Does the buzz of mosquitoes ruin your perfect summer evening? Have you ever wondered what those harsh chemicals in store-bought bug sprays really do to your skin? We all love enjoying the outdoors, but those pesky insects can quickly turn a fun picnic or backyard barbecue into an itchy nightmare. Choosing a bug spray feels tricky. You want something strong enough to work, but gentle enough for your family and pets.
Many commercial sprays smell terrible and leave a sticky residue. You worry about the long list of ingredients you cannot even pronounce. That is why making your own natural bug spray at home is a fantastic solution! It gives you total control over what touches your skin.
This post will unlock the secrets to creating simple, effective, and great-smelling homemade bug repellents using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find. We will share easy recipes that actually work against biting bugs. Keep reading to learn how to banish bugs naturally and reclaim your outdoor peace!
Top Homemade Bug Spray Recommendations
- WHAT IT IS - Powered by natural oil of lemon eucalyptus for long-lasting mosquito and tick protection for kids, adults and travel gear
- HOW IT WORKS - Oil of lemon eucalyptus masks your scent, making you "invisible" to mosquitoes and ticks by hiding the aromas that attract them
- PROVEN & RELIABLE - Formulated with EPA-approved repellent oils for trusted protection
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - For superior performance and quality, free from synthetic additives like dyes, fragrances, and gear-damaging chemicals
- MURPHY’S NATURALS - On a mission to do infinite good by prioritizing people and the environment – we passionately strive to help everyone play, explore, and wander in our natural world!
- Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or dyes
- Made with plant & essential oils of citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass and geranium
- Plant and essential oils help keep mosquitoes away
- Product not tested on animals
- Bug spray that quickly kills ants, roaches and flies
- Plant-based active ingredient bug killer safe for use around people and pets (when used as directed)
- Entomologist tested bug spray made with botanical extracts to kill bugs; with a fresh scent and no added dye, fragrance, or harsh chemical odors
- Bug killer for indoor and outdoor use, wherever bugs try to bother you
- Rooted in Nature, Optimized by Science
- Two 4 oz cans of OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol protect against mosquitoes
- Outdoor bug repellent is formulated with 25% DEET and provides long lasting protection from mosquitoes, making it an ideal bug spray for camping, hiking, running and your favorite outdoor activities
- OFF! mosquito spray offers effective protection from mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue, or West Nile viruses plus ticks that may cause Lyme disease, biting flies, gnats and chiggers
- OFF! bug spray with DEET comes in a convenient aerosol spray bottle for easy application
- Mosquito repellent goes on powder-dry, not oily or greasy, so you don't know you're wearing it and it doesn't stain
- Fragrance-Free Comfort – Experience the benefits of fragrance-free picaridin bug spray – Clean Feel insect repellent feels good on skin, leaving your skin feeling natural and non-sticky, so you can enjoy nature without heavy residue – and won’t stain or discolor your clothing.
- Up to 8 Hours of Protection – Say goodbye to pesky insects! This long-lasting bug spray offers robust protection against mosquitos for up to 8 hours, when used as directed, allowing you to savor all of your outdoor adventures worry-free and fully engaged.
- Camping, Hiking, Fishing? Off! Clean Feel Has You Covered – Enjoy the great outdoors without the bother of mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies! Our bug spray is proven effective when used as directed, keeping you protected from mosquito bites and empowered to explore. Make this picaridin insect repellent part of your travel essentials and camping essentials.
- Easy Application – Simplify your outdoor routine with our easy-to-apply aerosol. Its Aerosol delivery makes application a breeze and provides easy application via continuous sweeping motion – so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your time outside.
- Picaridin Formula – Our innovative formula boasts 20% picaridin, ensuring an effective defense against mosquitoes when used as directed. Picaridin is a DEET-free insect repellant that dries quickly with no oily residue. *DEET-free should not be viewed as a statement on the safety of this product relative to any product containing DEET
- BUG DEFENSE SPRAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Victoria's Lavender Don’t Bug Me Spray is a DEET free protector designed for the whole family. Keep mosquitoes, flies, and bugs away, whether indoors or outdoors. Crafted with essential oils, this gentle yet powerful kids bug spray offers long-lasting protection for your skin, clothes, home, and travel adventures, a practical holiday gift.
- CONVENIENT TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY: Each pack includes one 4 fl oz durable bottle, small enough to fit in a pocket, purse, or backpack yet has a long-lasting aromatic scent. This travel size bug spray is ideal for vacations, holiday travel, camping trips, gardening, farming, or family outings with children. The convenient spray nozzle allows for effortless application wherever you go.
- MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS & EUCALYPTUS: Formulated with ingredients like aloe vera and eucalyptus, this skin-friendly, non toxic bug spray is lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves no sticky residue on the body. Its refreshing fragrance provides a pleasant scent while serving as a strong guard against mosquitoes, flies, and even fleas, easy to add to a gift basket.
- EASY TO USE & MADE IN THE USA: Shake well and apply directly to exposed skin, or clothes for lasting outdoor and indoor protection. Gentle for children and adults, this insect spray for body is proudly made in the USA, offering a safe plant based formula without harsh ingredients, and without sacrificing performance or peace of mind, great for gift sets.
- IDEAL FOR OUTDOOR & INDOOR ACTIVITIES: Whether farming, camping, hiking, traveling, or enjoying tropical destinations, Victoria’s Lavender safe bug spray helps keep mosquitoes, bees, and bugs from spoiling your plans, ideal for holiday gatherings. Great for babies and toddlers, it’s a practical must-have protector that every household should include in their home essentials for year-round use.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES: DEET-free formula repels mosquitoes, including those that may carry West Nile virus.
- WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: The active ingredient in Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES THAT MAY CARRY WEST NILE VIRUS: Creates a barrier against annoying mosquitoes that can spoil the outdoors.
- FRESH, CLEAN SCENT: Cool lemon eucalyptus scent – never feels oily or greasy.
- LASTS UP TO 6 HOURS: Reapply once daily as needed (up to twice per day).
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas.
- FORMULATED FOR SEVERE INSECT CONDITIONS: Contains 98.11% DEET for protection in heavily infested conditions.
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Enjoy the outdoors without the bite – provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your adventure because of bugs.
- ALSO REPELS TICKS, GNATS, BITING FLIES, CHIGGERS & FLEAS: Create a barrier against annoying bugs that can spoil the outdoors.
- PUMP SPRAY: Perfect for outdoor travel – the compact size stores perfectly with whatever adventure gear you're taking that day.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Homemade Bug Spray
Making your own bug spray can be a great way to avoid harsh chemicals. This guide will help you choose the best ingredients and understand what makes a homemade repellent effective. We look at what to buy and what to watch out for.
Key Features to Look For
When you gather your supplies, look for certain features that make your bug spray work better. A good homemade spray needs strong repellent power and safety for your skin.
1. Effective Essential Oils
- Citronella and Lemon Eucalyptus: These oils are scientifically proven to keep bugs away. They should be the main scent.
- Lavender or Peppermint: These add a nice smell and boost the repellent power against certain bugs like spiders.
2. Carrier Quality
The carrier mixes the oils so you can spray them. Look for carriers that mix well with water or alcohol.
- Witch Hazel or Vodka: These help the essential oils spread evenly when you spray.
- Distilled Water: Using distilled water prevents funky smells or mold growth that tap water can cause.
3. Proper Container
The container is important for safe use.
- Dark Glass Spray Bottles: Essential oils lose their strength in sunlight. Dark glass protects them best.
- Fine Mist Sprayer: A good sprayer makes sure you cover your skin lightly and evenly, not just dump liquid in one spot.
Important Materials Checklist
Gathering the right materials ensures your spray lasts longer and smells better. Always buy high-quality, pure ingredients.
Essential Oils Purity
Only buy 100% pure essential oils. Cheap oils might not have enough of the active ingredients to actually repel bugs. Check the label for the plant’s scientific name (like *Cymbopogon nardus* for Citronella).
Carrier Selection
If you use witch hazel, make sure it is alcohol-based, not just water-based. Alcohol helps the oils dissolve better. If you use a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) for a skin-soothing version, ensure it is light and non-greasy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What you mix and how you mix it really changes how well the spray works.
Quality Boosters:
- Higher Concentration: Using a slightly higher percentage of essential oils (but staying safe!) makes the spray last longer on your skin.
- Shaking Well: Oils and water separate quickly. You must shake the bottle vigorously before every single spray to ensure you get the repellent with every spritz.
Quality Reducers:
- Too Much Water: If you use too much plain water, the essential oils float on top. This means you might spray plain water on yourself, and the bugs will come right back.
- Using Citrus Juices: While lemon smells nice, citrus juices can make your skin very sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). Avoid using lemon or lime juice in your main recipe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and when you will use your homemade spray. This guides your recipe choice.
For Backyard BBQs (Short Use):
If you only need protection for a couple of hours in your yard, a lighter mix with more water and less carrier oil works fine. The smell fades faster, but it feels less sticky.
For Hiking or Camping (Long Use):
For longer trips, you need a stronger formula. Increase the amount of witch hazel or alcohol. This keeps the essential oils active longer. People often prefer a thicker, oil-based rub for their ankles and wrists during heavy bug times, which lasts longer than a light spray.
Skin Sensitivity:
Always test a small patch of skin first. If you have sensitive skin, use fewer strong oils like peppermint. Substitute with soothing oils like geranium or rosemary instead.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Homemade Bug Spray
Q: How long does homemade bug spray last on the shelf?
A: If you use distilled water and store the spray in a cool, dark place, it usually lasts about 6 months. If you see the liquid look cloudy or smell strange, throw it out.
Q: Can I use regular tap water instead of distilled water?
A: You should avoid tap water. Tap water contains minerals and microbes that can cause your spray to grow bacteria or mold faster.
Q: Is homemade bug spray safe for babies?
A: No. Most essential oils are too strong for babies under three years old. For small children, use physical barriers like netting instead of sprays.
Q: How often do I need to reapply homemade spray?
A: Homemade sprays usually need reapplying every 1 to 2 hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming. Commercial DEET sprays last much longer.
Q: What is the best essential oil for mosquitoes?
A: Lemon Eucalyptus oil is often cited as the most effective essential oil against mosquitoes, sometimes working almost as well as low-concentration chemical repellents.
Q: Why does my spray separate into layers?
A: Oil and water do not mix. This is normal. You must shake the bottle hard right before every application so that the oil layer sprays out with the water layer.
Q: Can I add sunscreen to my homemade bug spray?
A: No. Essential oils can change how sunscreen works, sometimes making it less effective or increasing skin sensitivity to the sun. Keep them separate.
Q: Will this spray stain my clothes?
A: If you use a very high concentration of oils or carrier oils, yes, it might leave a slight residue or stain light fabrics. Use a fine mist setting to avoid soaking your clothing.
Q: What should I do if I get the spray in my eyes?
A: If the spray gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with plenty of cool, clean water for several minutes. Do not rub your eyes.
Q: Do I need an emulsifier like Polysorbate 20?
A: You do not need an emulsifier, but they help. If you skip it, you must shake the bottle very well every time. Witch hazel or high-proof alcohol acts as a mild emulsifier on its own.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.