08/03/2021
Essential oils are known to be an effective insect repellent.
An essential oil? It is a natural oil obtained by distillation (often using steam) of raw plant material. They are essential in the sense that it contains the “essence” of the plants fragrance.
Other extraction methods include: expression, resin tapping, cold pressing, and absolute oil extraction.
13 Essential Oils Used in Homemade Insect Repellent
The following is a list of essential oils that are used for making homemade insect repellents.
Some of these variations are not used in the following recipes, but feel free to make any substitutions necessary:
1. Lemon Eucalyptus
2. Citronella
3. Eucalyptus
4. Lemongrass
5. Tea tree
6. Peppermint
7. Cypress
8. Rose geranium
9. Bergamot
10. Lemon
11. Catnip
12. Cajeput
13. Mint
Essential Oil Homemade Insect Repellent Recipes
1. Vodka Surprise – Spray On
First, mix everything except for the essential oils. Once the base is in, add the oils and shake well for immediate use!
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons of either witch hazel or vodka, or 1 tablespoon of each
• 2 tablespoons of either almond oil, jojoba oil, neem oil, avocado oil, or a combination
• ½ teaspoon vodka if using only witch hazel
• 55 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 15 drops of lavender oil essential oil
• 15 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 15 drops of rosemary essential oil
• One 8 oz spray bottle
Skin Smoothing – Spray On
Simply mix together all of the ingredients, shake, and spray! The skin soothing benefits come from both witch hazel and apple cider vinegar.
Many kinds of toner and other beauty products use the former to help with acne, sweating, razor burn, and more!




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Ingredients:
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup witch hazel
• 40 drops of eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, citronella, rosemary, or a combination
• One 8 oz spray bottle
Recipe via draxe.com
Apple cider vinegar has grown in mainstream popularity as a tool for balancing skin’s pH levels. This reduces fine lines, oil, soothes the skin, and protects skin from future damage.
This homemade insect repellent is a wonderful choice for anyone concerned about their skin’s health.




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3. Non-Edible Alcohol – Spray On
Add all of the essential oils into a spray bottle, and then add alcohol and shake. After these ingredients combine, put in the witch hazel and give it another good shake!


Now it is time for the vegetable glycerin! This agent helps everything mesh and stay mixed. For the final step, shake in the water.
Ingredients:
• 1 tbs. rubbing alcohol
• ½ cup witch hazel
• 1 tsp vegetable glycerin
• ½ cup water or vinegar
• 30 drops of geranium essential oil
• 30 drops of citronella essential oil
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• One 8 oz spray bottle
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Recipe via wellnessmama.com
4. Easy Essentials Homemade Insect Repellent – Rub On
Ingredients:
• 2 Tbs. oil of choice (avocado oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, neem oil)
• 20 drops of essential oils (either a combination below or single favorite)
• Small container such as an old lotion bottle or glass jar
Add the carrier oil to your jar, and then mix in the essential oils. Shake before you rub this nourishing oil mixture onto your skin!




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Here are some combinations that work well and smell fantastic:
• Fireside Campout: 4 drops cinnamon, 6 drops cedar, and 10 drops rosemary
• Sunny Meadow: 3 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops mint (peppermint recommended), 12 drops lemon
• 70’s Chic: 6 drops cedar, 4 drops patchouli, 10 drops lavender
• New Spring Blooms: 2 drops patchouli, 8 drops geranium, 5 drops rosemary, 5 drops lavender

Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com
5. Water-based Combination Insect Repellent – Spray-on
Ingredients:
• 3-4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 3-4 Tbs. vanilla extract
• Distilled water
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle of your choice, and shake. If you don’t want to purchase distilled water, simply boil water for the same effect.
Recipe via survivalathome.com
6. The Easiest Essential Oil Recipe – Rub On or Spray On
Ingredients:

• Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 of the following: Witch hazel, sunflower oil, neem oil, almond oil, ect.
Mix 1 part of the essential oil with 10 parts of the witch hazel or oil. To mix it up, try using more than one type of oil!
Recipe via survivalathome.com
7. Smell Like a Mosquito Repelling Candle – Rub On
Ingredients:
• 10 drops citronella essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops cedar essential oil
• 4 Tbs. oil of your choice (jojoba, neem, fennel, ect.)


More reading: 7 Best Electronic Bug Repellents (For Camping and Outdoor Living)

Non-Essential Oils
In place of essential oils, the active ingredients in many homemade insect repellents are herbs.
13 Herbs and Spices for Homemade Insect Repellent
The following is a list of herbs, spices, and other insect repulsing materials that can be found around the home.
1. Basil
2. Cloves
3. Peppermint
4. Spearmint
5. Vanilla extract
6. Lavender
7. Catnip
8. Lemon juice
9. Mouthwash
10. Castile soap
11. Rosemary
12. Sage
13. Thyme

Non-Essential Oils Homemade Insect Repellent Recipes
8. Bugs Hate Mouthwash, Too – Spray On
Ingredients:

• Mouthwash of your choosing
• 1 spray bottle
Simply spray mouthwash on yourself as an easy homemade insect repellent!
Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com
9. Spice Cabinet Raid – Spray On
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
• 3-4 Tbs. dried herbs using any combination of peppermint, lavender, catnip, or spearmint,
• 2 dried cloves
• Spray bottle

Combine the water, herbs, and cloves. Bring to a boil. Once good and bubbling, pour into a container, mix, cover, and let the mixture cool completely.
When the blend is cool, strain the herbs and them away. Keep the water and add the remaining ingredient, witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
Store this homemade insect repellent in a cool place like the refrigerator.
Recipe via wellnessmama.com
10. Castile Soap Soup – Spray On
Ingredients:

• 10 tsp liquid castile soap
• 1 tsp neem oil
• 4 cups distilled water
• 1 spray bottle
Combine all ingredients, shake, and apply!
Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com
11. The Marinator – Spray On
The marinator is by far the smelliest homemade insect repellent recipe on the list.
However, as it dries the smell dissipates to humans. To ticks and mosquitoes, this stuff keeps right on smelling and repelling!

Ingredients:
• 2 Tbs. dried sage
• 2 Tbs. thyme
• 2 Tbs. mint
• 2 Tbs. rosemary
• 2 Tbs. lavender
• 32 oz apple cider vinegar
• Quart size or larger jar
• Spray bottles
Combine all ingredients in the glass jar. Seal well, and put it somewhere you won’t forget to shake daily. Shake well every day for 2-3 weeks.
After this tincture has had time to marinate, strain the herbs and keep everything in the refrigerator.

Since this stuff is so powerful, mix equal parts of the mixture and water in the spray bottles.
Recipe via wellnessmama.com
12. Peppermint and Vanilla Tincture – Spray On
Ingredients:
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 Tbs. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbs. cloves
• 1 Tbs. peppermint extract
• 1 spray bottle
Combine everything into the spray bottle, shake, and let sit at least overnight. This homemade insect repellent works better the longer it is allowed to sit up to a month.

If you go this route, make sure to shake daily. Note: you may need to strain out the cloves after steeping.
Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com
13. The Italian Job – Spray On
Ingredients:
• ½ cup distilled water
• ½ cup vodka
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 spray bottle
Bring water to a rolling boil, and add the basil. Bring this mixture to a boil, cover, and let sit for at least 6 hours.
When time is up, strain out the herbs and pour the fragrant water into the spray bottle. Add vodka, shake, and your homemade insect repellent is ready to go!

Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com
14. Vanilla Extract – Spray On or Rub On
Vanilla extract can be added to any of the non-essential oils recipes for added protection. Furthermore, it can actually be used on its own to repel mosquitoes.
Rub it on the skin, or mix it with equal parts witch hazel and water for a quick, child-friendly, spray-able version.
Recipe via dontwastethecrumbs.com

On the go tip: Soak braided paracord in any of these mixtures to make a homemade insect repellent bracelet!
How to Stay Safe Using Homemade Insect Repellents (10 Tips)
There are a few general common sense suggestions to follow before going gung-ho on your new insect spray.
1. All homemade bug repellents should be reapplied every few hours for maximum effectiveness.
2. Avoid spraying in your mouth and eyes
3. Do a spot test before trying any of the above. It would be a real bummer to find out you are allergic the day of your adventure! �����

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18. Label this product and all homemade goods well
19. Keep your homemade insect repellent out of the hands of children
20. Do not let pets get a hold
21. Do not use essential oils on children unless cleared by an expert
22. If you want homemade insect repellent for the whole family, check out the non-essential oil recipes
23. All should be stored in dark-colored bottles and stored in a cool dark place. ��

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25. Ask a doctor before using if you are nursing or pregnant.

Have young children? Here are the best insect repellents for babies.
Say Yes to Nature with Homemade Insect Repellents
Going outside shouldn’t have to be a choice between dangerous chemicals and insect-borne illness.

With the rising use of natural products and homemade solutions, you no longer have to.
Whether you are into essential oils or prefer their sources, this list includes something for everyone. These 14 homemade insect repellents will get you started on a healthier summer season!

Bryan Haines
Bryan Haines is a co-founder and blogger on GudGear – and is working to make it the best resource for outside gear. He is a travel blogger at Storyteller.Travel and photographer at Click Like This. He is also co-founder of Storyteller Media, a company he started with his wife, Dena.
gudgear.com

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