Do you have a mosquito problem where you live? We have a ton of mosquitoes.
Between the woods and the creek in the woods, along with various things sitting outside that collect water, we tend to have a lot of mosquitoes. It's almost impossible to sit outside on a warm summer evening without getting eaten alive.
And this year, we've had a few ticks. For the most part, our chickens really help to keep the tick population to a minimum, but we still have a few.
A mosquito and tick repellent is a must if we're headed outside, especially in the evenings.
Last summer I came up with a homemade mosquito repellent. When we used it, we still noticed mosquitoes landing on our arms and legs, though they wouldn't bite; they'd just land, then fly away.
While that spray worked ok, we noticed that we had to keep spraying it on for it to work; I've since researched and found that adding in a bit of vegetable glycerin would probably help the spray to last longer, but I'm not trying that just yet.
This year, I think I've perfected my recipe, though I may still add in that vegetable glycerin… We'll see.
I've added a few other things, and when I tested it by going outside to stand by our fire pit (which can be a dangerous thing to do on a summer evening, especially right around dusk), I didn't have one single mosquito land on me.
I went even further and went out to sit on our porch swing… Not one mosquito made its presence known on my skin. Woohoo! I think we have a winner.
I'll keep testing and update here if needed, but I'm really excited to have a bug repellent that I don't have to worry about putting on our skin. It smells great too because of the essential oils I added.
Below you'll find the printable recipe.
Per FDA regulations, I will say that the use of essential oils is entire optional, but I love the oils I chose to use and wouldn't want to make my spray without them.
So, here you go! Let me know what you think if you make it and try it. I'd love to get your feedback on how the spray worked for you.
Easy Mosquito and Tick Repellent
Equipment
- 8 ounce spray bottle
Materials
- 4 ounces distilled water
- 3 ounces Witch Hazel
- 5 drops Purification essential oil
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Geranium essential oil
- 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops Lemon essential oil
- 1 drop Thyme essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in an 8 oz. spray bottle.
- Spray on exposed skin when headed outdoors!
Notes
What do you use for bug repellent? What's your favorite way to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay?
Disclaimer: Everything I share about essential oils on Adventures of Mel is based on personal experience and has not been approved by the FDA. Please do your own research, and never use essential oils in a way that would make you uncomfortable. Also, take special caution for those pregnant or nursing, as well as children. Read the full disclaimer.
