21 Apr Homemade Bug Spray
Camping season is upon us! {Hint: this is where our homemade bug spray comes in handy!} Spring is here + summer is following close behind, so we are going outside more often! Yay!
But, the warm weather also means that mosquitos are coming out again. I’m from Florida, so I’m totally used to this problem. It doesn’t make it any less pleasant though. In most commercial bug sprays, there can be some questionable ingredients, like DEET. DEET is a pretty controversial ingredient, as some people say it’s safe and others say it’s not.
It can have slight acute toxicity, especially by skin or the eyes. DEET showed to have more skin side effects, like rashes, irritation, and a burning feeling. It becomes “more toxic” if used for an extended period of time versus a short amount of time.
“Everglades National Park employees having extensive Deet exposure were more likely to have insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function than were lesser exposed co-workers.”
It’s just another one of those things that in most cases, you can just stay on the safe side and use a homemade, easy, inexpensive alternative. We’ve had GREAT success with this combination of essential oils!
The first time I was able to put this spray to the test was when I went to a friend’s outside wedding in Virginia! We were getting eaten alive in the reception and thankfully (being the prepared mom I am HA!), I brought some! This spray was a life saver for us not being a mosquito’s dinner!!
Ready to make our homemade bug spray? Tag us over on Instagram or Facebook @nuvitruwellness to show us your finished product!
If you like this recipe, read more about the benefits of lavender essential oil!
Ingredients
- Glass Spray Bottles
- 1/2 Cup Witch Hazel
- 1 Tbs Almond Oil (This can be optional! I’ve made it without it before + still works fantastic!)
- 1/2 Cup Purified Water
- 5 Drops Citronella Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
1) Mix everything in a measuring up.
2) Fill up a glass spray bottle.
3) Shake before use! ?
*If there is extra (since the bottles are small), I save the rest in a glass mason jar. This way if I run out – I easily can refill!
