We are in the midst of Summer, and it seems like 
this year has brought gigantic mosquitoes and bothersome bugs. It’s hard to spend time outside when all you can hear is the buzz in your ears.
Doesn’t sound too relaxing, does it? Well, let’s come up with a solution that is natural and effective: Essential Oil Bug Repellent.
I have to be honest, I attempted making my own bug repellant using lemon juice, lavender essential oil, tea tree essential oil, rosemary essential oil and vanilla extract. I had found the recipe online and thought I’d give it a try. It didn’t work AT ALL!!
I thought this was weird, because I found the similar recipes all over the web. Maybe it works to repel small bugs, but when you’re dealing with mutant sized ones, it didn’t make the cut.
So, I dumped it out, and mumbled about the money that I was pouring down the drain and decided to move on and try again.
There are a lot of recipes out there, and unless you are willing to try every one, it’s hard to determine what will work best for your area. I am in northern Minnesota, so I am focusing on what I’ve actually seen work.
Repel makes a Eucalyptus and Lemon essential oil and is deet free. All of things make a great combination. I have used this repellent (thanks to my sister-in-law) and I have to say that it actually works!!!
I figured there had to be a way to duplicate the effect of the Repel spray myself, so I started doing some research, and here is what I found.
Essential Oil Bug Repellent (That Works!)
- 10-25 drops of essential oils (total)
- 2 ozs of carrier oil or alcohol
Here are the most effective essential oils:
- Cinnamon Essential Oil(mosquitoes)
- Citronella Essential Oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)
- Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil or Lemon and Eucalyptus Essential Oil (mosquitoes and ticks and lice)
- Rose Geranium Essential Oil (ticks and lice)
Combine the oils with the following:
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- any other cooking oil
- Witch Hazel
- Vodka
Mix the ingredients up in a small spray bottle and you are good to go. Be sure to shake the bottle before use. This is the best way to keep the bugs away and as an added bonus, you will smell great!
I hope this helps you out, and keeps the little/mutant bugs away and helps you relax. Try it and let me know your results.