Essential Oils Insect Spray Recipe

Unfortunately, it seems the mosquitoes enjoy dinner at dusk out on my deck, too. And it’s usually me they are snacking on. Along with those biting gnat things, no-see-ums, and whatever other winged thing that likes to bite me, it can get pretty miserable.

 

I hate, hate, hate insect repellents. I hate the smell. I hate that I have to shower as soon as I come inside. And I hate the thought of those chemicals (deet!) sprayed onto the largest organ of my body — my skin. So just like the ADHD research, I did some looking around and lots of reading to see if I could come up the right essential oils recipe for an insect repellent, too. 

 

I mixed up a recipe and started using it immediately. Want to know how many mosquito bites I’ve had while hanging out on the deck? None. Zip. Zero. Nada. Not one bite. I am thrilled. So, at the risk of becoming that homeschool blogger who has gone nuts with essential oils, I thought I would share my essential oils recipe and how I’m using it. 

 

15 drops Eucaplyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) 

10 drops Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

10 drops Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol)

10 drops Peppermint (Metha x piperita)

10 drops Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8 cineole)

5 drops Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium x asperum)

5 drops Citronella (Cympobogon winterianus)   

5 drops Lemongrass (Cympobogon flexuosus

 

If you’re going to be out hiking, camping, picnicking, etc. and in need a lot of coverage, make an insect repellent spray by adding the entire recipe above to 1 oz Everclear (190 proof, 95% ethanol), cover, and allow to sit for about an hour (this will help disperse your essential oils so they don’t settle at the top of your bottle later, and will act as a preservative). After one hour, pour your essential oil mixture into a 4 oz bottle and slowly add aloe vera gel to fill the bottle (leaving a bit of room at the top for the spray top). Add the spray top and gently shake to combine. Spray the mixture liberally on your clothing and exposed skin. Just don’t get it in your eyes. Any bottle you use needs to be glass and a dark color to protect it from sunlight. I use these amber spray bottles.  

I also make a roll-on bottle to keep in my purse for those times I find myself exposed to mosquitoes but don’t have the spray available. I make a 5% dilution by adding 10 drops of the above master blend recipe to one of these roller bottles and then fill it to the top with a carrier oil. It’s best to mix with a carrier oil to reduce the possibility of a skin reaction. I generally just roll some on around my ankles and in the bend of my elbows. This method seems to work great for those “hanging around the backyard”  or walking at the park times. It’s super handy to carry in my purse or pocket. The other day, we met friends at the park and I whipped it right out of my purse, after getting a bite immediately. My friend used it, too, and now wants the recipe for a 2-week RV trip her family will soon take. 

Kid Safe Insect Repellent Recipe

For young children (under the age of 6), use the following recipe:  

My current favorite essential oils supplier is Rocky Mountain Oils, but certainly, buy from whomever you are most comfortable. Just be sure you are using “pure” essential oils.