nontoxic shield against bugs.
It’s a fantastic option for sensitive skin and the whole family, allowing you to enjoy nature with peace of mind.
Simply spray it on and feel confident outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Essential Oils (Citronella, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender)
Benefits:
- Chemical-Free
- Effective Bug Deterrent
- Safe for Family
Pro Tip: Store your spray in an amber glass bottle to help protect the essential oils from light degradation.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nontoxic Bug Spray
19. Natural Bug Repellent Lotion Bar
Protect your skin the natural way with this lovely bug repellent lotion bar.
It combines nourishing butters and oils with essential oils to create a solid balm that melts into your skin, forming a barrier against insects.
It's deeply moisturizing and wonderfully effective, making it a joy to use before heading outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil
- Shea Butter
- Beeswax
- Essential Oils (TerraShield blend)
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Long-Lasting Protection
- Eco-Friendly
Pro Tip: For extra staying power, reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.
Get the Recipe: Natural Bug Repellent Lotion Bar
20. Natural Insect Repellent Spray for Kids
Keep those tiny adventurers protected! This natural bug repellent is specially formulated to be safe for children two years and up, offering a gentle yet effective defense against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
It uses kid-friendly essential oils and witch hazel for a refreshing spray that helps everyone enjoy outdoor play bite-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Essential Oils (Shield Me blend or Peppermint)
- Spray Bottle
Benefits:
- Kid-Safe Formula
- Effective Mosquito Repellent
- Gentle Ingredients
Pro Tip: For babies under one year old, consider spraying this on their clothing or stroller canopy instead of directly on their skin.
Get the Recipe: Natural Insect Repellent Spray for Kids
21. Homemade Insect Repellent with Essential Oils
Create your own effective bug defense with this straightforward homemade insect repellent recipe.
By combining essential oils like citronella and lemongrass with a carrier like witch hazel, you can craft a spray that’s potent against pests and gentle on your skin.
It’s a customizable and natural way to enjoy your outdoor adventures without the worry..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Essential Oils (Citronella, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, etc.)
- Water
Benefits:
- Customizable Scent
- Natural Pest Control
- Skin-Friendly
Pro Tip: Remember to reapply your homemade repellent every 2-3 hours for best results, especially after sweating or swimming.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Insect Repellent with Essential Oils
22. DIY Porch Spray for Natural Bug Defense
Keep your outdoor spaces feeling serene with this simple DIY porch spray.
It's designed to naturally deter insects, making your porch or patio a more enjoyable place to relax.
By using a blend of essential oils in water and witch hazel, you create a fresh, effective mist that helps keep bugs away without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled Water
- Essential Oils (Citronella, Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint)
- Witch Hazel
Benefits:
- Repels Porch Pests
- Natural Aroma
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: Spray around door frames, railings, and table legs to create a bug-free zone.
Get the Recipe: DIY Porch Spray for Natural Bug Defense
23. Listerine Bug Repellent Spray
This surprisingly effective DIY bug spray uses Listerine mouthwash to keep mosquitoes away.
It's a simple, cost-effective solution that leaves your outdoor space smelling fresher than traditional chemical sprays.
Just a quick mist around your seating area can make a huge difference in enjoying your time outside without the constant swatting..
Key Ingredients:
- Listerine mouthwash
- Squirt bottle
Benefits:
- Effective mosquito repellent
- Easy to make
- Pleasant scent
Pro Tip: Adjust the spray nozzle to a setting between mist and stream to get a good distance when applying.
Get the Recipe: Listerine Bug Repellent Spray
24. Essential Oil Bug Repellent Blends
Harness the power of nature with essential oil blends for a safe and effective bug repellent.
Oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and tea tree are known for their ability to ward off various insects.
You can easily create your own custom spray by mixing these oils with water or a carrier oil, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option for protecting yourself and your loved ones..
Key Ingredients:
- Citronella oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Peppermint oil
- Water
- Carrier oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Effective against various insects
- Plant-based
- Customizable
Pro Tip: Always do a patch test on your skin before applying any new essential oil blend to ensure there are no sensitivities.
Get the Recipe: Essential Oil Bug Repellent Blends
25. DIY Non-Toxic Insect Repellent Spray with Essential Oils
Elevate your outdoor experience with a DIY insect repellent spray using essential oils.
This recipe focuses on natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and tea tree oil to create a refreshing scent that also keeps bugs at bay.
It's a wonderful way to enjoy your patio or garden without the worry of chemical repellents, making it perfect for creating a serene and bug-free atmosphere..
Key Ingredients:
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Tea tree oil
- Water
- Spray bottle
Benefits:
- Natural bug repellent
- Pleasant aroma
- Enhances outdoor ambiance
Pro Tip: Combine essential oils with water in a spray bottle and mist lightly on furniture, cushions, or even the air for a pleasant, bug-repelling aroma.
Get the Recipe: DIY Non-Toxic Insect Repellent Spray with Essential Oils
26. Natural DIY Bug Spray for Houseplants
Keep your beloved houseplants pest-free with this simple and natural DIY bug spray.
Recipes often feature gentle yet effective ingredients like neem oil, peppermint oil, or Castile soap mixed with water.
These sprays are safe for your plants and pets, helping to keep common houseplant pests at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Enjoy healthier, happier plants!.
Key Ingredients:
- Neem oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Castile soap
- Water
- Spray bottle
Benefits:
- Safe for houseplants and pets
- Effective against pests
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: For best results, spray your plants in the early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn and allow for better absorption.
Get the Recipe: Natural DIY Bug Spray for Houseplants
27. DIY Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils and Aloe Vera
This two-in-one DIY spray offers both mosquito repellency and soothing relief for existing bites.
Using a blend of witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils like citronella and lemon eucalyptus, it creates a gentle yet effective concoction.
It's a pleasant-smelling option that can be sprayed on skin or around your outdoor seating area, making evenings more enjoyable..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera gel
- Citronella oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Epsom salts
- Boiling water
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- Soothes bites
- Gentle on skin
- Pleasant scent
Pro Tip: For added soothing benefits, this spray works well on arms and legs and is gentle enough for frequent reapplication.
Get the Recipe: DIY Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils and Aloe Vera
28. Natural Cinnamon Spray for Bugs
Discover the power of cinnamon with this DIY natural bug spray, perfect for surfaces and even skin.
The key ingredient, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, acts as a natural deterrent for various insects like gnats, ants, and even mosquitoes around outdoor spaces.
It's an easy-to-make, science-backed remedy that offers a delightful scent while keeping bugs away..
Key Ingredients:
- Ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon sticks
- Boiling water
Benefits:
- Natural insect deterrent
- Easy to make
- Pleasant aroma
- Works on surfaces
Pro Tip: For a better spraying experience, strain the cinnamon tea to remove larger particles using a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
Get the Recipe: Natural Cinnamon Spray for Bugs