With spring here and summer quickly approaching, we tend to spend more time outside. I enjoy having my morning coffee on the back patio and listening to the birds of the morning. One thing I don’t like about my back patio is the bugs and insects that are out there with me. Summer would be so much better if the mosquitos and flies would fly north for the summer. I like to use natural bug sprays and repellents to enjoy my time outside.
Ultimate DIY Bug Spray
There are several plants and essential oils that can be used to ward off the summer bugs and insects. Using natural products means you don’t have to worry about your family, pets, or the bugs. This Ultimate DIY Bug Spray can be used on the patio, on the hiking trail, in the park, or at the ball field. It is safe for all environments. The essential oils listed below are the Go-To oils for help repel bugs and insects. You pick the essential oil for the bug or insect you don’t want to be around while you are enjoying your outside adventures.
Here is a list of essential oils that will work great and the insects they are known to repel:
- Citronella (mosquitoes)
- Clove (ants and cockroaches)
- Eucalyptus (mosquitoes, ticks, midges, and sandflies)
- Rosemary (flies, mosquitoes, and moths)
- Mint (aphids, cabbage moths, and ants)
- Lavender (moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes)
- Cedar (termites, ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches)
Citronella Oil Bug Repellent
Citronella is probably the best-known bug and insect repellent. There are big name candles, tiki oils, and body sprays available with the citronella name. But what else is in those big-name products? I like to make my own Citronella Oil Bug Repellent. I also like to have my own citronella plant on my back patio so I can enjoy my time outside and not have to worry about bugs or insects.
Below is the recipe for the Ultimate DIY Bug Spray. This recipe can be used with Citronella and you will have a wonderful spray to use when you are outside and enjoying your spring and summer activities and not having to fan away the bugs.
Dried Herbs Bug Repellent
Herbs are another great and safe way to repel bugs and insects. Not only can you have the herb plants on your patio or decks, you can use the herbs in your bug spray bottles.
To make your Dried Herb Bug Repellent, you use 3-4 tablespoons of dried herbs, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, or lavender, or any combination, and 1 cup of boiling water. Let it boil for about 15 minutes. You will remove it from the heat and let the mixture cool. Once it has cooled, strain them into a safe container with distilled water and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol/witch hazel. You will pour this mixture into your 16 oz spray bottle to use around your house or outside.
These natural repellent sprays won’t harm the insects, but they will keep them away from you and your home or campsite.
Ultimate DIY Bug Repellent
Ingredients
1 – 16 oz glass spray bottle or essential oil approved spray bottle
7 ½ oz water
7 ½ oz rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
30 drops Essential Oil of your choice
Instructions
- Combine water and rubbing alcohol/witch hazel in the 16 oz glass spray bottle or essential oil approved spray bottle
- Add 30 drops Essential Oil of your choice
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds before each use.