Backyard Enjoyment: 3 DIY Bug Repellent Recipes

3 DIY Bug Repellent Recipes to Help You Reclaim Your Backyard

When you’re relaxing outside with family and friends, you want the freedom to enjoy each other’s company without the distraction of bites and stings. After all, nothing spoils an outdoor gathering quite like an army of uninvited insect guests. Before your next backyard adventure, try these DIY bug repellent recipes for hours of uninterrupted fun.

DIY Bug Spray

Want to ditch the DEET and other chemicals found in store-bought bug spray? Create a homemade concoction instead. By using essential oils in your spray, you’ll have an effective, all-natural way to keep the bugs at bay.

Ingredients:

30 drops geranium essential oil

30 drops citronella essential oil

20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

20 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops rosemary essential oil

1 tbsp vodka or rubbing alcohol

½ cup natural witch hazel

½ cup water (or vinegar)

½ tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle.
2. Add vodka or rubbing alcohol and shake well to combine.
3. Add witch hazel and shake to combine.
4. Add vegetable glycerin and water and shake again.
5. Spray clothing and exposed skin and shake well before each use.

DIY Bug Repellent Bar

Though bug spray is the most popular way to repel insects, homemade bug repellent bars may be even more effective because they coat the skin with a protective layer. Not only that, but these bars also moisturize the skin while protecting it from pesky critters.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut oil

½ cup shea butter or cocoa butter

½ cup + 2 tbsp beeswax

¼ cup fresh or dried rosemary leaves

1 tsp dried whole cloves

2 tbsp dried or fresh thyme

½ tsp cinnamon powder

¼ cup dried catnip leaf

1 tbsp mint leaf (optional)

1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)

10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

10 drops lemon essential oil (optional) 

Directions:

1. Place a glass bowl on top of a small saucepan. Heat 1 inch of water in the pan until it starts to boil. Place rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, mint, and coconut oil in the bowl.
2. Cover the bowl and keep the water at medium-high temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the oil has a darker color and smells strongly of rosemary.
3. Strain the dried herbs out of the oil using a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil back into the bowl. You should have about ½ cup of the infused oil.
4. Add the shea/cocoa butter and beeswax to the bowl and stir until melted. Remove from heat. 5. Add vitamin E oil, lavender, add lemon, and pour into silicone molds.
5. Leave the molds overnight until completely set, or place in the fridge to speed up the process.
6. Remove the bars from the molds, and rub bars on exposed areas of dry skin.

DIY Mason Jar Candle

Who says bug repellent can’t be stylish, too? With a homemade mason jar candle, you can keep bugs away and enjoy beautiful outdoor décor at the same time. 

Ingredients:

8 oz mason jar

1 lemon, thickly sliced

1 lime, thickly sliced

1 sprig fresh rosemary

10 drops rosemary essential oil

10 drops thyme essential oil

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

1 floating tea light candle

Instructions:

1. Place 1 or 2 slices of lemon and lime in the bottom of the jar.
2. Add a sprig of rosemary.
3. Fill the jar ¾ full with water, and add essential oils.
4. Float another lemon or lime slice on top and add more water if needed.
5. Top with a floating candle.

 Don’t let insects spoil your outdoor hot tub fun. With these DIY bug repellent recipes, you can reduce your likelihood of getting bitten while you and your guests enjoy hours of backyard time.