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Homemade Bug Repellent

This homemade bug repellent is quick and easy to make with simple, natural ingredients. Made with witch hazel, lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, and lavender essential oils, this refreshing DIY bug spray helps keep mosquitoes away during all your favorite outdoor adventures.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Natural Home DIY

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Pour the witch hazel into a clean 4-ounce glass spray bottle. If you don't want to measure exactly, simply fill the bottle about halfway full.
    2 ounces witch hazel
  • Add the lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood Atlas, and lavender essential oils. Secure the spray top and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to help disperse the essential oils throughout the witch hazel.
    26 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil, 10 drops cedarwood atlas essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • Pour in the distilled water until the bottle is nearly full, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top so you have room to shake before each use.
    scant 2 ounces distilled water
  • Replace the spray top and shake again until everything is well combined. Store it in a cool, dark place until you're ready to use it.

Notes

  • Shake well before each use. Essential oils naturally separate from the witch hazel and distilled water, so shaking the bottle helps evenly distribute the oils.
  • Use a glass spray bottle. Essential oils can break down some plastics over time, so an amber glass bottle is the best choice for long-term storage.
  • Leave a little headspace. Don't fill the bottle completely to the top—leave about ¼ inch of space so you can easily shake the spray before each use.
  • Reapply often. Because this is a natural bug repellent, plan to reapply every hour or after swimming or heavy sweating.
  • Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm 24 hours before first use to check for skin sensitivity.
  • Store properly. Keep the spray in a cool, dark place. For the freshest scent and best performance, make small batches and use within a few weeks.
  • Kid-friendly version. Follow the same instructions using the kid-friendly ingredient amounts listed above. This version is intended for children ages 6 and older.
Keyword diy bug spray, homemade bug repellent
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