DIY Bug Spray: Stay Bite-Free with a Homemade Recipe

Are you tired of battling pesky bugs during your outdoor adventures? Look no further! We have a simple and effective solution for you. In this blog post, we'll share a homemade bug spray recipe using natural ingredients to help keep those annoying insects at bay. Say goodbye to those itchy mosquito bites and hello to a more enjoyable time outdoors!

When it comes to protecting ourselves from bugs, many of us are hesitant to use commercial insect repellents due to their chemical ingredients. That's where natural bug repellents come in. Not only do they offer a more eco-friendly alternative, but they can also be just as effective at warding off those bothersome insects. By using essential oils derived from plants, we can harness their natural insect-repelling properties and create our very own bug spray that is safe, easy to make, and gentle on the skin.

You'll need a few readily available key ingredients to make your homemade bug spray. Start with a cup of distilled water, which serves as the base of the spray. Then, add a cup of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, which act as natural preservatives and provides additional bug-repelling properties. Finally, select your preferred essential oil(s). Citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil are all excellent choices known for their insect-repelling abilities. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake it well, and voila! Your very own bug spray is ready to use.

Using your homemade bug spray is a breeze. Before heading outdoors, shake the bottle to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed. Then, simply spray the solution on exposed skin, clothing, and any surfaces where bugs may be lurking. Remember to avoid spraying the solution near your eyes, mouth, or any open wounds. For extended outdoor activities, it's advisable to reapply the bug spray every few hours or as needed.

With this homemade bug spray recipe, you can now enjoy the great outdoors without the constant annoyance of biting bugs. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients and essential oils, you're protecting yourself and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals in commercial repellents. Give it a try, and say goodbye to those itchy bites once and for all!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of distilled water

  • 1 cup of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar

  • 20 drops of essential oil(s) (Choose from citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree oil. You can use a combination of oils if desired. Find the combination I use here)

Instructions:

  1. In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water and witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.

  2. Add 20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the mixture.

  3. Close the spray bottle tightly and shake well to blend the ingredients thoroughly.

  4. Your homemade bug spray is ready to use!

Usage:

  • Shake the bottle before each use to ensure the ingredients are mixed properly.

  • Spray the bug spray on exposed skin, clothing, and surfaces where bugs are a problem.

  • Avoid spraying the solution near your eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

  • Reapply the bug spray every few hours or as needed, especially if you're spending an extended time outdoors.

Remember, while natural bug sprays can help repel bugs, their effectiveness may vary, and they might not provide the same level of protection as commercial insect repellents containing DEET or other synthetic chemicals.

About the author

Hey, y’all my name is Kassandra and I’m a mama to 4, road-trip/hiking obsessed, herbal medicine enthusiast who specializes in nothing (well, I am a hairstylist so I do specialize in hair lol) but is interested in everything.

Most of all, planning, taking and sharing travel/road trip ideas. Encouraging folks to do the “I wish I could do that” thing. One of my favorite messages to get is “I saw your post and tried it”.

So I keep sharing. When I’m not traveling, I sate my wanderlust by cooking, planning more trips, working on my Airbnb, converting a bus to an RV, designing products (multi-passionate entrepreneur here), and regaling past adventures to share with y’all!

https://www.livingwithoutlimitations.net
Previous
Previous

The Science and Magic of Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Next
Next

How to Make a DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub for Radiant Skin