Herbal Insect Repellent & Bug Spray Recipes

Ditch the chemicals and make your own essential or or herb based insect repellent. Follow these easy recipes and say goodbye to bugs!

Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe

You will need:

  • Catnip Essential Oil plus other insect repellant scents such as Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Lavender, Mint

  • Witch hazel

  • Distilled or boiled water

  • Vegetable glycerin (optional)

Directions:

  • Fill an 8oz. spray bottle 1/2 way with with distilled or boiled water

  • Add witch hazel until almost full

  • Add ½ tsp of vegetable glycerin (if using)

  • Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.

—————————-

Herbal Bug Spray

You will need:

  • Distilled water             

  • Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol

  • Dried herbs: Catnip, Peppermint, Spearmint, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender

Directions:

  • Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in any combination from the above. (1 Tbsp each of catnip, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves)

  • Mix well, tightly cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oil in)

  • Strain herbs out and mix herb water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place.

  • Use as needed, it smells great refreshes the skin.

medicine makingGina Kearney