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DIY All-Natural Bugs Spray 

Date
Jul, 18, 2022

DIY All-Natural Bugs Spray

As daylight and temperatures increase, we tend to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately we’re not alone …. Bugs!!! Like it or not, they are part of summer and one part of nature that can be quite bothersome. Luckily, there are sprays and other products you can use to keep the bugs at arm’s length; however, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that I never would subject my family or our planet to. Although some manufactured sprays have been declared safe in sensible doses, I would never want to take the risk.

While it may require more effort than grabbing the first can of spray at the grocery store, there are many chemical free and natural methods to get rid of bugs.DIY All-Natural Bugs Spray 

Below, you can find proven defensive and offensive solutions for your pest problems. For those of us who don’t like to use chemical-based insect repellents,  should  know that essential oils can be used to help repel insects naturally. There are many types of essential oils that have been proven effective at both repelling bugs and also treating bug bites naturally.

Essential oils proven to repel bugs:

  • Citronella oil
  • Lemon oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Tee tree oil
  • lemongrass
  • cedarwood
  • GERANIUM

Kids’ bug spray:

2 oz. witch hazel 

2 oz. distilled water 

1 oz. soy bean oil (or use jojoba, almond or coconut oil)

20-25 drops essential lavender oil

Mix everything for the bug spray in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.  Always shake before using.

Adult Bugs Spray (for kids age 10+)

2 oz. witch hazel 

2 oz. distilled water 

1 oz. soy bean oil (or use jojoba, almond or coconut oil)

40-50 drops of citronella or lemon oil + 5 drops of Tee tree oil

Mix everything for the bug spray in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.  Always shake before using.

Here is the video showing how to make it:

While you’re at it, why not also make a mason jar bug-away candle that is sure to keep bugs away. Check out this one at One essential community.

How to treat bug bites naturally—Bug spray is a good way of avoiding bug bites, but if you still get bitten, here are natural ways of getting some relief:

First of all, essential oils are great for treating bugs bites and my personal favorite lavender which is  a popular essential oil and a good one to have on hand for treating bug bites. This oil (unlike most other essential oils) can be applied directly to bites. Other oils that are also good for treating bug bites are: Chamomile, rosemary, lemon grass and tea tree oil.

You can make your own ointment by adding 2 to 3 drops per ounce of essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil mix in well. Shake before using.

Aloe Vera—The gel and juice contain lots of anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal and calm a bug bite.

Baking soda—Make a paste with equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water with baking soda, and apply to bite for a few minutes.

Honey—Contains lots of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so rub some honey onto effected area.

Witch Hazel—Witch Hazel is known for its anti-inflammatory properties because it contains tannins that help reduce swelling and fight bacteria, so it’s great to use undiluted hazel to wipe bug bites. Repeat until it’s better.

Raw Onion—Onions contain a natural antifungal property that can help reduce your risk for infection. Apply raw onion directly to effected area for a few minutes.

To learn more uses for essential oils check out my post about lavender oil uses here 

Fredrika Syren

Fredrika Syren is an environmental activist and writer. In 2016, she founded the website Green-Mom.com where she shared her family’s journey of living zero waste. She lives in San Diego, California with her husband James and their children Bella, Noah, and Liam. Fredrika and her family were recently featured in the documentary Zero Time to Waste. Fredrika is also the author of Zero Waste for Families - A Practical Guidebook (which you can buy on this site)

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