This easy homemade bug spray recipe is simple to make and isn’t full of all kinds of crazy chemicals. It’s a safe alternative to store bought insect sprays and works like a charm!
Store bought bug repellents can be so harsh and are full of unknown chemicals and ingredients. We had used it for years and years, but the overwhelming chemical smell and greasy feel of it always bothered me. I am so excited to share the homemade bug spray recipe that we use all summer long to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away while we spend time outdoors. It’s super easy to make and really does the job. I love that it isn’t full of harsh chemicals, and there is no huge cloud of bug spray left behind. It doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy and it has a lovely scent too!
What You Will Need:
1/3 Cup of Witch Hazel ( Purchase HERE )
5 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil ( Purchase HERE )
5 Drops of Citronella Essential Oil ( Purchase HERE )
5 Drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil ( Purchase HERE )
4 oz. Small Glass Spray Bottle ( Purchase HERE )
Add 1/3 cup of witch hazel to the spray bottle. I like using these 4 oz. spray bottles because they fit in my purse, pool bag and I can make several of them at a time. You can absolutely double or triple the recipe and make this bug spray in bigger bottles.
Add 5 drops each of lavender, citronella and lemongrass essential oils.
Replace the cap and shake well before each use. Because there are no chemical binders in this spray, ingredients may separate after sitting for a while.
Spray liberally onto skin and clothes to keep insects away! I love that there is no crazy chemical smell, and it doesn’t leave your skin greasy at all!
I’ve also shared a few other ideas for keeping bugs away…
How To Make a DIY Chemical Free Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
Peppermint Ant Deterrent Spray
I hope these recipes and ideas will help you keep the bugs away this summer! I love that there are ways to cut out some of the chemicals that are in store bought solutions and find a less expensive and safer way to still enjoy the outdoors and our homes too!
Janet Backe says
atI wanted to leave a comment about dishwasher soap, but could not find comment box. My home is on a septic system(live in desert ) and cannot use powder dishwashing soap. New challenge for you. Have to keep my micro organisms working and not plug up my system with whatever powder soap does. Washer waters trees. Thanks, Janet B.
kathleen troutman says
atI use castile soap for everything. It is plant based and won’t hurt your system. If you buy it in bar soap form, you can melt it and make it whatever strength works for you-melt by putting in a pot of water and either leave it to slowly melt, or heat water to speed it up. I use it for shampoo, laundry, dishes, etc.
Rita says
atHi Kathleen how do u use it for laundry etc?
Jody says
atAsk Jesse for a recipe. Or on her website are probably a hundred recipes.
LadyJ1225 says
atThank you for this bug spray! I have super sensitive skin and don’t want to use any type of chemicals or anything harsh that would cause a reaction. I made this spray and took it to the campground. It is wonderful and makes my skin feel and smell good! Everyone was asking to use my bug spray instead of the usual chemical-filled ones. I love your website! Keep up the good work = )
Jessica says
atThank you so much for the kind words…I love hearing that people are really benefiting from the things I share! Let me know if you ever need anything!
Jess
elizabeth says
athow about a spy for cockroaches
Kimber says
atBoric Acid powder. Buy it at many dollar stores about $4 for about 20oz. It has a screw nozzle. Just lay down a fine powder along baseboards or wherever they are entering. I spent thousands of dollars on professionals to come & spray every month. It did nothing. Then I found this. It’s cheap, it’s available, it’s easy AND IT WORKS !! And I mean it REALLY works.
Beverly says
atboric acid is a great secret and annihilates roaches.
Chrys Marco says
atYou don’t by any chance have something good for cockroaches? How about fleas for the dog and cat?
Nelson McKinnon says
atDry used coffee grounds and spread them around house or rv(like we did). As grounds deteriorate give off gas that interferes with feelers. They stay away from the area u spread the grounds.
Monica Trundle says
atUse diatomaceous earth, it cuts into their exoskeleton and makes them dehydrate. It’s good to kill just about any INSECT. It will not harm mammals and is even considered food grade. However it’s only effective as long as its dry so better to be used inside the house. We can buy it here at Tractor Supply Company as a 20lb bag for $20.
Jody says
atLook at Jesse’s list at the end of her blog many many recipes for all kinds of things. Or go on Pinterest and type in flea products.
Kathy says
atThank you for all your great ideas.Please help me on how to rid my kitchen from crickets all natural way thank you.
Erika says
atWill the ant repellant work on cockroaches too?
Jessica says
atHi, Erika! I’m not sure, but I will do a little research and see what I can find out! Watch the blog for a post about it! xoxo Jess
Jody says
atNo. Look at Jesse’s list of help at the end of her blog or Pinterest. Type in cockroaches ick.
tanna says
atHello,
Question. You say to use witch hazel for the bug spray. The picture show ROSE witch hazel to purchase. Does it need to be rose, or can it be the CVS brand of witch hazel?
Thanks,
Blair Lynn says
atHi! We are in the woods a lot. I am searching for a tick repellent. Are words of wise don?
Vicki says
atWhat can be used for Asian beetles? They are everywhere in our cabin.
Jessica Nichols says
atIs your bug spray that was published today online, safe for dogs? I live in South Florida and it’s been rough! Thank you, Jessica
Jessica says
atI wouldn’t use this particular spray for dogs. Lemongrass and citronella can be irritating to them. I would look for a natural alternative at a local pet store. Hope this helps!
Teresai says
atI bath my dog in dawn dish soap.
It kills fleas.
I take my dog to the veterinarian
And get the heartworm medication that kills fleas and my dog never have fleas. They say it don’t work for ticks but I’ve not seen about 5 ticks on my dog in 5 years lol I have found more on me than than that a year. My dog weighs 130 lbs. It’s about $25.00 a month they take 1 pill a month because of the cost I give it every other month from November to April summer months give it every month and on time because that last week the meds. Are weak u may start seeing fleas My husband and I both had rocky mountain spotted fever. My son said put it in a sprayer with enough water to get it to spray it kill bugs wasp bees on contact it destroys their outside shells. I have not done it my self yet. But I have ants in my kitchen all year long. I’ve been experimenting and when I see a trail of ants I pour a line of dawn down they want to across it for days. So I’m putting it in a sprayer today.
Moenie says
atDo you have to use lavender in the bug spray or is there a substitute? I can’t stand the smell of that stuff (everyone says smells like flowers but my nose says dirty gym sock) lol.
I am anxious to try it especially since I’m a mosquito magnet, they bite me 5 times more than anyone else.
Jessica says
atHi, Moenie! I have heard other people say that they can’t tolerate the smell of lavender. Try citronella essential oil…it has the same effect and doesn’t have that super strong smell. Hope this helps!
KatKrazy says
atHi, I am a magnet for mosquitos, too, being blood type 0-. I have tried the witch hazel bug spray, but unfortunately I still smell too delicious to those little critters. Still trying to find the one which works for me. It does smell very pleasant though and works great for my mother.
Beverly says
atI have O- blood too – and do not attract mosquitoes as much as other people I know. I think it’s diet that attracts them. I read you need to get enough Vitamin B1 to repel them. I also don’t wear much perfumed things. I like unscented everything until I want to wear my favorite perfumes. What worked for me last year was a similar spray but I used only witch hazel with either eucalyptus oil – and I sprayed it on my dog too. I’ve heard that Avon’s skin so soft oil also works.
LadyJ1225 says
atThank you so much for this natural bug spray. I detest using chemicals, especially on my skin as I am super sensitive to everything! But I also detest being a buffet for mosquitoes so I am so glad to see this homemade bug spray. This will be a game changer for me = )
Maryann says
atHI
Do you have any ideas for keeping flies away
Especially around the table where we sit having coffee
They drive me nuts
Thankinknyou
Hopeful
Jody says
atJessica. I shortened your name to Jesse sorry. Why do people not bother to read and then ask questions about what should have Ben read? My pet peeve. Sorry. I nicely pointed them to the end of your blog for Pete’s sake. I have almost every recipe that you have written.
Pat says
atAny recipes for a mosquito repellant that can be taken on a plane for a tropical vacation? Thank you.
Kerrie says
atMy family has issues with lemon grass and breaks out whenever it is in something. Any ideas what I could use as a replacement?