Make Natural Bug Spray and Get Through Summer

3 min to read
Jenny Williams
08/14/2022

If bugs think you taste sweet, this natural bug spray recipe is for you!

In every aspect of my life, I consider how products will affect my vital energy! Bug spray can promote vital energy if the right ingredients are used in the blend. I avoid over-the-counter bug sprays and thus avoid ingredients that aren't good for my body. And it's so easy to make your own. We have some really great effective options!

I tested out this recipe by going in search of mosquitoes! Then I sprayed one arm and left the other arm without protection. The mosquitoes landed, bit the unprotected arm, and, when circled around, landed and took right back off on my sprayed arm. So I know this works!

Plants and bugs have a love-hate relationship.

On the one hand, plants need certain insects for pollination. On the other hand, some insects cause plant harm.

Some plants are better at creating their own natural bug repellents, like Citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus), which has a distinctive, sharp scent.

Patchouli oil from the leaves of the plant (Pogostemon cablin) is another plant oil that's so good at keeping away pests that we can use its essential oil as an ingredient in natural bug repellent.

I've used Patchouli essential oil successfully in sprays to keep bugs off my body and incense to keep them out of my general area. 

The oil is effective and has been used to eliminate moths, mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, flies, and lice.

Here's one of my favorite ways to make natural bug spray with Patchouli essential oil.

This Summer Relief Bug Spray has a warm, fresh, earthy scent that I love!

Recipe: Summer Relief Bug Spray

This effective bug spray is so good at keeping away pests and has a warm, fresh, earthy scent!

Ingredients

  • Just under 2 oz (60 ml) Frankincense hydrosol (Boswellia carterii)

  • 16 drops Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)

  • 10 drops Juniper essential oil (Juniperus communis)

  • 4 drops Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus)

  • 1 tsp Aloe Vera Gel

  • 4 ml Solubol dispersant

Equipment
  • One 2 oz (60 ml) PET Plastic Spray Bottle

Directions
  • Pour the Frankincense hydrosol into your spray bottle.

  • Add the essential oils, Aloe Vera Gel, and Solubol, then tighten the cap.

  • Gently shake the bottle to combine.

These essential oils are so effective!

Combine all your ingredients in a 2 oz (60 ml) glass spray bottle. Shake it up, then spray it. I don't spray it on my face. It is in a water base and not preserved, so I recommend making this product fresh every few weeks. If your skin is sensitive to essential oils, spray this around you and on your clothing rather than on your skin.

Benefits of this essential oil bug spray recipe

This natural bug spray has some side benefits! It's easy for your skin—Frankincense hydrosol and Patchouli oil are excellent ingredients in skin care blends.

It's also great to use in the evening by the campfire as it has a deep, warm, comforting aroma that can help you relax. Lemongrass is very calming to the nervous system, so much so that I've used it in insomnia blends. Frankincense is another calming scent that helps to still the mind's chatter so it can get some rest.

This blend is a must-have if you tend to get bit a lot! Just be ready to pass it around when everyone else asks to use it.

Develop a 3-step approach to essential oil substitutions in this special Masterclass Series, Smart Essential Oil Substitutions!

Over 3 on-demand, interactive classes, you’ll learn research-based ways to substitute essential oils in your favorite blends.

Aromatherapy In Your Inbox

Our weekly newsletter in is known for being the best in industry. Sign up today for weekly aromatherapy news, content, recipes & more! Your data will always remain private.