Natural Insect Repellant

Enjoying the outdoors is not quite enjoyable once you start getting bit by mosquitos and other insects. Bug sprays seem to be the quick solution to putting a stop to pesky bugs but then you have to put up with the potent smell of the repellant on your body and clothing for hours.

If you are tired of smelling like you work at a chemical plant, than you can try natural insect repellant. You can either create your own or purchase one.

Essential oils act as natural insect repellants, so creating a spray that has clove oil and citronella (rose geranium) will help keep mosquitos away. Clove oil and cironella seem to have the most effective power to ward off mosquites while lemon grass, caster oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, lavender and cedar have a minimal effect.

You should know that clove oil should be used sparingly as it can iritate the skin if used in excess.

If you want to create your own natural insect repellant you can try this recipes below.

Natural Repellant Spray Recipe:

Items needed:
1 spray bottle
Rubbing Alcohol
1 Essential oil (choose one from the list above)

You will need to combine 10 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part essential oil. So if you use 10 tablespoons of alcohol then use only 1 tablespoon of essential oil.


Natural Insect Repellant Lotion

Items needed:

A small container with a cap to store the lotion in
Distilled water
Olive oil
120 drops of An essentail oil of your choice (choose from the list above)


Pour the water into a deep mixing bowl and begin whisking the water with a wire whip, while slowly drizzling in the oilve oil. Next slowly stir in the essential oil (I recommend citronella). After all ingredients are combined, pour into your storage container.

I hope that you found this natural insect repellant recipe helpful and that it help but your mind at ease knowing you are using something natural on you and your family.