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As the summer sun rises higher, so do the bugs. Whether you are out gardening, hiking or just relaxing on the porch, mosquitoes and other pesky insects can quickly ruin the moment.
Instead of reaching for a chemical-laden repellant, why not try making your own all-natural DIY bug balm. It is simple, effective and customizable-and you can make it with or without tallow, depending on your skin type or lifestyle.
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I am also not a medical professional and you should always consult a physician before using any recipe you find on the internet. Ensure you always do a patch test before full application and avoid the eye area. To learn more, click here.
This post is all about a DIY Bug Balm
Table of Contents
Why make your own bug balm?
Store-bought insect repellants often contain DEET and other harsh chemicals that can irritate skin (especially on kids!) and disrupt the environment. A DIY balm made from natural ingredients is…
- Skin-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Eco-conscious
- Customizable to scent or skin type
DIY bug balm recipe (2 ways)
Below are 2 recipe options: one tallow based for those who love traditional animal fats, and one plant-based for vegans or those who prefer not to use tallow. Both are effective and nourishing for the skin!
Tallow-based bug balm
- Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K and it closely mimics the natural oils in our skin. It makes for and incredibly nourishing base. This makes a small batch. Feel free to scale up as needed!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp rendered tallow (to learn how to render your own, click here!)
- 1 tbsp grated beeswax
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil (if you want to add an antibacterial effect)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, (or a glass jar in a pot of simmering water), melt the tallow, beeswax and olive oil together.
- Once fully melted, carefully remove from the heat with oven mitts.
- Let it cool for a minute and then gently stir in the essential oils.
- Pour into a clean tin or glass jar.
- Let it cool and solidify before sealing.
Shelf life: up to 6-12 months if stored airtight in a cool, dry place.
Plant-based bug balm
If you are looking to avoid animal products, or you are unable to source tallow, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp shea butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp candelilla wax (or sub beeswax if not vegan)
- 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil (if you want to add an antibacterial effect)
Instructions:
- Melt the shea butter, olive oil and wax in a double boiler.
- Once fully melted, carefully remove from the heat with oven mitts.
- Let it cool for a minute and then gently stir in the essential oils.
- Pour into a clean tin or glass jar.
- Let it cool and solidify before sealing.
Shelf life: up to 6-12 months if stored airtight in a cool, dry place.
Tips & customizations
For sensitive skin: Use fewer essential oils or choose calming ones like camomile of lavender.
For children: Halve the essential oil amounts and always consult a medical professional for safe essential oil use.
Storage: Small tins are great for this use but i also love the look of teeny tiny mason jars! Use what you have on hand.
Why choose these essential oils?
Citronella- repels mosquitoes, especially in warm weather
Eucalyptus- strong scent that insects dislike
Lavender- soothing to the skin and repels moths, ticks and mosquitoes
Tea tree- antimicrobial and repels ticks and flies
Peppermint/ lemongrass- invigorating and insect repelling
Prefer to watch?
Final thoughts
Making your own bug balm isn’t just practical- it is a step towards a more sustainable, chemical free lifestyle. Whether you’re a fan of the old-fashioned goodness of tallow, or prefer plant powder alternatives, both versions work well and nourish your skin while keeping bugs at bay!
Give it a try and let nature do the protecting!
If you liked this post, you might also like…
How to make natural bug spray