Essential Oils Insect Spray Recipe

The weather has been so lovely in Kentucky lately, so I’ve been spending more time outdoors, especially in the early morning, when I love having quiet time out on the deck, and in the evening when I enjoy eating dinner out there and just spending some downtime with the family. Sometimes, I even take my laptop out and do some work late into the night.

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.

Natural Insect Spray - a DIY recipe using essential oils

Essential Oils Insect Spray Recipe

20 drops Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)*

10 drops Lavender (Lavandula augustafolio)*

10 drops Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)*

10 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)*

If ticks are possibly an issue, I would add 20 drops of Rose Geranium aka Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium x asperum ) to the recipe. Please note the Latin name of the rose geranium. There is a more common type that apparently does not work as well. You want Pelargonium x asperum. The one I link to is the one I have.

According to my research, the most effective of all of these oils is the lemon eucalyptus.

If you happen to have essential oils on hand, you could make some substitutions with the following:

Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)*

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)**

Clove Bud (Syzgium aromaticum)**

Thyme (Thymus vulagaris)**

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)**

Peppermint***

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)****

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)****

* indicates oils safe for children older than age 6 months.

** indicates oils safe for children over age 2.

*** indicates oils safe for children over age 6.

**** indicates oils safe for children over age 10.

Just don’t leave out the lemon eucalyptus or rose geranium (if you need that for ticks).

I make a 5% dilution by adding 10 drops of the above 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” 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.

If you’re going to be out hiking, camping, picnicking, etc. and in need a lot of coverage then add the entire recipe above to a 4 oz bottle of 1/2 distilled (or boiled) water and close to 1/2 witch hazel or vodka (leave room at the top to be able to shake before use). Vodka is apparently known to provide additional benefits, but witch hazel is just fine to use. It won’t hurt clothing. 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 4 oz cobalt blue spray bottles.

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

Do you use essential oils? What are your favorites and how do you use them?

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Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Essential Oils Insect Spray Recipe

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