Here is my recipe for home made, DEET free bug spray. (This is the kind that is safe for babies.) This will fill two 3 oz pump spray bottles. You can get them at Target for a dollar. I got my essential oils at Whole Foods, but you can also order them online. (I feel itchy just looking at this picture.)
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Great Skin Repellent (Home made DEET free Bug Spray)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup witch hazel extract
- 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
- 1/2 Tablespoon vegetable glycerine
- 5 drops lemon Eucalyptus oil
- 3 drops geranium oil
- 5-10 additional drops of scented essential oils to improve fragrance
Instructions
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My personal favorite is a combo of cinnamon and patchouli oils for fragrance. Wintergreen and Lavender are also nice.
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Mix well, pour into spray bottles. Reapply frequently if near water or very sweaty, as it is not waterproof.
***Thank you John Tann for the use of this photo via Flickr Creative Commons
Thanks so much for the bug repellent recipe! Bugs eat me ALIVE and I am so happy to now be able to make something at home and know it doesn’t have DEET!
I definitely feel more comfortable using this very liberally than I do the toxic stuff. I know it works on mosquitos but I’m not as sure about ticks. (I hate ticks!!!!)
think this is good for the boys!!! it doesnt’ have DEET and I can prenounce eberything in it!!! thak you
Great idea. I hate using chemicals on my body. Will definitely will be trying your recipe.
Now that the spring/summer is here and we spend a lot of time outdoors I am going to be making this natural repellent. Thank you
This is great. My nephews and niece really need this kind of repellent !
Sounds great! I don’t have all the ingredients on hand, but this definitely seems worth making!
Awesome recipe! I am always so afraid of toxic chemicals on my little one (especially since she is still in the I’m going to eat my arm phase). Thanks for the info!