Wait! Don’t expose your kids and pets to harmful chemicals found in commercial bug repellents. Discover these natural bug sprays you can make at home easily using essential oils.
Protect yourself from bugs this summer without exposing your family to the harmful chemicals found in commercial brand repellents with these safe natural bug sprays for kids and pets.
Whether you’re relaxing outside, working in the garden, out for a stroll through nature or even on a fun camping trip with the kids – you’ll always want to have bug spray on hand. Using essential oils, these sprays will be sure to keep away gnats, mosquitoes, ants, spiders and many other pesky bugs and insects.
Natural Bug Sprays vs. Commercial Bug Sprays
Natural bug sprays can be just as effective as popular commercial sprays and you will know exactly what ingredients are in them. Sure, commercial sprays are very effective, but this is because of the harmful chemicals they use.
DEET is one of the most common ingredients used in insect repellents and it works very well. However, DEET has been linked to a number of health problems including vomiting, upset stomach, nausea and even associated with seizures. Did you know that Canada has banned several products containing high amounts of DEET due to the possible health issues?
Why use Essential Oils?
Essential oils offer a number benefits when used in natural bug sprays. They are affordable, don’t contain harmful toxins, have added health benefits and are by far the best smelling sprays.
There are a number of essential oils that are effective in bug sprays, some of which are better for different bugs and insects.
Some of the best essential oils to keep bugs away are eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, tea tree, geranium, cypress, lemongrass, clove, basil, rosemary, bergamot, lavender, pine, thyme and vetiver.
Peppermint and geranium are great for warding off mosquitoes and black flies. Tea tree oil works best against ticks, deer flies and chiggers. Lemon and citronella are also great at keeping away annoying mosquitoes.
Try my three favorite recipes for natural bug sprays that are safe for kids and even your pets.
Recipes for Natural Bug Sprays
Bug-off! Natural Bug Spray
You’ll need:
- Glass spray bottle
- ½ cup of distilled water
- 2 teaspoons witch hazel or vodka
- 7 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 15 drops cedarwood essential oil
Simply combine the ingredients in the glass spray bottle. You’ll need to shake the bottle before each use to make sure the oils are well-mixed, then simply spray the mist on your skin and clothes, easy!
Natural Bug Lotion for Kids
This natural and healthy lotion is great for kids and is very good for their skin due to the high amount of vitamin E contained in coconut oil. I recommend you buy pure or virgin coconut oil. It’s also not poisonous, so if your small kids accidentally get some in their mouths you’ll have nothing to worry about!
You’ll need:
- Large spray bottle
- ½ cup pure coconut oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 20 drops clove essential oil
Simply combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake it well. Cover your kid’s skin generously with the lotion and let them enjoy the outdoors without pesky bug bites.
Essential Oil Mosquito Spray
You'll need:
- Glass spray bottle
- 12 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
- 14 ounces witch hazel or vodka
Combine all the essential oils with the witch hazel/vodka in the glass spray bottle. Roll the bottle between your palms to combine the ingredients. Simply spray the mist on your skin and clothes to keep mosquitoes away.
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