DIY Bug Repellent Ideas for a Chemical-Free Summer
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, but pesky bugs can put a damper on your fun. Traditional bug sprays are often loaded with chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural alternatives that are just as effective. Here are some DIY bug repellent ideas to help you enjoy a chemical-free summer!
Essential Oil Bug Spray
Ingredients:
10 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops of citronella essential oil
10 drops of tea tree essential oil
2 tablespoons of witch hazel
Top with distilled water
Instructions:
Combine the essential oils in a small bowl.
Add the witch hazel and distilled water, and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a small spray bottle.
Shake well before each use and apply to exposed skin.
Tips: Since this is a natural spray without chemicals, it’s best to apply it every 30 minutes to really keep away the bugs! I also like to use to spray down my patio furniture or chair when I’m at a sporting event!
Herbal Bug Balm
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut oil
2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
10 drops of rosemary essential oil
10 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil and beeswax pellets in a double boiler or microwave.
Remove from heat and add the essential oils.
Pour the mixture into a small tin or jar and let it cool until solid.
Apply the balm to your skin as needed to repel bugs.
Tip: Pour the mixture into an empty deodorant tube for a mess free option! I like to rub this in my kids ankles before they go out!
Diffuse Outside
This is such an easy way to keep bugs off your patio. You can get this portable diffuser from Amazon. Another great tip from my husband who used to be a restaurant server on an outdoor patio is to use a fan! Bugs can’t land if the air is moving. We keep a box fan outside all summer and turn it on facing the diffuser. No diffuser? Drop some Citronella oil on a cotton ball and stick in next to your fan or on your dining table. Keep reading for a diffuser card and more bug off ideas and recipes.
Did you know that if you light some coffee grounds with a match in a glass bowl and then blow it out, that it will repel mosquitos? This is a new tip I read and I can’t wait to try it this summer! Just let it sit on the corner of the patio!
Apply Citronella Directly To Your Skin
Don’t want to make a spray or balm? Just grab a bottle of citronella and keep it in your bag for the summer. We put a drop on our ankles when we go out and just rub it like a perfume (smells so good) or you can put it on a diffuser bracelet. Tip: Grab a larger bracelet that will fit your kid ankles and add your drops of citronella each time they go out to play!
Here is the link for my favorite citronella and this is a great pre-made insect repellent if you prefer to buy it already made.
Bug Bite Roller
Because bug bites are inevitable, we make a few of these to have around!
10 ml roller bottle
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Peppermint
+ fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil
Want all of my favorite low tox summer recipes?
Download this free E-book. You can print it out or save it for your convenience!
Let me know what you think or if you have any other ideas for keeping bugs away!
XO
Sarah