We joke here in Minnesota that our state bird is the mosquito. To say it gets buggy in the summer is an understatement. That’s why I turned to a natural solution: homemade bug spray. Whether you’re avoiding chemical sprays or just want a DIY option that smells great, this all-natural recipe is easy to make and effective against mosquitoes.
Natural Mosquito Repellents for Your Garden
There are some things that we can bring into our gardens to help naturally deter mosquitoes from our yards. The Massachusetts Audubon Society put some plants to the test to see if they actually
do work to keep the pests away without the use of harmful chemicals. They found that by incorporating flowers, herbs and other plants, they were indeed able to repel mosquitoes from the natural scent of the plants.
Plants that the Massachusetts Audubon Society tested that proved to aid in repelling mosquitoes include:
- Lemon balm
- Eucalyptus
- Marigold
- Garlic
- Lemon Verbena
- Basil
- Sage
- Scented Geranium
- Nasturtium
- Catmint nepeta
- Sweet Annie
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Fennel
Why I Switched to Homemade Bug Spray
Because I’m personally not fond of using harsh chemicals that are found in commercial bug sprays, I started making my own homemade bug spray when my daughter was young.
This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and only takes a few minutes to mix up.
It’s recommended to find a small bottle with a spray top for easy application.
Easy Homemade Bug Spray Recipe
Yield: 4 ounces
Ingredients
½ cup witch hazel
30 drops lemon grass essential oil (organic)
30 drops citronella essential oil (organic)
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a bottle, mix well. Store in a dark place, like a closet, out of direct sunlight. Apply to skin as needed. Feel free to mix and match your own blend of homemade bug spray using other bug repellent essential oils.
Essential Oils That Repel Mosquitoes
Alternative essential oils that are also said to be effective at repelling mosquitoes include peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil, lemon essential oils, eucalyptus essential oil, basil essential oil, rosemary essential oil, thyme essential oil, and tea tree essential oil.
An alternative to using witch hazel as the base of the bug spray is to use a high-proof vodka or isopropyl alcohol.
Tips for Using Homemade Bug Spray Safely
- It’s not recommended to spray homemade bug spray directly onto clothing as it can leave a stain from the oils. Test on a small corner before spraying directly onto fabric.
- Do not apply to hands or the face, as you do not want to rub the spray into your eyes.
- This recipe is meant for humans, not animals – some essential oils can be harmful to pets.
Natural Relief for Bug Bites
If you do happen to get mosquito bites, a natural paste to help soothe the bite can be made with baking soda and water. Just add enough water to the baking soda until it’s formed into a paste, apply the paste to the bug bite, and allow it to dry on the skin. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve the itch. Remove paste with cool water and a rag after ten minutes or so.
Final Thoughts: Homemade Bug Spray
Making your own homemade bug spray is a simple, safe and effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals. With just a few natural ingredients, you can protect your family and enjoy your time outdoors. Try this DIY mosquito repellent and discover the difference for yourself.
Learn more about mosquito control from the CDC.
This recipe has been shared from Small-Scale Homesteading, written by Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, with permission from Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
This article about homemade bug spray was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
