If you are looking for a non-toxic, deet free alternative to traditional bug sprays, you’ll want to consider one of these DIY recipes.  You can get a spray bottle at the dollar store or in the dollar section of Target.

Happy dance! Warm weather is here and this means that through end of summer (or beyond), many families will be traveling and taking time to explore the great outdoors!  With all the benefits that getting outside brings, this also brings the need for practicalities like sunscreen and “pest away” sprays to protect ourselves and our kids.

DIY All Natural Bug Spray Recipe

Repellent #1-
1 1/2 teaspoons citronella, eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil (any should work, but they will change based on your body chemistry, so try one out & see how it works)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups witch hazel extract
Shake these up in a spray bottle to combine the ingredients.  (Do not spray it on their faces, because you might get it in their eyes or mouth.  I spray it on my hands and wipe it on their faces.)

Repellent #2-
Vitamin E capsules: use the oil to rub on your skin.  (That’s easy enough!)

Repellent # 3:
2 cups water
1/2 tsp lavender oil
Pour into a spray bottle.  Shake & spray.

Repellent #4:
Get a 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
Pour into a glass jar with an airtight lid.  Rub on or pour some into a spray bottle when you are ready to use it.

Repellent #5:
(Please note that lemon and all other citrus oils are photosensitive)
2 oz. water
15 drops peppermint essential oil
45 drops lemon essential oil
Put in a spray bottle & shake to combine.

Repellent #6:
This is the only one that I have personally made:
Pure cedarwood essential oil, diluted with water.  About 5 T of the oil to a full spray bottle (the size of windex or something) of water.
This is also great for pets and for your garden.  We sprayed it around our garden to keep the bugs away.

Grab your own oils to make up your DIY bug spray recipes right here!  Happy Trails  🙂

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