August 2022 DIY Recipe: Herbal Infused Bug Repellent

No one wants to come home from summer adventures covered in bug bites, and using harsh chemical bug sprays is no good. Try making your own natural bug spray, chemical-free!

Our Organic Spirits are so versatile you can make a whole assortment of products at home, one being an excellent bug repellent. We have featured a very easy-to-execute bug-repellent before, but this recipe has a little extra oomph.

Starting with Organic Alcohol we first extract some lovely fresh plant material for an extra dose of herbal goodness. Combined with essential oils, this bug spray smells more like an herbal perfume. Not only can you protect yourself from buzzing insects on your next camping adventure, but conceal that you haven't showered in a few days…

There are several essential oil blends that can also be used instead of mixing your own. If you prefer to buy already-made bug-repellent, there are some delicious natural bug sprays ready to go in the links below.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• • • Mason jar
    • Cheesecloth
    • 16 oz spray bottle
    • 8 oz Organic Alcohol (we used Cane)
    • 8 oz Cup Distilled Water
    • 1/4 lavender buds, fresh or dried
    • 1/4 chopped Mint, fresh or dried
    • 1/4 Rosemary, fresh or dried
    • 20 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
    • 10 drops Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
    • 10 drops Citronella Essential Oil
    • 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
      (any extra Lavender, Lemongrass, or Rosemary oil desired for extra scent)

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. 1. 1. Start by adding Lavender buds, Rosemary, and Mint into a Mason jar and cover it with Alcohol
      2. Lid Mason jar and shake, let sit at least 12 hours
      3. Strain plant matter and squeeze all alcohol back into the jar using cheesecloth
      4. Pour Distilled water into the infused alcohol in a Mason jar
      5. Drop in essential oils
      6. Lid jar and shake the mixture well
      7. Pour into spray bottles, and label
                      
         As with any essential oil and alcohol, be careful to avoid sensitive skin and areas, and test for any allergies. Be careful to spray on clothing or furnishings.
         
         

Want to purchase already-made bug repellent?

Rooted Apothecary: Back Off Bugs

Made with Yarrow, Sweet Clover, and St. John’s Wart this herbal blend will help keep that pesky buzz away

https://www.rooted-apothecary.com/shop-skin-care/back-off-bugs

Wild Roots Apothecary: All Away Bug Spray

The essential oil blend in this bug spray includes yummy Lavender and Rose Geranium.

https://www.wildrootsapothecary.com/products/all-away-bug-spray-new