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 bottleStep 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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What is “bug free essential oil”? and where can i get it?
You can get it on amazon for $8. Bug-Off Synergy Oil blend. If you scroll through the pictures above, she did post a link. I just got mine in the mail yesterday. I just made this and it smells pretty good. I had to skip the vanilla though because “pure” vanilla extract still contains the sugar apparently. Going to have to look for an organic one or something. It should work without it though.
Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I live in Georgia and my backyard is swarming with mosquitoes. I have lots of fun summer equipment outside for my son to play on but the bites are bad. I keep using a store bought brand but we all get all chokey when we use it which can’t be good for you. I’m going to have to order the essential oil on here ASAP! Been wanting to make my own for weeks now but couldn’t find instructions I liked. Thanks Ruth!
Thanks for posting this, we are headed back to to Texas next month and I’m not looking forward to the giant mosquito’s. With having two little ones I’ve been looking for a safe repellent online, but they are so expensive. We will definitely give this a try!
This sounds so easy to make. I will definitely try to make this for our girls.
Ruth,
Thank you so much for this! Living in Florida makes it extremely difficult to keep bugs and those pesky mosquitos away. They seem to love me for some reason. I can’t wait to try this natural bug repellent recipe. Thanks again! I just found your blog and absolutely love it!