Jack Frost skipped us this winter, and you can guess what that means. Yep, instead of dying off in a deep freeze, the bugs from last season are out in full force.
That’s why I’m making up a batch of this easy homemade bug spray, which has worked really well for my family over the years. We use it any time we head to a neighborhood BBQ, summer concert, hiking trail, or even just our own backyard.
In this article I’ll cover which oils can be used – you probably already have a few of them on hand – plus safety information and what to buy if you don’t want to DIY.
There are a lot of essential oils that have insect repelling properties, and many of them have additional therapeutic benefits as well. Here are my top nine based on personal experience and available research.
Also, if you’d rather invest in just one bottle instead of several different essential oils, you can use a pre-made blend such as the Shield Me (safe for everyone including kids) or Nature Shield.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has long been brewed as an herbal tea to support digestion, relaxation and restful sleep. However it’s impact on other animals is different. When cats eat it they tend to become relaxed as well, but when they smell it it usually has the opposite effect.
So what kind of effect does it have on bugs? According to Science Daily:
Unfortunately it smells kinda, well, not great, so don’t plan on using this one alone.
Other uses for catnip: Along with diatomaceous earth and a few other ingredients, it makes a great natural flea and tick powder for dogs.
Chests made from cedarwood have been used for generations to store clothing while repelling insects such as moths.
Calming, skin soothing and absolutely delightful in this Wild Vanilla No. 2 Solid Perfume Recipe, cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) is also often used to repel mosquitos.
Other uses for cedarwood: It’s a lovely addition to both homemade arnica cream and homemade body wash.
If you search on the EPA’s guide to insect repellents, you’ll find that when you specifically search for repellents for ticks it lists three oils as active ingredients that can be selected.
Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is one, and catnip (listed above) and lemon eucalyptus (listed below) are the others.
Other uses for citronella: Outdoor citronella candles
In this study, geranium(Pelargonium graveolens) was found to repel lone star tick nymphs.
Other uses for geranium: It supports skin repair and renewal, elasticity and firmness, and even skin tone, which is why I use it in my hydrating skin serum recipe.
Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)- Calming, helpful for soothing bug bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations. In a study on hairless mice, lavender was effective at repelling adult mosquitos. Although I don’t typically use it in my DIY bug spray, if you already have it at home it can be used as a substitute for tea tree or patchouli essential oil.
Other uses for lavender: I always keep a large bottle on hand for making all-purpose cleaner with lemon and lavender, diaper rash cream, homemade air freshener, magnesium body butter, and tallow skin balm.
According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences:
“In a 2010 study,[7] three species of eucalyptus (E. staigeriana, E. citriodora, and E. globulus) were tested for use with the blood-sucking sandfly, lutzomyia Lutzomyia longipalpis. Researchers found the eucalyptus essential oils were more effective against L. longipalpis than other natural products.” (source)
The E. citriodora variety can be found here.
Other uses for lemon eucalyptus: Makes a great addition to homemade granite cleaner.
According to this study, constituents found in patchouli essential oil(Pogostemon cablin) repelled several different types of mosquitos.
Other uses for patchouli: It makes a great addition to men’s personal care products, like this homemade deodorant.
In one study, researchers looked at whether tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a viable alternative to synthetic repellents for mosquito protection. They found that it did have mosquito-repelling properties, but did not last as long as the synthetic stuff. They concluded that tea tree may have “potential as a short-period repellent or under conditions of low mosquito abundance.”
Other uses for tea tree: I love it in this face wash recipe.
According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences:
You can find vetiver (Vetiver zizanoides) here.
Other uses for vetiver: Relaxing and emotionally grounding, it’s wonderful in essential oil diffuser blends and this DIY beard oil.
In addition to essential oils, you’ll need a high proof vodka to help solubilize (disperse) the essential oils evenly throughout the liquid, plus either distilled water or fractionated coconut oil to dilute it.
Here are the pros and cons of each: