Jun 23, 2025

9 Effective Homemade Bug Sprays to Make Your Summer Pest Free

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, barbecues, outdoor games, and relaxing evenings on the patio. However, the idyllic summer scene can quickly turn sour when pesky bugs start to invade. Mosquitoes buzzing around your head, ants marching across your picnic table, and flies swarming around your food – these unwelcome guests can quickly ruin a perfect summer day. let's reclaim our summer and enjoy the outdoors without the constant itching and swatting. This year, we'll take back our summer with these nine effective homemade bug sprays, crafted with natural ingredients to keep those unwanted pests at bay. These recipes are easy to make and use readily available ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry or garden!

Why Choose Homemade Bug Sprays?

Store-bought bug sprays often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health, your pets, and the environment. The long-term effects of these chemicals are often unknown, and we are increasingly conscious of the impact our choices have on the planet. Homemade bug sprays provide a safer, more eco-friendly alternative, allowing you to enjoy your summer without worrying about potentially harmful side effects. Many of the ingredients are readily available and cost significantly less than commercial brands, making it a budget-friendly option as well. This means you can create highly effective bug repellents that work just as well, or even better, than many commercial products, without the added cost or health risks.

Essential Oil Bug Spray: A Classic Choice

Essential oils are a popular choice for creating homemade bug sprays due to their potent and natural insect-repelling properties. They offer a powerful and natural way to repel bugs without resorting to toxic chemicals. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and citronella, are particularly effective and widely known for their insect-repelling properties. The key to success here is to use a high-quality essential oil for the best results. Look for oils that are 100% pure and undiluted, as these will be more effective at repelling insects.

Recipe: Combine 20 drops of your chosen essential oil (or a blend of oils) with 1 ounce of witch hazel (for its astringent and skin-soothing properties), 1 ounce of vodka (to preserve the spray and act as a carrier for the oils), and 8 ounces of distilled water. Mix well in a dark glass spray bottle (to prevent degradation of the essential oils from sunlight). Shake before each use, and apply liberally to skin and clothing, avoiding the eyes and mouth. You may find that a blend of oils works better than a single essential oil, creating a broader spectrum of insect repellent abilities.

Bug Spray with Vodka: An Effective Preservative

Vodka, beyond its role as a mixer in cocktails, acts as a natural preservative, keeping the essential oils potent and extending the shelf life of your homemade bug spray. The vodka itself isn't directly repellent, but it helps to keep the essential oils from breaking down and losing their effectiveness over time. This ensures your spray remains effective against bugs throughout the summer, providing lasting protection. This makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, reducing the need for frequent repurchase.

Recipe: In a spray bottle, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of your chosen essential oil (or blend), and 7 ounces of distilled water. Shake well before each use and spray liberally on exposed skin and clothing. Remember to avoid spraying it in your eyes.

Lavender Bug Repellent: A Calming and Effective Solution

Lavender is widely known for its calming and relaxing aroma, creating a tranquil atmosphere while effectively repelling bugs. Its delicate scent masks human scents that may attract insects, and the oils themselves have been shown to repel mosquitoes and other common garden pests. It’s a versatile choice, perfect for calming both humans and repelling bugs, making it a perfect solution for outdoor relaxation. The versatility of lavender, suitable for skin application and area spraying, is another benefit.

Recipe: Blend 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 ounces of witch hazel, 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar (for its natural acidity which further aids in repelling insects), and 7 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Apply generously to skin and clothing, making sure to avoid contact with eyes. This soothing and effective repellent is a delightful alternative to harsh chemical sprays.

Fresh Herb Bug Spray: Utilizing Nature's Bounty

Nature provides an array of herbs with impressive insect-repelling properties. Many herbs have strong and pungent scents that insects find distasteful. Rosemary, mint, basil, and even culantro (which you can easily grow from these seeds) are excellent choices. Growing your own herbs is even better, and by using culantro seeds, you can create a natural bug repellent garden and have fresh ingredients at your disposal. The stronger the scent, the more effective the repellent, so use fresh herbs generously.

Recipe: Finely chop a cup of your chosen fresh herbs and steep them in 4 cups of boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, let it cool completely, and then add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of vodka to the strained liquid. Pour into a spray bottle and use as needed. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite scent and effectiveness. Consider combining complementary herbs for a more effective repellent.

Natural Insect Repellent Spray: A Simple and Safe Option

For a truly natural and gentle approach, this recipe combines the power of citrus fruits with other natural ingredients. Citronella, lemon, and orange peels all contain natural oils that repel many insects. This is especially useful around children and pets, as it avoids the harsh chemicals found in many commercial repellents.

Recipe: Boil a handful of lemon or orange peels in water for about 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and strain it. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of vodka to the mixture. Transfer to a spray bottle and apply to skin and clothing, as needed. The refreshing citrus scent adds a pleasant aroma while effectively repelling insects.

Witch Hazel Bug Spray: Soothing and Repellent

Witch hazel, known for its astringent and soothing properties, is an effective ingredient in many homemade bug sprays. It not only repels insects but can also help soothe minor insect bites and stings, making it a dual-purpose solution. This is a good option to keep in your first-aid kit for quick relief from insect bites and to deter further insect activity.

Recipe: Combine 4 ounces of witch hazel, 2 ounces of distilled water, and 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus are all great choices). Shake well before each use and spray onto affected areas to both repel insects and soothe skin. The astringent properties of witch hazel will also help to reduce swelling and itching.

Vinegar Insect Repellent: A Surprisingly Effective Remedy

White vinegar is a surprisingly effective insect repellent. Its strong acidic scent is unpleasant to many insects, and it helps to neutralize insect bites by reducing swelling and itching. Vinegar sprays are inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and readily available, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a simple and accessible solution.

Recipe: Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally around your outdoor spaces to deter insects, and dab directly on insect bites to reduce swelling and discomfort. The acidity of the vinegar helps to neutralize the insect's saliva, reducing inflammation and itching.

Bug Repellent Balm: Long-Lasting Protection

For a longer-lasting, more concentrated form of insect protection, consider making a bug repellent balm. These balms are particularly useful for outdoor activities that last for several hours, such as hiking or camping.

Recipe: Combine 1/4 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils. Gently melt the ingredients together using a double boiler or microwave. Pour the mixture into a small container and allow it to cool and harden. Apply a thin layer to exposed skin. The shea butter and coconut oil will moisturize your skin while the essential oils provide long-lasting insect protection.

Citrus Bug Spray: A Refreshing and Effective Option

Citrus fruits are a natural source of insect-repelling oils. Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits all contain powerful compounds that deter many common insects. This spray is particularly refreshing and is a nice alternative to strong-smelling sprays, making it a pleasant and effective choice.

Recipe: Boil 1 cup of citrus peels in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and strain it before adding 1/4 cup of vodka as a preservative. Transfer into a spray bottle and apply as needed. The fresh citrus scent will leave you feeling refreshed and protected.

Important Note: Always test any homemade bug spray on a small area of skin before applying it liberally to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. While these recipes use natural ingredients, some individuals may be sensitive to specific essential oils or herbs. Keep homemade bug sprays away from eyes and mouth. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and rinse the area thoroughly with water. Remember to store your homemade bug sprays in a cool, dark place to maintain their effectiveness.

With these nine effective homemade bug sprays, you can enjoy a pest-free summer without the worry of harmful chemicals. Experiment with different recipes and find the perfect combination for your needs and preferences. These solutions offer a safe, effective, and environmentally conscious way to enjoy the outdoors this summer, allowing you to make the most of the season without the constant worry of pesky bugs! Happy summer!