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I use essential oils a LOT. You might know this if you’ve been reading my posts! So it is a natural go to for bug repellent for me. However, the truth is, they ARE expensive and you can run out of them, and some people simply aren’t into them and need other options. Below are several great recipes for bug sprays that you can make with herbs from your garden or the supermarket or even Vanilla! Check them out, from Don’t Waste the Crumbs:
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY RECIPE USING FRESH HERBS
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY USING FRESH HERBS SUPPLIES
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint – spearment, peppermint, etc. – finely chopped
- 6 Tbsp of any of the following fresh herbs – catnip, citronella, lavender and/or cloves – finely chopped
- 1 cup distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled
- 1 cup witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka
- spray bottle (I recommend using glass)
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY USING FRESH HERBS METHOD
In a small saucepan, bring one cup of water to a boil. Add fresh herbs, cover and cool completely. When the mixture has cooled, strain the herbs out and squeeze excess water from the herbs into the saucepan.
Mix infused water with 1 cup of witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka. Store the mixture in the fridge. Use as needed.
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT INGREDIENTS
- 5 oz baby oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (note about artificial irritating skin)
- 5 Tbsp distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled
- glass jar or a squeezable tube
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT METHOD
Combine ingredients in a glass jar and mix well. This mixture will be thick and it rubs on like a lotion, but if you want a thinner bug spray, add 1 Tbsp water and 1 tsp vanilla and mix well. Repeat until you reach the desired consistency. Store the mixture in a glass jar and if desired, fill a squeezable tube to take it on the go.
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT AND PEPPERMINT EXTRACT
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT AND PEPPERMINT EXTRACT INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 Tbsp cloves
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp peppermint extract
- spray bottle (I recommend using glass)
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH VANILLA EXTRACT AND PEPPERMINT EXTRACT METHOD
Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and allow the mixture to steep at least overnight. Shake well and spray as needed.
Note: If the cloves clog the tube of the spray nozzle, strain them out after steeping for at least 8 hours.
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH BASIL
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH BASIL SUPPLIES
- ½ bunch fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled
- ½ cup vodka
- spray bottle (I recommend using glass)
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH BASIL METHOD
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add fresh basil, cover and let it steep for 4 hours. Strain the herbs out and squeeze excess water from the herbs into the saucepan. Pour the water into a glass spray bottle and add vodka. Shake well and spray on skin as thoroughly, as needed.
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH CASTILE SOAP
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH CASTILE SOAP SUPPLIES
- 1 tsp neem oil
- 10 tsp liquid castile soap (peppermint scent would add the bug repelling effect of mint!)
- 4 cups distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled
- spray bottle (I recommend using glass)
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH CASTILE SOAP METHOD
Combine ingredients in a glass jar and shake gently to mix. Use as needed.
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH LISTERINE
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH LISTERINE SUPPLIES
- Listerine (classic scent)
- spray bottle (I recommend using glass)
HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY WITH LISTERINE METHOD
Add Listerine to a glass spray bottle and spray on skin as needed. If the scent is too strong, you can add water to dilute.
The link below has some more tips on how to save money, why you need to make your own natural bug spray, and other ways to repel insects:
Homemade Bug Spray Recipes – All Natural Without Essential Oils
