While my kids still have a few days left of school, I think it is safe to say that the summer weather here in Florida has officially begun. While we love the warm weather, we definitely don’t love the bugs!
My youngest daughter has extremely sensitive skin, so when it comes to using bug repellent we have to be pretty careful. Luckily we have discovered a super easy alternative to the chemical stuff that not only works great at keeping the bugs away, but smells fantastic!
Here is what you need:
witch hazel baby oil (If you prefer not to use baby oil, keep in mind that olive oil or grape seed oil will work too, but the baby oil has a particular scent that bugs don’t like.) vanilla extract assorted essential oils (for scent) whole cloves (optional) empty spray bottle
Step 1: Measure 2/3 cup witch hazel into measuring cup.
Step 2: Add baby oil to make approximately one cup of liquid.
Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Make sure vanilla extract does not contain any sugar)
Step 4: Add 30-40 drops of assorted essential oils. I use Young Living’s Purification & Thieves blends (10-15 drops each), as well as Peppermint & Lavender. (5 drops each.) For the lowdown on essential oils, and why it is important to use Therapeutic Grade oils, you can check out my Essential Oils 101 page!
Step 5: Add 4-5 whole cloves to the liquid.
Step 6: Carefully pour homemade bug repellent mixture into an empty spray bottle. Be sure to label bottle! Shake well before using. Apply liberally to skin to keep bugs away.
Recipe: Homemade Bug Repellent
Summary: This all natural bug spray smells great, is gentle enough for sensitive skin and will keeps bug at bay!
Ingredients
- witch hazel
- baby oil
- vanilla extract
- assorted essential oils (for scent)
- whole cloves (optional)
- empty spray bottle
Instructions
- Measure 2/3 cup witch hazel into measuring cup.
- Add baby oil to make approximately one cup of liquid.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Make sure vanilla extract does not contain any sugar)
- I use Young Living’s Purification & Thieves blends (10-15 drops each), as well as Peppermint & Lavender. (5 drops each.)
- Add 4-5 whole cloves to the liquid.
- Carefully pour mixture into an empty spray bottle. Be sure to label bottle! Shake well before using. Apply liberally to skin to keep bugs away.
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
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Hi! Would this be safe for babies? I’m due in a few weeks and would love to be able to use something more natural than the commercial sprays with the baby once he gets a little bigger and we feel brave enough to venture into our mosquito-infested yard!
You could try putting it on the baby’s clothes or carrier. Babies skin is super absorbent so it’s not really a good idea to put oils that aren’t baby approved on their skin. I believe you are supposed to wait a few months before putting eucalyptus on babies.
This will help me a lot this summer while I’m working in the garden. I love to weed in the mornings before it gets hot and the mosquito’s are out in full force then. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks for sharing! I’ll be making a batch, but I’m wondering about alternatives for the baby oil. Wondering if a jojoba or almond oil would work too?
You can definitely use a different type of oil, though the baby oil itself acts as part of the repellent. I would just maybe add a little extra essential oil.
Hi,
This sounds fantastic, will definitely be trying it. I’m going to try it when I’m at the stables (May put it on he horses). Do you think it would be effective against flies?
Thanks again 😉
Have you heard of putting either Apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar in the horse water. I’m almost positive it is the Apple cider vinegar and it repels the flat on horses.
Hi, i had not thought of that. Not sure they will still drink the water (even if only a little vinegar) but will give it a go. thanks 🙂
I am so excited to try this! My kids and I get SO many mosquito bites when we’re working in the garden (somehow my husband avoids them). I hate the smell of (and the chemicals in) traditional bug spray. Thanks for sharing!