12 Natural DIY Bug Repellent Recipes with Lemon & Eucalyptus

Want to keep bugs away without harsh chemicals? Try these 12 easy DIY bug repellent recipes using lemon and eucalyptus essential oils. They're safe, cheap, and smell great! You can make your own natural sprays that work well and are good for your skin too.

Key Takeaways
• Natural bug repellents are safer and eco-friendly • Lemon and eucalyptus oils are powerful insect deterrents • DIY recipes are cost-effective and customizable • Essential oil blends offer additional skin benefits • Homemade sprays are suitable for various outdoor activities

1. The Power of Natural Bug Repellents

Natural bug repellents are becoming more popular as people look for safer options instead of chemical sprays. Essential oils like lemon and eucalyptus work really well to keep bugs away. They smell nice and don't have harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin or hurt the environment. More people are choosing natural repellents because they're worried about the risks of synthetic pesticides and want to use more eco-friendly ways to control pests.

Lemon oil has a fresh, citrusy smell that bugs hate. It contains a natural compound called limonene that keeps many flying pests away. Eucalyptus oil has cineole, which is also great at repelling insects. When you mix these two oils together, they work even better and protect you from bugs for longer. This powerful combo can keep mosquitoes and other annoying insects away for hours, making it perfect for families and people who like to spend time outdoors.

Making your own bug spray has lots of benefits besides avoiding chemicals. It's fun to do and you can learn from it. You can choose how strong you want it to smell and how well it works. You can try different oil mixes, change how much you use, and even add things like aloe vera or vitamin E that are good for your skin. Homemade repellents also cost way less than ones you buy in stores. You only need to buy a few essential oils and other ingredients to make lots of spray, so you save money and get a better product that's just right for you.

2. Basic Lemon & Eucalyptus Spray Recipe

Let's start with an easy recipe that anyone can make. This basic spray works well to keep bugs away. You'll need:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (to keep it clean and last longer)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (helps mix the oils and is good for your skin)
• 15 drops lemon essential oil (smells fresh and keeps bugs away)
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil (really good at stopping insects)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best to protect the oils)

To make the spray, just mix everything in the bottle and shake it hard. Shake it again before you use it each time. Spray it on your skin and clothes, but be careful around your eyes and mouth. Put more on every 2-3 hours or after swimming or sweating a lot to stay protected.

To make your homemade bug spray last longer, keep it in a cool, dark place when you're not using it. The dark glass bottle helps protect the essential oils from light that can make them go bad. If you store it right, this spray should work well for about a month. But if it starts to smell different, look different, or feel different, throw it out and make a new batch. Check it regularly to make sure you always have good bug protection ready to use.

3. Citronella-Boosted Bug Spray

If you want an even stronger bug repellent, try adding citronella essential oil. Citronella is famous for keeping mosquitoes away. This recipe mixes lemon, eucalyptus, and citronella to make a super effective spray that works against lots of different insects. Here's how to make it:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (keeps it clean)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (helps mix the oils and is good for skin)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (fresh smell that repels bugs)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (strong insect deterrent)
• 10 drops citronella essential oil (extra power against mosquitoes)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best)

Mix everything in the bottle and shake it well. This strong spray is great for outdoor parties, camping trips, or anywhere there are lots of bugs. The citronella makes it work even better and smells nice too. Remember to put more on every few hours to stay protected, especially when there are lots of mosquitoes or during early morning and evening when bugs are most active.

4. Soothing Aloe Vera Bug Repellent

If you have sensitive skin or want something gentler, try this aloe vera recipe. It protects you from insects and feels nice on your skin. Aloe vera cools and moisturizes, which is great on hot summer days. Here's what you need:

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel (pure and organic if possible)
• 1/4 cup distilled water (to mix it and keep it clean)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (keeps insects away)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (extra bug protection)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best)

Mix everything well in the bottle. The aloe vera helps the essential oils stick to your skin better, so the spray might work longer. This is really good if you get sunburned easily or get heat rash, because the aloe helps your skin too. Put lots on your skin and put more on every couple of hours or after you've been in water. The cool feeling makes it perfect for using during the day when you're outside or at the beach.

5. Witch Hazel-Based Insect Repellent

Witch hazel is great for bug sprays because it helps mix the essential oils with water and is good for your skin. This simple recipe uses witch hazel to make a spray that works well and lasts a long time:

• 1 cup witch hazel (organic and without alcohol is best)
• 15 drops lemon essential oil (citrus smell that bugs don't like)
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil (keeps bugs away)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best)

Mix everything in your spray bottle and shake it well. This witch hazel spray not only keeps bugs away but also helps your skin. Witch hazel can make irritated skin feel better, reduce swelling, and even help if you already have bug bites. Because there's no water in it, it might last longer too. Put it on your skin and clothes before you go outside, and put more on when you need to, especially after swimming or sweating. You can easily carry this spray in your bag or backpack to use whenever you need it.

6. Coconut Oil Bug Balm

If you like to rub something on instead of spray, or need stronger protection, try this coconut oil balm. Coconut oil helps the essential oils work and makes your skin soft too. Here's how to make this nourishing bug-repelling balm:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (organic and unrefined is best)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (fresh smell that keeps bugs away)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (strong bug deterrent)
• A small jar with a tight lid

To make the balm, melt the coconut oil gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Be careful not to make it too hot. Once it's melted, take it off the heat and mix in the essential oils. Let it cool and get solid again at room temperature or in the fridge if you want it to set faster. Put a little bit on your skin before you go outside, especially on your wrists and behind your ears where it works best.

Coconut oil is one of the best carrier oils for essential oils. It soaks into your skin easily, taking the essential oils with it so they work better and longer. Coconut oil also fights germs naturally, which can help protect your skin. This balm is really good for long outdoor activities because it stays on your skin longer than sprays. It's also great for humid places where water-based sprays might evaporate quickly.

7. Lemongrass-Infused Mosquito Spray

Lemongrass essential oil is another great bug repellent, especially for mosquitoes. It has a strong, citrusy smell that flying bugs really don't like. When you mix lemongrass with lemon and eucalyptus oils, you get a powerful spray that smells nice and keeps bugs away. Here's how to make this super mosquito repellent:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (to keep it clean)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (helps mix the oils and is good for skin)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (fresh smell that repels bugs)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (strong insect deterrent)
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil (extra power against mosquitoes)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake it hard to blend. This lemongrass spray not only keeps mosquitoes away but also smells fresh and tropical. It's great for using in the evening when mosquitoes come out more. The mix of lemongrass with lemon and eucalyptus might protect you longer than using just one oil. Put lots on your skin and clothes, and put more on every few hours or after swimming or sweating a lot. This spray is perfect for backyard barbecues, camping trips, or any outdoor fun where mosquitoes might bother you.

8. Kid-Friendly Bug Repellent Recipe

When protecting kids from bugs, it's important to use a gentler spray that's safe for their sensitive skin. This kid-friendly recipe uses less essential oils to keep bugs away without being too strong. This recipe is good for kids over 3 years old, but always check with a doctor first, especially for younger kids or those with sensitive skin. Here's a safe and effective bug spray for kids:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (to keep it clean and gentle)
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (without alcohol, to help mix the oils)
• 5 drops lemon essential oil (mild bug repellent)
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (gentle bug deterrent)
• A small spray bottle (plastic is safer for kids)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake well before using. When putting it on kids, it's best to spray their clothes instead of their skin to be extra safe. Always test a small spot first to make sure there's no bad reaction. To be even safer, don't spray near their face or hands, because kids might accidentally touch their eyes or mouth.

If you want an even safer, ready-made option, our Bug Away Kids Blend is made just for children and is super easy to use. This blend has kid-safe essential oils mixed perfectly to keep bugs away while being gentle on young skin.

9. Long-Lasting Outdoor Adventure Spray

For hikers, campers, and people who love being outside and need protection that lasts, this long-lasting spray is perfect. Adding vegetable glycerin helps the repellent stick to your skin so it works longer. Here's how to make this tough outdoor spray:

• 1/4 cup distilled water (for the base and to keep it clean)
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (to help mix oils and be good for skin)
• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin (to make it last longer)
• 20 drops lemon essential oil (strong bug repellent)
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil (powerful bug deterrent)
• A small spray bottle (tough and dark-colored is best)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake it really well. The vegetable glycerin makes a thin layer on your skin that helps the essential oils work longer. This is really helpful when you're sweating or in humid places where normal sprays might wear off quickly. Put lots on your skin and clothes before you go out. Even though this spray lasts longer, it's still good to put more on every 4-6 hours, especially after swimming or sweating a lot. This spray is great for all-day hikes, camping trips, or any long outdoor activities where you can't put on more spray very often.

10. Relaxing Lavender-Infused Insect Repellent

This special bug spray not only keeps bugs away but also helps you feel calm. Adding lavender essential oil makes it smell nice and can help you relax, which is great for using in the evening or when you want to chill outside. Here's how to make this two-in-one spray:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (to keep it clean)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (to mix oils and be good for skin)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (fresh smell that keeps bugs away)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (strong bug deterrent)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (for relaxation and extra bug protection)
• A small spray bottle (dark glass is best)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake well. This lavender spray is really good for using in the evening when you're relaxing but still want to be outside. The calming lavender smell can help you get ready for sleep, so it's great for camping or stargazing in your backyard. Put lots on your skin and around where you're sleeping to keep bugs away and help you relax. The mix of lavender with lemon and eucalyptus not only works well to keep bugs away but also smells really nice, like a spa. Remember to put more on every few hours or when you need it, especially if there are lots of bugs around.

11. Peppermint-Powered Tick Repellent

In places where there are lots of ticks, you need a special spray to protect yourself from these bugs that can carry diseases. Peppermint essential oil has a strong smell that ticks really don't like. This recipe mixes peppermint with lemon and eucalyptus to make a powerful tick-repelling spray:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (for the base and to keep it clean)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (to help mix the oils)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (general bug repellent)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (keeps lots of different bugs away)
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (especially for keeping ticks away)
• A small spray bottle (tough for outdoor use)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake it hard. This strong blend makes an environment that ticks don't like. Before you go into woods or grassy areas where ticks live, spray this mix all over your clothes, especially on your pants, socks, and shoes. The strong minty smell, mixed with the citrus and eucalyptus, makes a barrier that ticks try to avoid. Even though this spray works well, it's still important to check yourself for ticks after being in areas where they live. For extra protection, you can spray this on your outdoor gear and clothes before long trips into places where ticks are common. Remember to put more on every few hours, especially if you're doing things that make you sweat a lot.

12. All-Natural Bug Spray for Pets

Our furry friends need protection from biting bugs too, but their bodies are sensitive so we need to be careful. This pet-friendly bug spray is made just for dogs, using less essential oils that are usually safe for them. Always check with your vet before using anything new on your pet, because every animal can react differently. Here's a simple, natural bug spray recipe for dogs:

• 1 cup distilled water (to keep it clean and safe)
• 5 drops lemon essential oil (mild bug repellent)
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (gentle bug deterrent)
• A small spray bottle (plastic is safer for pets)

Mix everything in the spray bottle and shake well before using. When putting it on your dog, don't spray directly on their face or near their eyes and mouth. Instead, spray it on your hands and gently rub it into your dog's fur, focusing on areas where bugs usually bite, like their back, legs, and belly. Be careful around any sore spots or irritated skin. It's important to start with just a little bit and watch your pet to make sure they don't have any bad reactions before using more.

While this spray can work well for dogs, it's important to know that you should never use essential oils on cats. Their bodies can't handle these oils well, which can make them very sick. For more information on safely using essential oils around pets, including which oils to avoid and best practices, check out our detailed guide to essential oils for pets. This guide gives valuable information about the good and bad things about using essential oils in homes with pets, so you can make smart choices about your pet's health and happiness.

Conclusion

Making your own bug repellent sprays with lemon and eucalyptus essential oils is easy, fun, and really good at keeping annoying insects away. These DIY recipes let you make repellents that work just right for you, whether you need something for kids, pets, or specific outdoor activities. From basic sprays to special mixes for different situations, there's a natural solution for every need.

Using natural bug repellents is great for more than just avoiding chemicals. These homemade sprays often make your skin feel good, smell nice, and give you the satisfaction of making something useful yourself. They're usually cheaper than store-bought sprays too, so you can protect yourself and your family without spending too much money.

As you try these recipes, remember to always test a small spot first, especially if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new mix of oils. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust the amounts if you need to. While natural repellents work well, you might need to put them on more often than chemical sprays, especially when there are lots of bugs or during times when bugs are most active.

Ready to start making your own natural bug repellents? Check out our big collection of essential oils to find high-quality ingredients for your DIY projects. From lemon and eucalyptus to other helpful oils like citronella, peppermint, and lavender, we have lots of pure, strong essential oils for all your bug-repelling needs. Try the natural way to enjoy bug-free outdoor fun and make the most of your summer adventures!