How to Make Natural Insect Repellent Sprays at Home
Mosquito image by Suzi Wollman
Summertime on the homestead brings so much joy—sun tea brewing on the porch, barefoot grandkids in the yard, garden beds overflowing. But it also brings mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other pests that don’t take no for an answer. While store-bought bug sprays may offer convenience, they often come loaded with synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances. That’s why we make our own natural insect repellent—and you can too.
Why Avoid Commercial Insect Sprays?
Take a look at most bug spray labels and you’ll find ingredients like DEET, synthetic pyrethroids, and chemical carriers. Many of these are known skin irritants and can cause respiratory distress, especially in young children or pets. And if you’re already working to detox your home, why undo that effort every time you spray down before going outside?
Real insect repellent image
Natural insect repellents offer a safer alternative—one that protects your family and your values.
How Natural Bug Repellents Work
Plants have their own built-in pest control, and we can borrow their defenses through essential oils, herbs, and natural acids like vinegar. These compounds repel insects through scent, taste, or irritation, without harming people or the environment.
Some of the most effective ingredients include:
Peppermint oil – Great for ants and spiders
Lemongrass and citronella oils – Known mosquito deterrents
Lavender – Repels moths, fleas, and flies
Eucalyptus – Drives away ticks and mosquitoes
Apple cider vinegar – Helps extend the life of the spray and boosts its effectiveness
Simple DIY Natural Insect Repellent Recipes
Here are a few tried-and-true recipes from our own homestead supply shelf:
Basic Bug Spray for Skin
¼ cup witch hazel
¼ cup distilled water
20 drops citronella essential oil
10 drops lavender oil
10 drops eucalyptus oil
Mix in a 4 oz glass spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on clothes or exposed skin (avoiding eyes and mouth).
Ant & Spider Repellent Spray for Surfaces
This is our go-to cleaner and ant killer. It’s especially effective in summer.
⅓ cup white vinegar
⅓ cup denatured alcohol
⅓ cup filtered water
1 tbsp Castile soap
20 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine in a 16 oz glass spray bottle. Use around windows, baseboards, or ant trails. Peppermint kills ants on contact.
Tick & Mosquito Yard Spray (Pet-Safe)
2 cups water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
15 drops rosemary oil
10 drops cedarwood oil
10 drops lemongrass oil
Spray around porches, doorways, or outdoor sitting areas.
Best Oils for Different Bugs
Here’s a quick guide to choosing oils based on the pests you’re targeting:
BugBest Oils: Mosquitoes—Citronella, lemongrass, lavender; Ticks—Eucalyptus, cedarwood, geranium; Ants—Peppermint, tea tree; Flies—Basil, clove, lavender; Fleas—Lemon, cedarwood, peppermint; Moths—Lavender, rosemary
Tips for Use and Safety
Always dilute essential oils properly. Too strong can irritate skin.
Use glass spray bottles—especially for blends with vinegar or citrus oils.
Shake before each use to re-distribute oils.
Reapply every 1–2 hours outdoors.
Avoid spraying directly on pets unless the formula is pet-safe.
Test on a small patch of skin before full application.
Final Thoughts: Simple, Safe, and It Works
There’s something empowering about making your own solutions. These homemade sprays are safe, effective, and cost a fraction of store-bought versions. Plus, they smell better, feel better, and support your commitment to toxin-free living.
Image by Kuntal Biswas at Pexels
Want to try one of these recipes? Download our printable bug spray recipe cards and label set—perfect for your homestead apothecary or summer gift baskets.