Manitoba is known for a few things: long snowy winters and beautiful warm summers (in which we question whether there are more mosquitoes living here than people). There is a Mosquito Monument in Komarno, Manitoba [I really can’t make this stuff up…]

I’m blessed to be a mosquito magnet [insert tons of sarcastic expressions here…] but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying the outdoors, especially camping! Happy Camper here 🙂

“Why not just put on bug spray?” you may be wondering.

What’s in Commercial Bug Spray

DEET (aka N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) is a pesticide. The Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd. reported in The Medical Science Bulletin: “Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream.” Using DEET frequently can result in blisters, eye and nose irritation, skin irritation and rashes. [If you would like to read an article about a study on DEET, click here, no? Just me? I love scientific geeky articles]. It is not actually safe to use… but keeps getting sold in stores… there really must be a top notch system for evaluating safety… [inserting more sarcastic expressions and an iconic Jerry Seinfeld eye roll].

How to Make Non-toxic Bug Spray

Start by choosing a glass spray bottle and using a funnel to put in 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerine. This will act as a binder to help essential oils mix into the spray and will help the spray stay on top the skin/clothing when applied. The spray bottle should hold 1 cup of liquid or use a container and fill smaller bottles.

Next add in essential oils of your choice:

• Cinnamon EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas* mosquitoes
• Lemon Eucalyptus EO (Plant Therapy): *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas* mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Citronella EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, ticks
• Catnip EO (Plant Therapy): mosquitoes
• Geranium EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Rosemary EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas* mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Cedarwood EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Peppermint EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas*mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Spearmint EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Lemongrass EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Lavender EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Sage EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): *Not for children age 2-15 or pregnant/nursing mamas* mosquitoes, flies, ticks
• Patchouli EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy): mosquitoes, flies, ticks

For adults and children over 16: use 80-100 drops of essential oils total. This is at a 2-2.5% dilution.

For children 3-15 years: use 40-50 drops of essential oils total. This is at a 1-1.5% dilution, which is safe for young children.

{I use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils and Plant Therapy Essential Oils because they are 100% pure quality essential oils. There are other reputable essential oil companies to purchase from. Your local drug store’s cheap essential oil can give you a rash and not have the same positive effects because most only contain about 10% of the pure oil and the rest is filled with synthetics. Do your research and find a company you feel comfortable purchasing from.}

Choose your base: apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or high proof vodka (ex. Everclear) and add 1/2 cup to spray bottle. 

Finally, add 1/2 cup of water and shake the bottle to mix.

Spray on skin and clothing for ultimate bug protection and reapply as needed! Make sure to avoid eyes, nose, and mouth. To apply on face, either spray with eyes and mouth closed, or spray on hands and pat on face.

Not a DIYer? Here are some natural alternatives to purchase

Pronounce Skincare Bug Spray

Happy Bug Spraying 🙂

What do you do to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other bugs? What is your favourite combination of essential oils for bug spray?