*Disclaimer: With the rise in Mosquito born illnesses I want to make it absolutely clear that this is MY experience with this recipe. This was written at a time when there was not as much threat. I have no studies that back up the effectiveness of oils in regards to repelling insects. You absolutely need to use your common sense when finding recipes online and talk to your health care practitioner before choosing how to proceed in protecting your family.
Mosquito’s love me. Really. Really love me. The feeling isn’t mutual. Bites for me swell to almost quarter sized. So last summer I went looking for something that would help keep the creepy crawlers off of my skin. I found a great bug recipe that I have shared many times and you all have loved it as well so I hear.
Fast forward to a trip we are taking this summer to Alaska–where the state bird is the mosquito. I can’t risk letting them near me and while the old recipe works great for me at home I am Alaska sizing it this time just in case. Here is what I came up with:
What You Will Need for Bug Off:
- 8 oz glass bottle (affiliate link). I like the trigger spray kind for this. Hint: do not store the plastic trigger spray in the bottle to reduce the time plastic is exposed to oil.
- 10 drops Peppermint Oil (get Young Living at a Discount)
- 10 drops Thieves Oil
- 10 drops Citronella Oil (you can use Lemongrass in a pinch)
- 10 drops Purification Oil
- 5 drops Rosemary Oil
- 4 oz Organic Witch Hazel (affiliate link)
Directions to Make Bug Off:
Add 4 oz of organic witch hazel to spray bottle. Add each of the 5 essential oils. Fill remainder of bottle with distilled water. Mix well and spray on to apply.
I reapply this every few hours when outside. It smells great and has kept the little buggers away.
The husband and I are going hiking this weekend in Fort Collins, so I’m going to put this together and see how it does. I can’t stand the smell of insect repellent so a natural alternative would be a welcome change. Thanks for sharing, Barb!
Do you think this would work if sprayed on wipes so my daughter could take it with them camping?
I do. I think it would work great! Good idea.
Just curious how well this worked on your trip to Alaska? Did it keep all of the bugs away?
Thanks
Yes, it did.
How well did this bug off recipe work for you on the summer Alaska trip?
Perfectly. No bites at all.
Do you think you could sub out any of the oils for others? Like maybe Rosemary for Lavender?
I wouldn’t use lavender.
Lavender works great-
Why the Rosemary?? Just curious – I don’t have that one on hand.
Can I substitute another oil for Rosemary? I don’t have that on right now.
I would just leave it out until you can get some. Did you see Young Living is now selling EPA approved Insect Repellent? https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/insect-repellent