I’ve never had a problem with bugs biting me.  I have said I have bitter blood, but really I’m not sure why they don’t like me.  Which means, I’ve never had need for bug spray.  But everyone around me seems to be eaten alive by the mosquitoes and such.  I would like to keep bug spray at my house, but I don’t like the chemicals that are I’m sure really bad for us.  So I decided to make my own using essential oils.  The oils are good for us and the bug off spray is super easy to make and use.

To Make the Bug Off Spray:

You will first need to make catnip “tea.”  To do this, boil 6-8 oz water.  Remove from heat and steep 1 Tbsp catnip for 10 minutes. Remove catnip and allow to cool.  Add to a spray bottle.  Then add:

15 oz witch hazel

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

10 drops of lavender essential oil

10 drops of lemongrass essential oil

10 drops of clove essential oil

Shake vigorously.  Spray on like you would any other bug spray.  Just don’t spray on your face.  Shake before use each time.

I leave out the catnip bc I am allergic to catnip.  It still works great without it. 

Not recommended for kids under 1 year of age.

Note this repellent hasn’t been tested in the prevention of mosquito born illnesses such as West Nile Virus.

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DIY Bug Off Spray

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Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp catnip
• 15 oz witch hazel
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops of clove essential oil

Instructions

1. You will first need to make catnip “tea.” Boil 6-8 oz water. Remove from heat and steep catnip for 10 minutes. Remove catnip and allow to cool. Add to a spray bottle.
2. Shake vigorously. Spray on like you would any other bug spray. Just don’t spray on your face. Shake before use each time.
3. I leave out the catnip bc I am allergic to catnip. It still works great without it. 

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottles with Labels (2 Pack) - 16oz Refillable Container for Essential Oils, Cleaning Products, or Aromatherapy - Durable Black Trigger Sprayer w/Mist and Stream Settings
• 
  Organic Catnip - Dried Nepeta cataria Loose Leaf/Buds by Nature Tea (4 oz)

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