Summer is here and so are the bugs! Are you ready? Get ready with bug spray recipes made with essential oils. I have six recipe options for you to choose from, three are kid friendly!

These essential oil bug spray recipes are great for repelling insects. Made with just a few ingredients, these natural remedies are easy and chemical-free! Here are the best essential oils for bug repellent, you can come up with your own custom bug repellent blend if you would like.

Can I Use Essential Oils for Bugs?

You bet! Essential oils are a natural, effective way to repel pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Some of the most effective essential oils for repelling bugs include citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.

They can also provide a pleasant scent for your outdoor space. So next time you're headed outdoors, reach for an essential oil-infused bug spray to keep the pests at bay.

How to Use Essential Oils to Keep Bugs Away

To keep bugs away using essential oils, you have a few options. You can use an essential oil diffuser, make a homemade bug spray, or use a bug repellent essential oil blend on your skin. The essential oils that work best at keeping bugs away are Citronella, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Tea Tree oil. 

To use in a diffuser, add water to the diffuser and then add 5-10 drops of essential oils. You can use one oil or a combination of these oils. Diffuse the essential oils for 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how strong you want the smell to be. You can diffuse essential oils more often as needed.

We will share how to make essential oil bug spray recipes shortly, but first lets look at the best essential oils for bug repellent and bug spray recipes.

Best Essential Oils For Bug Spray

When it comes to using essential oils, you might be wondering which ones are best for repelling bugs. Here is a list of the best essential oils to repel insects that can help you enjoy your time outside without being bothered.

1. Citronella Essential Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus)

Citronella oil is often used as a natural Insect repellent. It is extracted from the leaves and stems of the citronella plant, and it has a strong, citrusy smell. Citronella oil works by masking the scents that attract insects, making it difficult for them to find you.

Additionally, the oil can irritate insects' eyes and lungs, and some research suggests that it may even be toxic to them. While citronella oil does not work for all insect species, it can be effective at repelling mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. If you're looking for a natural way to keep bugs at bay, citronella oil is worth a try.

2. Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus citriodora)

Lemon eucalyptus oil is known for its insect-repellent properties, and it does indeed work to keep bugs at bay. However, it's important to note that this oil should not be applied directly to the skin. Instead, it should be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied.

When used properly, lemon eucalyptus oil can help to keep insects away. In addition, it can also be used to treat bug bites and stings. As such, lemon eucalyptus oil is a versatile and effective way to keep bugs at bay.

3. Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass oil is a popular natural remedy for keeping bugs away. The strong scent of the oil is thought to repel insects, and many people swear by its efficacy. There are a few different ways to use lemongrass oil to keep bugs at bay.

You can add a few drops to a diffuser and run it in your home or office, or you can apply the oil to your skin after diluting with carrier oil. If you're going to be spending time outdoors, you can also add a few drops of lemongrass oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to mist your clothing and skin.

Some people find that lemongrass oil works better than traditional bug sprays, and it's certainly worth a try if you're looking for a natural way to keep insects away.

4. Tea tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil is a natural, plant-based insecticide that is effective against a wide variety of pests, including mosquitoes, ants, and flies. When used properly, tea tree oil can be just as effective as chemical insecticides.

Tea tree oil can also be added to lotions and creams for an extra layer of protection against pests. When used safely, tea tree oil can be an effective way to keep bugs away.

5. Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary essential oil is a great way to keep bugs away. Not only does it smell great, but it also repels mosquitoes, ants, and other pests. To use rosemary essential oil as an insect repellent, simply add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with witch hazel.

You can also add a few drops to your lotion or shampoo to help keep bugs at bay. For the best results, reapply rosemary essential oil every few hours, or as needed.

6. Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender oil is well-known for its calming effects on the mind and body, but did you know that it can also be used to repel bugs? That's right - lavender essential oil can be used as an effective insect repellent.

Studies have shown that lavender oil is effective against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. So if you're looking for a natural way to keep bugs at bay try diffusing lavender oil in your home or outdoor space to enjoy its mosquito-repelling effects.

7. Cedarwood Essential Oil (Juniperus virginiana)

Cedarwood essential oil is a great way to naturally keep bugs away. The oil has insecticidal and repellent properties that make it an effective way to deter bugs. Bugs hate the smell of cedarwood, so lighting a cedarwood candle or diffusing it will help keep them away. Whether you use it as an oil or candle, cedarwood essential oil is a natural and effective way to keep insects away.

8. Arborvitae Essential Oil (Thuja plicata)

This potent oil can be used in a variety of ways to repel pests, including mosquitos, flies, and ants. The clean, fresh wood scent of arborvitae essential oil can keep bugs at bay. You can also apply arborvitae oil to your skin after diluting with a carrier oil, although it's important to test it on a small area first to make sure you're not allergic. Not only is arborvitae oil effective against bugs, but it also has a wide range of other benefits for your health.

9. Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint oil has long been used as a natural insect repellent. The strong scent of peppermint is thought to deter many common household pests, including ants, mice, and spiders.

To use peppermint oil as an insect repellent, simply dab a few drops onto a cotton ball and apply it to areas where bugs are a problem. You can also made a homemade bug spray and use it to mist doorways, windowsills, and any other areas where insects are likely to enter your home.

10. Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus radiata)

If you're looking for a natural way to keep bugs away, eucalyptus oil may be worth trying. This essential oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and has a strong, fresh scent. It's often used in aromatherapy and has a variety of health benefits.

11. Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium oil is derived from the geranium plant and has been shown to be effective against a variety of pests, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants. In addition, geranium oil is non-toxic and safe for use around children. To use geranium oil as a bug repellent, simply add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle and enjoy bug-free living.

12. Basil Essential Oil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil essential oils can help to repel certain pests, making it a natural and environmentally friendly way to protect yourself from bug bites. The strong scent of the oils can also deter some pests.

How To Make Essential Oil Bug Spray

The base of this essential oil bug spray is witch hazel. I just find it works the best for spraying on my body. Click here for our witch hazel blog post to learn about its benefits.

I use an alcohol free version that is unscented, here is the one I like by Thayers.

Step One: Fill 4 oz glass bottle with alcohol free witch hazel, leaving a little space at top (takes about 1/2 cup to fill).

Step Two: Add essential oils from one of the recipes below, or create your own blend from the bug repellent essential oils listed above.

Step Three: Place top on and shake well. Shake well before each use. Be sure to label bottle and write the date you made the spray. Best if used within 1 month.

To use homemade bug spray, mist your skin, clothing, and any other areas where you don't want bugs to congregate. Some insect spray recipes call for apple cider vinegar but I find the aroma too strong and I really do not want to smell like apple cider vinegar so I do not use that in my bug repellent recipes.

6 DIY Bug Spray Recipes with Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used as a natural and effective insect repellent. There are a variety of essential oils that have been shown to be effective at repelling insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

I use 4 oz glass bottles for bug spray recipes. For teens and adults, I like to use 40 drops of essential oils total. For kids, I use about 20 drops of essential oils total.

Natural Bug Bite Remedy

Oh no, it happened... you were bitten! Those sneaky bugs got you, click here for our bug bite roller remedy using:

• Lavender essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Chamomile essential oil

Essential Oil Combinations for Insect Repellent

Essential oils can be used alone or in combination with other oils to create a custom repellent blend. Some of the most common essential oils used for insect repellent include citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

There are a number of essential oil combinations that can be used to repel bugs, depending on the specific type of bug you are trying to keep away. For example, a combination of citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus oils can be effective at repelling mosquitoes. Once made, this mixture can then be sprayed on exposed skin whenever necessary.

If you are looking for a more potent bug repellent, you can try adding lemongrass oil to the mix. Lemongrass oil is known for its strong citrus scent, which can be off-putting to many bugs.

Free Printable: Homemade Bug Spray Recipes and Labels

We created some bug spray tags for you to add to your homemade creations. It is a double tag, the front reads "Bug Spray", the back reads "shake well before use!". These are simple to use, just print out on white card stock, cut out, hole punch tags, place the tags back to back so when you flip the tag over you can read the back side, and attach with string.

Get this Bug Spray Recipes Sheet and Labels!

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