Bugs Be Gone! Clean Made Essential Oil Bug Spray

We’ve been ready for summer since the end of last summer, but the one drawback is bugs. Mosquitos, no-see-ums, ticks, ants, fleas — depending where you are in the country, you’ll have different creepy-crawlies to contend with, but no matter where live, one thing is universal: Those store-bought, toxic bug repellents are scary, can be actively harmful (especially bug sprays that contain DEET) and often unnecessary, especially when you can mix something just as effective but more gentle to your body, with better ingredients and oils you probably already have at home. There are dozens of recipes for DIY essential oil bug repellents online, but this is the one we make and we love it.

You will need:

• 4 oz glass spray bottle (amber or blue)

•  30 drops rose geranium essential oil

• 30 drops citronella essential oil

• 20 drops clove essential oil

• 20 drops cedarwood essential oil

• 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

• 20 drops lavender essential oil

• 10 drops rosemary essential oil

•  1/2 cup natural witch hazel (high proof vodka will work in a pinch)

• 1/2 cup distilled water (apple cider vinegar is effective as well, but smells very strong until it dries)

• 1 Tablespoon of vegetable glycerin (optional)

• 1 Tablespoon vanillin (optional. NOTE: Make sure your vanillin/vanilla extract doesn’t contain sugar, or you’ll be bug bait, instead of avoiding bug bites)

Instructions:

1. Pour witch hazel (or vodka) into spray bottle

2. Add essential oils

3. Shake to combine

4. Pour in distilled water (or apple cider vinegar)

5. Add vegetable glycerin and vanillin, if using. Vegetable glycerin is not required, but it helps prevent the ingredients from separating, and adds a touch of moisturizer to your spray. Vanillin also isn’t necessary, but lots of insects hate the smell, and it will help boost the staying power of your spray

6. Shake again to combine. Always shake before use as some separation is natural (even with glycerin)