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DIY Homemade Bug Spray Recipe

This easy homemade bug spray has worked really well for my family over the years. All you need are a few ingredients, and you probably already have some of them on hand.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Servings 1 4 ounce spray bottle
Calories
Author Heather Dessinger

Equipment

  • 4 ounce glass spray bottle

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp Everclear or other high proof alcohol (151 or 190 proof)
  • 2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
  • 60-70 drops essential oil (see notes section for suggested combinations)

Instructions

To Make

  • Start by adding the Everclear and essential oils to your glass spray bottle (or bottle made with PET plastic). Put the nozzle on and give the bottle a shake, then allow the mixture to sit for one hour so that the essential oils can fully solubilize (disperse). 
  • Next, add the distilled water or fractionated coconut oil and shake to combine. 

To Use

  • Shake well, then spray onto your body/clothing. Don't spray directly on the face and neck - instead, spray some liquid into your palm and apply with your fingertips. Reapply as often as needed.  If you're using the formula with fractionated coconut oil, be aware that it may stain clothing.

Special Notes for Kids Under Two

  • Even when using child-friendly oils, I recommend avoiding topical application for children under two. Instead, when my babies were over six months old but under two, I sprayed their clothes rather than their skin. For babies under six months old, netting, fans and clothing should be used to keep bugs off baby's skin.

Notes

Here are some essential oil combinations to consider: 
Pre-Made Blends
60-70 drops total of Shield Me (which was specially formulated for children ages 2-10, but also good for adults) or Nature Shield
Citronella Blend
Patchouli Blend
Shelf Life: If you included water in your formula, use within a few weeks. If you included fractionated coconut oil in your formula, use within a few months.