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Let’s talk about the tiny flying monsters trying to ruin your peaceful backyard vibes: mosquitos, gnats, and whatever that was that just flew into your iced tea.
Store bought bug sprays? Smells like regret. Half the ingredients sound like something you would find in a science lab- not your homestead. That’s why I whipped up a homemade bug repellant that’s safe, smells good, and actually works (even in July.)
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This post is all about DIY bug repellant
Table of Contents
Materials Needed:
The only item you will absolutely need is a glass spray bottle. It does need to be glass and preferable a dark colour as essential oils can be divas.
What Ingredients You'll Need:
- Witch hazel- 1/2 cup
- Distilled (or heavily filtered) water- 1/2 cup
- Essential oils- choose 2 or 3 scents:
- Optional: 1 tsp vegetable glycerine (this helps it stick together)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract (must be pure!)
Lavender (calming and repels moths, fleas and flies)
Eucalyptus (classic mosquito repellant)
Lemongrass (bugs hate it, we love it)
Tea tree (bonus points! It can soothe the skin)
Peppermint (smells like fresh confidence)
Citronella (another OG mosquito repellant and the strongest of them all)
The secret weapon ingredient? Vanilla extract! It makes this bug spray smell heavenly to us but for some reason, bugs really hate it! Add a splash to your bug spray and see how it transforms it!- This is an optional, but lovely ingredient.
How to Make it:
- Grab your clean spray bottle (it is never advisable to reuse containers as you can accidentally cause a lethal gas combination. Always consult the MSDS for each ingredient!)
- Pour in the witch hazel and water.
- Add 20-30 drops total of your essential oils blends.
- Shake it like a homesteader who just saw a snake in the compost pile!
- Optional: add glycerine and shake again.
Boom. Done. Smells great Doesn’t burn your eyeballs. Bugs = annoyed!
But Does it Actually Work?
Yes! But keep in mind this isn’t DEET level, melt-off-your-body-strength. This is a gentle, natural protection that may need to be reapplied every hour or two. I use it on myself and the kids. (Another warning… not all essential oils are safe for kids so make sure you do due diligence and research which ones are safe for the kiddos.
Pro tip: Spray your hat and clothes too. Bugs tend to avoid a scent cloud.
Bonus Tips:
- Keep a small bottle in your garden basket or diaper bag.
- Make extra and gift it in cute jars with a fancy label. Give it to your friends and family when they come as a fun thank you gift!
- You can make your own extracts from your garden herbs by steeping them in the witch hazel for a few weeks.
Final Buzz
You don’t need toxic goo to enjoy your backyard. With just a few pantry items and oils, you can whip up natural bug spray that smells great, keeps bugs at bay, and makes you feel like the homesteader you were meant to be.
Got a go-to repellant recipe? Let me know in the comments!
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