Homemade Mosquito Spray with Essential Oils
Another project from our Make It at Home Day! My friend Rachael and I whipped up this all-natural homemade mosquito spray just in time for church camp. Every year we end up getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, so we decided to come prepared—and chemical-free!
Why Ditch Store-Bought Bug Sprays?
Commercial mosquito repellents often contain harsh ingredients like DEET, synthetic fragrances, and other toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin, disrupt hormones, and pose long-term health risks. Not something I want to be spraying on myself or the kids!
Even brands labeled as “natural” can be misleading, especially since many have been bought out by big corporations and had their formulas changed. I’d rather stick to ingredients I trust—and mix them myself.
Why These Ingredients Work in Homemade Mosquito Spray
- Lemongrass – Mosquitoes hate the strong citrusy scent.
- Rosemary – Known to repel a variety of bugs, including mosquitoes.
- Geranium – A powerful insect repellent and skin-soothing oil.
- Spearmint – Adds a fresh scent while keeping bugs away.
- Thyme – Contains thymol, a natural mosquito deterrent.
- Clove – Contains eugenol, effective against mosquito larvae and adults.
These essential oils work together to create a powerful and pleasant-smelling natural barrier against pesky insects.
Ingredients
- Witch hazel (to fill half your spray bottle)
- Distilled water (to fill the rest)
- 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops spearmint essential oil
- 5 drops thyme essential oil
- 5 drops of clove essential oil
Instructions
- Fill your spray bottle halfway with witch hazel.
- Fill the rest with distilled water.
- Add all the essential oils.
- Shake well before each use.
- Print out our printable pdf recipe card.
My Favorite Spray Bottle Hack
For a quick and easy full-body application, I use one of those continuous fine mist spray bottles—you know, the kind that hairstylists use. It covers large areas fast and evenly, which is perfect when you’re trying to spray squirmy kids or get yourself covered in a hurry.
Final Thoughts on My Homemade Mosquito Spray
I’ve already used this at camp and around the garden, and it’s a game-changer. It smells great, works well, and best of all, I know exactly what’s in it. Just another step in living a cleaner, simpler, more self-sufficient life!
Homemade Mosquito Spray
Make your own natural mosquito spray with essential oils—DEET-free, kid-safe, and perfect for summer camp or backyard fun!
Materials
- Witch hazel (to fill half your spray bottle)
- Distilled water (to fill the rest)
- 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops spearmint essential oil
- 5 drops thyme essential oil
- 5 drops clove essential oil
Tools
- Spray Bottle
Instructions
Fill your spray bottle halfway with witch hazel.
Fill the rest with distilled water.
Add all the essential oils.
Shake well before each use.
-
25 Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for Homesteaders (Part 4)
Discover more practical Instant Pot uses that can save time, reduce food waste, and make everyday cooking easier.
-
Homemade OxiClean Recipe: Easy DIY Stain Remover
Homemade OxiClean Recipe made with simple ingredients to help lift laundry stains and brighten clothes without the high cost.
-
25 Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for Homesteaders (Part 3)
Discover more Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for your homestead kitchen, including homemade tomato sauce, whole grains, sweet potatoes, fresh corn, and pumpkin purée. Learn simple ways to save time, use seasonal produce, reduce food waste, and get more value from your Instant Pot.
-
25 Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for Homesteaders (Part 2)
Discover practical Instant Pot homestead uses that save time, reduce food waste, and simplify from-scratch cooking. From rendering tallow and making jam to proofing bread dough and cooking whole chickens, these creative ideas will help you get more value from one of the most versatile appliances in your kitchen.
-
25 Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for Homesteaders (Part 1)
Discover practical Must-Know Instant Pot Uses for your homestead kitchen, from making homemade yogurt and broth to cooking beans, preserving harvests, and reducing food waste. Learn how this versatile appliance can help you save time, stretch your grocery budget, and create more homemade staples from scratch.
-
Heavy Metals in Protein Powders: What to Know
Heavy metals in protein powders? Learn what Consumer Reports found and how to make informed supplement choices.
Wow, this article is pleasant, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am
going to let know her.