Avoid nasty chemicals by making your own safe, effective bug spray
Summer’s here and it’s definitely time for cold drinks, suntan lotion, and bug spray. If you’re not a fan of the sticky, icky-smelling commercial products containing the chemical DEET, you might want to make your own. It’s neither difficult nor expensive to do.
The Basics
You’ll need just a few things to start your project. A glass or plastic spray bottle, water (distilled or not), Witch Hazel or vinegar, and one or more essential oils. You might also want to add a little vegetable glycerin to help moisturize your skin. The good news is that most of these supplies are available at Ruth’s!
The Essential Oils
Several essential oils repel insects, especially lemon eucalyptus oil, which studies show is 95% as effective as DEET (and it smells MUCH better!) Other oils to choose from include cedarwood, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, geranium, lemongrass and many more.
Since ticks tend to be more bothersome than mosquitos, studies show these oils make especially effective combos for repelling ticks: thyme and citronella; geranium, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus.
Consider the Children
When it comes to essential oils and little children, greater care is needed. It’s often best to avoid some oils and generally spray their clothes, not their skin. In children under two years of age, avoid basil, cinnamon bark, clove, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, sage, tea tree, and thyme.
The Recipes
We all know this is really why you are reading this article. Let’s get on with it!
Recipe No. 1 – from Art of Manliness (imagine a smile emoji here!)
½ cup water
½ cup witch hazel
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
20 drops geranium oil
20 drops lemon eucalyptus
10 drops cedarwood
10 drops vanilla
10 drops rosemary
Add all ingredients to an 8 oz spray bottle and shake well to combine.
Recipe No. 2 – from Art of Manliness
½ cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
20 drops lemon eucalyptus
10 drops cedarwood
10 drops rosemary
Add all ingredients to an 8 oz spray bottle and shake well to combine.
Recipes for Adults & Kids 10 and up – from One Essential Community
Into a 4 oz spray bottle, pour:
2 oz. witch hazel
2 oz. water
Then add one of the combos of essential oils below:
~10 drops geranium, 15 drops lavender, 5 drops patchouli, 10 drops lemongrass, 10 drops citronella
~15 drops lemongrass, 15 drops eucalyptus, 20 drops citronella
~20 drops rosemary, 20 drops cedarwood, 10 drops peppermint
Recipes for Kids 3 and up – from One Essential Community
Into a 4 oz spray bottle, pour:
2 oz. witch hazel
2 oz. water
Then add one of the combos of essential oils below:
~10 drops lavender, 10 drops citronella
~8 drops lavender, 5 drops geranium, 7 drops cedarwood
~5 drops lavender, 5 drops geranium, 2 drops patchouli, 8 drops spearmint
Just a reminder…
Just remember that oil and water don’t mix well, so with all recipes, you’ll need to shake the bottle before spraying. Happy mixing!
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