Easy Homemade Bug Repellent
Jack Frost Skipped Us This Winter . . .
And you can guess what that means! Oh yes, instead of dying off the mosquitoes from last season are establishing rotary clubs, swimming pool kiddie programs, and regular appearances at the state fair. Plump, hungry mamas are scuttling their babies to the juiciest joints in search of a quick meal. Commando-inspired teens are planning ambushes just outside your back porch. Wise, energy conserving grandmosquitos are retiring to local parks where the living is easy.
It would almost be sweet if they weren’t planning to dine on YOU. No worries, though! I have a few suggestions for keeping the skeeters (and other bugs) at bay this year.
Recipe #1:
My cousin Jen gave me this recipe, and it is by far my favorite. According to researchers, “nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.”¹ Problem is, catnip and a few other oil listed here are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mamas. For pregnant/nursing friendly options see recipe #2.
- 8 oz apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or vodka* OR a dry oil such as jojoba
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil (buy it here and you can also use it to open up sinus and breathing passages, soothe torn or strained ligaments/tendons, heal ringworm, add shine and lustre to damaged hair, and as calming massage oil)
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil (buy it here or get it for less by buying it with lemongrass, peppermint, orange, lavendar, tea tree here)
- 15 drops lemon essential oil (find it here and use as a replacement to hand sanitize or mix with water in a spray bottle for bathroom air freshener. I’ve even heard you can add a couple drops to your dishwasher for spot free dishes!) Substitute rose geranium oil to repel ticks
- 15 drops citronella essential oil (buy it here)
- 15 drops catnip essential oils (“The active constituent in catnip, nepetalactone, has been found to be more effective than the insect repellent diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)”¹ – Find it here)
Recipe #2:
- 8 oz apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or vodka* OR a dry oil such as jojoba
- 60 drops lemon essential oil (avoid during first three months of pregnancy, fine after that. Also safe for breastfeeding)
Note: Lemon essential oil increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) and loses potency when exposed for long periods to direct sunlight. In most cases this is not an issue since mosquitoes are usually most active at dawn and dusk, but it is something to keep in mind.
Recipe #3
- 8 oz apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or vodka* OR a dry oil such as jojoba
- 45 drops of peppermint oil – It’s supposed to be very effective and smell fabulous (note: avoid if you have epilepsy or are pregnant)
- 15 drops lemon oil (or rose geranium oil to repel ticks)
Method:
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and apply liberally. Store in the fridge when not in use. Should last 2-3 months.
Do you a natural bug repellant recipe or tip? Please share it below!
* some vodka is made from GMO corn. If you plan to use vodka and want to avoid GMO’s, organic is best.
Nicole Rice via FB
How many ways does mommypotamus rock? Let me count thy ways!
Kimberly Culver via FB
Do you have a way to pin this on pinterest?
Mommypotamus via FB
Awww shucks, Nicole Rice! Honestly, though, the credit goes to my cousin Jen. I never research personal products anymore . . . I just ask her!
Mommypotamus via FB
Kimberly Culver – Definitely! There is a little “Pin It” icon just above the photo. Pin away!
Kimberly Culver via FB
Hmm didn’t see it. Will look again” thanks!
Maure Eichelberg Creager via FB
Thanks! Do you have a recommendation for a non-toxic bug repellent for indoors? I would like to help the spiders and ants not want to come inside..
angie h
Is this safe to use on dogs? I know animals have different sensitivities to essential oils then we do. Thanks!
Heather
I’m not sure, Angie, but I’ll look into it once this move is complete
Nicole Rice via FB
LOL- isn’t the internet a wonderful thing though? So much info at your fingertips! I’m making “hairspray” today! Who would have thought that was even possible???? If I like it- I’ll post it
LeeandMaia Forde via FB
Is it the peppermint oil that makes the last not good for use during pregnancy or the potency? Just wondering.
I have peppermint oil, although I haven’t used it this pregnancy. 
Tori
So do you just rub this on as you would spray on repellent?
Heather
Since essential oils need to be diluted I would place it in a spray bottle with water and apply that way:-)
Joe im Missouri
This is anecdotal – but the tick spray my friend uses on her dairy goats is essential oils (wish I had not lost the recipe as it worked very well) is based in apple cider vinegar.
Joe im Missouri´s last [type] ..An Open Letter to the Troops: You’re Not Defending Our Freedoms
Connie
Great information to know, but because you have catnip essential oil in one of your recipes, I felt it important to note that essential oils can very quickly become toxic to cats because they lack the enzymes to properly metabolise them.
http://essentialoilworld.com/essentialoilreviews/pet-health/essential-oil-safety-with-cats
Leah
We’ve used vodka as a base in our insect repellent instead of water. I always assumed that this would help it keep longer, but I’d definitely prefer the cheaper route of purified water! Do you know the shelf life of your recipes?
Jen @ Dear Mommy Brain
Mosquitos are always awful by our house and I’m afraid this year is going to be even worse, so we are going to build a bat house! It’s not exactly a bug repellant, but I’ve heard that it can really help control the population of bugs. *crosses fingers*
Jen @ Dear Mommy Brain´s last [type] ..Goal Update | March Wrap Up
Lori B.
We used to be covered in mosquitos in Georgia. Bats, ponds filled with frogs, make a habitat that birds like, keep gutters clean & remove any english ivy you may have. Mosquitoes love that stuff.
Mommypotamus via FB
It’s the peppermint oil
LeeandMaia Forde via FB
Thanks! Bummer! I’ll have to wait until August for that one!
Alexis D
Do you have a link of all the essential oils we have to avoid during pregnancy? Because I was not aware that peppermint oil was off limits!
Natalie
That’s awesome! THANK YOU!!! I was cringing thinking of having to put bug spray on my kids this summer. I wonder if it repels ticks, they are supposed to be real bad this year.
erica
geranium oil works great for repelling ticks!
Natalie
I was just reading that ticks hate Lavendar oil, eucalyptus oil and Rose geranium essential oil if anyone wants to add on.
bethany
Perfect timing! Goodbye bug bites.
Just curious..do you have any suggestions for non-toxic weed killer? Our weeds are almost as out of control as the mesquitoes since the grass never died this last “winter”.
Cat
Great article. I’ve been looking for a recipe for a natural bug repellant. We were almost eaten alive the year before last when we went camping. I too was wondering if recipe #1 would be safe for dogs. My poor little chihuahua had a miserable time with the mosquitoes.
To Bethany: From what I have read, one of the best natural and kid/pet safe weed killers is white vinegar. I’m excited to try it in our front yard this year. It was over run with weeds last summer, so I can’t wait to see if it works.
Elissa
Non-toxic weed killer- Try white vinegar and spray or pour onto the weeds. This will kill other plants too so be careful.
Nathalie
Thanks, great article… I wonder, does it work against ticks, too? and what essential oil would work the best against ticks?
donna
hi
i use purified water with a few drops of each of the following- some of which are specifically for repelling ticks…as well as other bugs…lavender- neem- rose geranium- tea tree and peppermint..it stinks but it seems to work…lol….i also learned another trick last year for repelling ticks around the yard…hang old stockings stuffed with a bar of irish spring ( or knock off of same) around play and recreational areas as well as around the perimeter of your property from tree branches…ticks ( and some other bugs) hate the smell….i don’t blame them
Deborah
why is peppermint oil not recommended for use by persons with epilepsy/seizures?
Helga Sigurðardóttir
Thank you for this post.
I just discovered your blog and have now promptly added it to my blogroll (see here: http://www.wholenewview.com)
Helga
Helga Sigurðardóttir´s last [type] ..The Supertaster Superstar and Her Supershort Recipes
amanda
are essential oils safe for babies, or what is age appropriate for the use of essential oils? i am having a tough time figuring this out with out help. is there a list i can refer to some where?
Alina
Hi Heather,
I was wondering, if catnip is the anti mosquito oil why not use only this oil? It would definitely be cheaper that way. What role do the other oils play?
Thank you.
Emily Bartlett @HolisticKid
Peppermint is used with caution for nursing moms because it is thought to decrease milk supply., but clinically I haven’t really seen this to be true. Personally, I drank tons of catnip tea after my second was born. It helped to keep be emotionally grounded post partum (read: not yell at my husband), and my baby was a perfect angel with no health issue. My point is that warning labels for herbs are usually extremely conservative, especially when the application is topical. They shouldn’t be ignored, but If I were pregnant or nursing and in a swarm of mozzies, I wouldn’t hesitate to dump a bottle of the first recipe all over myself – but that’s just me.
Emily Bartlett @HolisticKid´s last [type] ..How to Make Homemade Cashew Butter
Heather
I totally agree, Emily! But I think it sounds better coming from you
Link Love – April | | Thank Your BodyThank Your Body
[...] Heather, the Mommypotamus, has a few great recipes for homemade bug repellent! [...]
Reflections – April 2012 — Holistic Kid
[...] for a season of chiggers and mosquitoes with this homemade bug repellent – secret ingredient: [...]
Rachael McCoy via FB
Lauren Elizabeth Mach (Jill) here ya go!
Katrina Vinsonhaler via FB
i just made a recipe very similar to #1 except the recipe i had also included witch hazel, i’m going to have to remember catnip for the next batch!
question: why are some of the essential oils listed not safe for nursing mothers?
Mommypotamus via FB
Katrina Vinsonhaler – Some may have side effects that are not good for pregnancy/nursing. However, I think this comment from Emily at Holistic Kid is a pretty balanced way to look at essential oil safety:
“Peppermint is used with caution for nursing moms because it is thought to decrease milk supply., but clinically I haven’t really seen this to be true. Personally, I drank tons of catnip tea after my second was born. It helped to keep be emotionally grounded post partum (read: not yell at my husband), and my baby was a perfect angel with no health issue. My point is that warning labels for herbs are usually extremely conservative, especially when the application is topical. They shouldn’t be ignored, but If I were pregnant or nursing and in a swarm of mozzies, I wouldn’t hesitate to dump a bottle of the first recipe all over myself – but that’s just me.”
Katrina Vinsonhaler via FB
thank you! i am nursing and i dont want to use anything that could be harmful.. i wouldn’t be using it often, but i would think that these natural recipes would be a considerably less harmful vs commercial spray that contain DEET and other chemicals? however, that is just an assumption..
Mommypotamus via FB
I’m with Emily, Katrina Vinsonhaler. Given the choice I would definitely go for essential oils over DEET even though I’m nursing.
Mommypotamus via FB
I’m with Emily, Katrina Vinsonhaler. Given the choice I would definitely go for essential oils over DEET even though I’m nursing.
Stephanie Craig Weilnau via FB
Are these okay for younger children? DD is 10 months and DS is 3 years and I would like to try the second recipe (still nursing).
Stephanie Craig Weilnau via FB
Are these okay for younger children? DD is 10 months and DS is 3 years and I would like to try the second recipe (still nursing).
Jennifer Ashe via FB
Thank you!! I’m camping tomorrow and I’m pregnant and have been searching for a good bug repellent! Perfect timing
Janice Ebel Leverenz via FB
Literally thought this morning “I should check Mommypotamus for a home made bug repellant… she’s bound to have a good recipe.” Thanks!
Mommypotamus via FB
Stephanie Craig Weilnau – Yes I believe they are
I’m not an expert, but based on what I’ve read I feel comfortable putting these formulas on my littles.
Mommypotamus via FB
Awesome, Jennifer Ashe! Have fun this weekend!
Mommypotamus via FB
Lol, Janice Ebel Leverenz!!!
Liz
I drink a tsp or so of apple cider vinegar every morning and I don’t get beg bites anymore. It has worked for two summers so far. I just put the vinegar in my water and sip on it all morning.
kirsten
thanks for the information..
I was wondering if there is anything to keep the wasps and hornets away from our property. Those things are everywhere.
Heather
I don’t know of anything Kirsten, but I’ll ask on my FB page and let you know~
Heather
Here are their responses! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=400709666637482&set=a.118454091529709.7561.117473934961058&type=1&theater¬if_t=photo_comment
Chris
Do you have a remedy for roaches and ants, both a problem in Hawaii, that is non toxic to our bug consuming geckos?
Heather
I’ve used Borax before, but I think that would harm the geckos. It is my understanding though that geckos are the natural enemies of roaches, so maybe you just need more of them!
Regarding ants, I haven’t tried these solutions but they look interesting:
http://smallnotebook.org/2010/04/21/5-simple-natural-ant-control-remedies/
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/tp/Get_Rid_of_Ants_Cheaply.htm
Things I Love & things I want to Try | The Well Fed Homestead
[...] homemade insect repellant before our first camping trip of the year. Mosquitos are particularly fond of Farm Boy 3! Poor [...]
ashley
I stocked up on my essential oils and cannot wait to test out this recipe for my trip to the U.P, Michigan! I have terrible reactions to mosquito bites and can’t stand the smell of DEET, so really happy to stumble on this recipe! Also, do you have any for repelling ants indoors? my little Chihuahua is very curious and therefore I don’t want to put any toxic ant traps around…but I am in need of something because this beautiful warm weather brings the ants inside!
Heather
I’ve used Borax before, but that’s probably not a good idea with a curious dog around. Haven’t tried these solutions but they look interesting . . .
http://smallnotebook.org/2010/04/21/5-simple-natural-ant-control-remedies/
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/tp/Get_Rid_of_Ants_Cheaply.htm
Linky Links: May 2012 | OUR NOURISHING ROOTS
[...] we have some camping planned this summer, I think this homemade bug repellent will come in quite [...]
ashley
Why do you have to avoid #3 if you have epilepsy?
Heather
Large medicinal doses can induce seizures in individuals that have epilespy. More info at http://www.livestrong.com/article/546954-peppermint-oil-epilepsy/
Kim
How does the first recipe smell? It seems like an interesting combination. I hate the smell of store bought bug spray!
Heather
I’d say it’s pretty citrusy with eucalyptus blended in
Things I Love | Food Renegade
[...] and carrots. So, I’m looking forward to testing out this all-natural, fabulously-effective Easy Homemade Bug Repellant from [...]
Christina
Think any of these woud work for midges as well?
Heather
Hi Christina! I wish I knew, but I had to google midge just to try to get up to speed! No helpful info out there unfortunately, but if you try it I’d love to know how it works for you
Christina
Thanks anyway. My daughter is getting eaten up at our new house. They go through the screens! Just can’t bring myself to invest 100$ in essential oils. But I have to come up with something.
Christina´s last [type] ..Getting My Family to Eat Vegetables
susan
my daughter’s house is run over with fleas and her 6 yr. old daughter gets dozens and dozens of bites all over her every time she goes home for the weekend; she stays with me during the week while her mom is at work. she and her 4 yr. daughter get very few bites. do any of you know if these recipes will keep the fleas off while we are trying to get rid of them? also, any non-toxic ideas on how to kill flea infestations. we’ve done the lamp, shining on a white bowl of soapy water sitting on the floor. this works well she may just not be doing it enough, also, vacuuming everyday helps lots, but not enough. thanks!
Amy
We had a terrible time with fleas once. What finally worked was sprinkling Borax and vacuuming! I remember lifting all of the mattresses and furniture to make sure I got EVERY ONE of the fleas and eggs. Can’t remember if I had to do once or twice but that was the end of the ankle-biting!
Jeannette
FYI, just found part of your blog post here. http://cspearsmassage.com/my-blog/?p=272 Not sure if his blog is related to yours or not.
Jeannette
*her
Lucy
Wonderful recipes! Is lemon oil ok to use on a child with eczema? My daughter has reactions to citrus and I was wondering if it would give her the same type of reaction.
Heather
I haven’t researched the effect of lemon on oil eczema in general, but if my child had known issues with citrus I would personally avoid it.
Kellie
This is awesome! Thank you!
Jake
I invented a formula with a botanical chemist for Dogs AND it works for humans too! Check it out at http://WWW.ruffmart.com There is no water and no alcohol. It contains 11 essential oils and they make up 30% of the formula. The carrier oil is fruit based and also has insect repellant properties.
Ann
Do you add water to dilute it? What is the vodka for? Are these the best prices for essential oils you have found? TY
Heather
The vodka helps the essential oils retain their potency longer. I use Young Living oils, but I haven’t compared prices lately.
Eco Home Ideas – Make Homemade Bug Repellant
[...] good friend passed along this recipe she got from Pinterest. This recipe is from mommypotamus.com, and she swears by this recipe and that it really works! It’s time to try it for myself, [...]
Hannah
Have you had stinging with recipe #2 when you spray it on your legs? My sister and I tried it on our legs and my nephew’s and it sting for us all. It was fine when we sprayed it on our arms.
Heather
Hi Hannah! I haven’t, but I do know that lemon oil can sting when applied at higher concentrations. If it were me I’d dilute the solution a bit and see how that works.