My favorite way to avoid outdoor annoyances is to stay inside…in the air conditioning…drinking citrus water. But since I want to enjoy the outdoors with my kids, going outside is pretty much on the agenda. This Homemade Outdoor Spray is all-natural, safe for the whole family, and works to help you enjoy the great outdoors.
As an outdoor lover, I’ve tried lots of over-the-counter sprays for deterring pests. The main active ingredient in these sprays is DEET (N, CN-DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE). DEET works by forming a barrier on your skin so the bugs can’t “smell” you.
Unfortunately, this ingredient can cause skin and lung irritation, so I wanted to look for good outdoor protection without the irritant factor. This led me to a search to find a more natural solution.
After a little research online, I found that you can make your own outdoor spray with essential oils. Awesome! And, even better than that, I had all the ingredients already! Double awesome!
Here’s how this Homemade Outdoor Bug Spray works:
The witch hazel is necessary because it delivers the essential oils to the skin and evaporates quickly. So it gets the oils dispersed and then it gets out of the way.
The vegetable glycerin creates a protective barrier for the skin and can absorb moisture from the air to smooth and moisturize your skin. True story! Here in Texas, there is plenty of moisture in the air so I love the idea of beautifying my skin while protecting it from pests.
The Purification essential oil blend is where the magic happens! Purification contains Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Myrtle essential oils.
Lavender essential oil is added for its comforting and fresh aroma. It has a strong scent that is thought to repel bugs
These dark amber bottles are perfect because they protect the recipe from UV light. They’re small enough for packing in your purse or backpack and provide great coverage for a misting spray.
Useful Tips:
- Apply this spray before going outdoors and reapply regularly to maintain that layer of protection on the skin
- As with any essential oil recipe, make sure to keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes and wash your hands after use. You don’t want this stuff in your eye!
New to essential oils? Learn more about how we use them and why you should use them as well.
Homemade Outdoor Spray
Ingredients
- 2 ounces witch hazel
- 1-1/2 ounces of water
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- 20 drops Purification Essential Oil Blend (where to buy)
- 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (where to buy)
- 4-ounce amber spray bottle
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a dark, glass spray bottle. Shake to combine.
- This spray recipe will last for at least a year. The essential oils and witch hazel will keep it fresh.
To Use:
- Spray evenly over exposed skin, avoiding contact with clothing
- Reapply as needed
- Apply before you head outdoors for a picnic, hike, campout, or anytime
Not the DIY type? Young Living makes an Insect Repellant that is an all-natural, essential oil-infused alternative to traditional bug repellents. Get it here.
Lauri says
Hi! Love your website!
Would you happen to have a recipe for tic spay for dogs?
Thanks for sharing.
Lauri
Beth K says
Thanks for visiting, Lauri. We don’t have pet recipes right now. We’d love to hear if you find something that works. Have a great week!
Adria Flannery says
Hi! I love your website! Have you had “real” results with the outdoor spray? I have a friend who is expecting and looking for an alternative option to keep mosquitos off of her. Any help is greatly appreciated. I’ve seen other recipes that contain way more EO’s.
Thanks!
Beth K says
Hi Adria! This is the outdoor spray that we use on our entire family (children aged 3 – 18). Purification is a blend which contains several wonderful essential oils including Citronella. You might look up the benefits of Citronella essential oil to see if it meets your needs.
Irene says
I am looking for a recipe to keep mosquitos from entering our house through our back door.
Thank you.
Beth K says
Hmmm, I’m not sure about that, Irene. Let us know if you find something that works.
Sheila says
What does the glycerin do?
Beth K says
It moisturizes the skin and helps the essential oils to be dispersed throughout the mixture and stay on the skin longer.
Shea says
My daughter is going to Ecuador in a couple weeks. She has been twice already, both time has been eaten alive by mosquitos. I am hoping this will work on the “jungle mosquitos” out there. 😉
Michelle says
Does this work spraying on clothes or do you only spray on skin?
Beth K says
I spray it on my skin for best results.
Michelle says
What witch hazel do you use? Alcohol free?
Thanks!
Beth K says
This is a great unscented, alcohol-free witch hazel option!
Karla Fernando says
It’s hard to find vegetable glycerin where I live. Can I use aloe Vera gel instead?
Beth K says
It’s worth a try. Let us know how you like that variation.