Already have an account?
Get back to the
Health

This DIY Bug Repellent Is Made With 2 Ingredients You Already Have

Fight mosquitos without toxic chemicals.

Tags:

Summer festivities involve spending a lot of time outside, which means you’ll probably come into contact with mosquitos and a number of other creepy crawlies. Unfortunately commercial bug repellents often contain harmful ingredients and toxic chemicals. We know that you wouldn’t want to expose yourself or your family to such things, so we’re here to share a non-toxic DIY bug repellent you can make right at home. The best part is, you probably already have the ingredients you need in your bathroom cabinet.

DIY Bug Repellent With Witch Hazel and Peppermint

To make your DIY bug repellent, you’ll need to start with a base. I chose witch hazel because it’s gentle and soothing to skin, and some anecdotal evidence suggests it helps with fending off bugs. Next, you’re going to pick an essential oil. Quite a few are said to repel bugs like mosquitos and gnats, including lemon, lemongrass, catnip, eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, geranium, and peppermint.

I always have peppermint oil on hand — my favorite is from Brooklyn Botany (Buy on Amazon, $13.95) — because the aroma helps me focus, so I went with that one, but you can choose another if you prefer. There’s also always the option to mix and match oils, but be aware that some oils do not smell so great when mixed together.

To make your bug spray, fill a small spray bottle with one part witch hazel to one part water. Then, add in about 50 drops of your essential oil(s). Close the lid, shake well, and you’re done. As always, perform a test patch on your skin to check for adverse reactions. Once you’re in the clear, spray away!

This DIY bug repellent is not only super easy and convenient to make in a pinch, but it’s also completely free of toxic chemicals and smells more like a refreshing perfume! We hope this hack will help you escape the pests for the rest of the season.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.