Homemade Herbal Bug Spray

Homemade herbal bug spray is perfect for you if you like to spend time outdoors hiking, gardening, swimming, and you don't want to use harsh chemicals. No one enjoys the annoying buzz of a mosquito or worse, tick bites. Ticks are a big concern because of all the tick borne diseases. Ticks and mosquitos are the two main pests we are trying to avoid and there are a number of herbs and essential oils that can help.

Conventional bug sprays often contain harmful ingredients such as DEET. DEET is a pesticide that was developed by the US Army during World War II. Although it has been proven to be effective as a repellent it also comes with some ill health effects. It has been found that the use of DEET has been linked to seizures, insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function. The natural alternatives to DEET are effective but may need to be re-applied more often.

Essential oils are my favorite method to natural inspect repellent. This is the easiest recipe to make, it is inexpensive, and works well.

Essential Oil Bug Spray

8 ounce spray bottle
Distilled water
Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops cedar essential oil
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
10 drops citronella essential oil
10 drops neem oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

Fill your spray bottle 3/4 way full with distilled water. Fill the rest of the way with witch hazel or alcohol and then add the glycerin. Drop in all of the essential oils. Shake well. Spray liberally to body and hair.

This recipe works well and smells great. Another method is to make Four Thieves Vinegar. Four Thieves Vinegar was said to have been used by thieves during the time of the plague. They used this mixture of herbs to keep from catching the plague. This is very stinky to apply, although the vinegar smell does dissipate and doesn't stay with you. I actually use this vinegar method for our dog. Here is how to make it.

Four Thieves Vinegar Bug Spray

Apple Cider Vinegar (if you don't want the vinegar smell you can use witch hazel but it may not be as effective)
1 tbsp. sage
1 tbsp. lavender
1 tbsp. rosemary
1 tbsp. thyme
1 tbsp. mint

Fill a mason jar with apple cider vinegar and all the herbs. Close the jar and let sit in a sunny window for 2-4 weeks. Strain out the herbs and pour into a spray bottle,

Does spraying vinegar keep the bugs away?

Yes, vinegar does repel bugs. You can use it outdoors on patios or as a bug spray (if you can tolerate the smell of vinegar).

How to make a bug spray with herbs?

Choose herbs that repel bugs and soak them in vinegar or witch hazel extract for a few weeks and strain.

More Herbs and Essential Oils for Bug Spray

If you don't have all of these essential oils or herbs on hand, here are some other options that you can use that are also effective in keeping the pests away:

Cloves
Marjoram
Lemongrass
Pennyroyal
Rose
Wormwood
Garlic

Looking for more homemade recipes for natural personal care? Check out my free eBook, The Holistic Mama's Guide to Homemade Skin Care.

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Homemade Herbal Bug Spray