Homemade Bug Spray

I do not like to use bug sprays. The smell is completely unbearable and I would much rather not put all those chemicals all over my kids and myself. Deet, which is a major component in the majority of all bug sprays sold at the store has a horrible list of side effects it can cause attached to it; rashes, blistering, soreness, and neurological problems.

I figured out a way to put a few ingredients together to create a spray that not only smells good, isn't toxic, and seems to work really well. It's a winner all the way around.

Homemade Bug Spray Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp, Dried Lavender
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Thyme
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Mint
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Basil
• 1 cup, Distilled Water
• 1 cup, Witch Hazel

You can also use essential oils if you would prefer to not use dried herbs. Grab all of the essential oils you would need here.

Homemade Bug Spray Directions

1. Begin by boiling water with all your herbs.
2. Cover, turn off heat and allow to steep until cool.
3. Leave herbs in water for another hour.
4. Strain herbs and water through a mesh strainer and then through a funnel into your spray bottle. The liquid will be a greenish-brown, that is normal.
5. Add in witch hazel and shake well to combine.
6. Spray liberally on arms and legs. Spray onto hands and dab on face. Remember to label your bottle so you know what is inside.

You probably have most of these items in your pantry so making this a super cheap DIY. The ingredients are around $20 for everything, instead of $6 for a bottle from the drugstore shelves. Keep a bottle on the porch for anytime you're outside, and one in your outing bag for grab and go trips.

Find MORE Household Cleaning Recipes HERE

Disclosure: This post contains a link to an affiliate and support this site. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

Homemade Bug Spray

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Homemade Bug Spray Recipe and Instructions

• Author: Savings Lifestyle: Andrea

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Tbsp, Dried Lavender
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Thyme
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Mint
• 2 Tbsp, Dried Basil
• 1 cup, Distilled Water
• 1 cup, Witch Hazel

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling water with all your herbs.
2. Cover, turn off heat and allow to steep until cool.
3. Leave herbs in water for another hour.
4. Strain herbs and water through a mesh strainer and then through a funnel into your spray bottle. The liquid will be a greenish-brown, that is normal.
5. Add in witch hazel and shake well to combine.
6. Spray liberally on arms and legs. Spray onto hands and dab on face. Remember to label your bottle so you know what is inside.