When you spend time outdoors in the summer, one of the bad things is the insects. They can crawl on you, bite, and sting, but you can avoid them with natural pest control without actually harming them. This is why I love using natural bug repellent that keep the bugs away without hurting ourselves or the bugs with chemicals.
Make These Natural Bug Repellents
Natural bug repellents are great because you can put it together using very simple items. You probably have at least half of them at home to begin with, and once you have the essential oils, you can make many batches as essential oils last a long time! There are on average 300 drops in one bottle and most of the recipes I see for bug repellent, diffuser recipes, or bug balm use only 10-15 drops of one plant per ENTIRE BATCH!
This is why I love essential oils – they really are so versatile and inexpensive when you think about how much you can use and how many health benefits they have. Plus you end up smelling really great!
Here are the most effective plants to ward off bugs:
- Citronella
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Lavender
- Cedar
Some oils work better for certain types of bugs, while others are there to help it smell a little better. All you need to do is add about the same amount of drops for each oil you use, combine it with some water and a little rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, and add it all to a spray bottle.
Citronella Oil Natural Bug Repellent
Next on the list is probably not a big surprise, which is making a bug spray using citronella. Many people use citronella candles on their patio or deck because flying bugs like mosquitoes and flies don’t like the smell. You can use citronella essential oil to make your own bug spray and repellent. Add about 30 drops of this essential oil to a spray bottle with water, and you’re good to go. You can also make your own citronella candles if you prefer to go that route.
According to this study, the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. When the product is made correctly it’s as effective as DEET, and can protect you for up to two hours. That’s why it’s important to buy quality essential oils like those at Rocky Mountain.
I love Rocky Mountain Oils because of their quality 100% pure essential oils that require no minimum purchase and always supplies FREE shipping! Plus they always have specials going on!
Purchase your Tea Tree Essential Oil here!
Dried Herbs Bug Repellent
Lastly, consider using dried herbs when making your bug spray repellent. You can also use fresh herbs if you are growing them in your garden. You are going to combine certain herbs that the insects don’t like, plus some vinegar or witch hazel added to the spray.
Herbs like lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, and other types of mint will work great. You want to boil water with the herbs, then strain it into a water bottle with distilled water and rubbing alcohol. Use this spray around your house, patio, or anywhere that you find bugs are hiding.
These natural repellent sprays won’t harm the insects, but they will keep them away from you and your home or campsite.
For more information on natural insect repellent:
Natural Homemade Insect Repellent