DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray: Natural Summer Recipe

Why Make Your Own Essential Oil Bug Spray This Summer?

Summer is finally here — and so are the bugs. If you spend any time outdoors, you know the struggle of swatting mosquitoes at a backyard barbecue or picking ticks off after a trail hike. Many people are turning to DIY essential oil bug spray as a natural alternative to conventional repellents loaded with DEET and synthetic chemicals. Whether you're camping, gardening, or simply enjoying a sunset on your porch, a homemade essential oil spray can be a simple, pleasant-smelling addition to your summer routine.

The best part? You probably already have most of what you need at home. Let's walk through everything — the oils, the recipe, the safety tips, and why so many families are making the switch to natural outdoor sprays.

Which Essential Oils Are Popular in Bug Sprays?

Certain essential oils have a long history of traditional use in outdoor settings. Here are the most popular choices among DIY enthusiasts:

• Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil — One of the most talked-about oils in natural bug spray circles. Many outdoor lovers swear by it, and it has a fresh, invigorating scent.
• Lavender Essential Oil — Loved for its calming aroma, lavender is a popular addition to bug sprays. Many people find that bugs tend to avoid it.
• Peppermint Essential Oil — Its sharp, cool scent is widely used in DIY sprays. doTERRA's Peppermint oil is a favorite for this purpose due to its high purity and potency.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil — Traditionally associated with a wide range of outdoor uses, tea tree is a classic DIY ingredient.
• Citronella Essential Oil — Perhaps the most iconic natural bug-deterring oil. It's widely used in candles and sprays for summer evenings.
• Clove Essential Oil — A strong, warming oil that many users include in their outdoor blends for extra punch.
• Cedarwood Essential Oil — Earthy and grounding, cedarwood is popular among those who prefer a woodsy scent in their bug spray.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil — doTERRA's Eucalyptus essential oil is a go-to for many DIY formulators looking for a clean, crisp outdoor spray base.

Simple DIY Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe

This recipe is a favorite in the natural living community. It's quick to make, uses affordable ingredients, and smells far better than anything you'll find in a conventional spray bottle.

What You'll Need

• 1 small spray bottle (2–4 oz glass or dark plastic)
• 2 oz distilled water
• 1 oz witch hazel or rubbing alcohol (helps the oils disperse)
• 10 drops Lemon Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops Citronella essential oil
• 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil

Directions

1. Pour the witch hazel into your spray bottle first.
2. Add all your essential oils and swirl gently to combine.
3. Top off with distilled water and shake well.
4. Shake again before each use, as oils and water naturally separate.
5. Spray onto exposed skin and clothing before heading outdoors. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Pro Tip: For a more concentrated spray, increase the essential oil count by 5–10 drops total. If you're using this on children, reduce the total oil drops by half and skip the peppermint for kids under 6.

doTERRA Oils That Work Great in This Recipe

When it comes to DIY sprays you're putting on your skin, oil quality matters. doTERRA uses rigorous third-party testing (their CPTG — Certified Pure Tested Grade standard) on every batch, which is one reason so many natural living enthusiasts trust their products for DIY use.

Some specific doTERRA products that work beautifully in this recipe include:

• doTERRA Lavender — Consistently one of their bestsellers, and perfect for the calming, floral layer in your spray.
• doTERRA Peppermint — Crisp and potent, a little goes a long way.
• doTERRA Eucalyptus — Clean, fresh, and ideal for outdoor blends.
• doTERRA TerraShield — This one deserves a special mention. It's doTERRA's own outdoor blend, combining oils like ylang ylang, nootka wood, cedarwood, catnip, lemon eucalyptus, and more. Many people simply use TerraShield as the base of their DIY spray rather than blending individual oils from scratch. It comes in a convenient spray form too!

Young Living also offers comparable options like their Purification blend, which some DIYers use in outdoor sprays for its citronella and lemongrass content.

Safety Tips You Should Not Skip

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts and should always be used with care. Here are some non-negotiable safety reminders:

• Always dilute. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin. The witch hazel and water in this recipe handle that for you.
• Patch test first. Before spraying all over, test a small amount on your inner wrist and wait 24 hours for any reaction.
• Children and pregnancy. Some oils are not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Always check with a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oils in these situations.
• Photosensitivity. Citrus-based oils can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid applying them to skin that will be directly exposed to strong sun.
• This is not medicine. Essential oils are not a substitute for medical advice or prescription treatments. If you have health concerns, please consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

Extra Tips for Summer Outdoor Use

How Often to Reapply

Unlike chemical repellents, natural sprays tend to need more frequent reapplication — roughly every 60–90 minutes during heavy outdoor activity. Sweat, swimming, and high heat can all reduce effectiveness.

Other DIY Uses for These Oils Outdoors

• Add a few drops of citronella and cedarwood to unscented candles or tiki torch oil for a bug-deterring atmosphere at outdoor gatherings.
• Place a few drops of peppermint on cotton balls near tent openings when camping.
• Mix lavender and tea tree into a small roller bottle with coconut oil for easy on-the-go touch-ups.

Ready to Stock Your DIY Essential Oil Kit?

Making your own essential oil bug spray is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects for summer — and once you start, you'll wonder why you ever bought a chemical spray. The key is starting with high-quality oils you can trust.

If you'd like to get doTERRA oils at wholesale prices (up to 25% off retail), the best way to do that is to join doTERRA as a Wellness Advocate. It's a simple enrollment that gives you immediate access to member pricing on every product — including TerraShield, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and all the oils in this recipe. You don't have to sell anything; most members join simply to save on products they love.

Click the link on this page to enroll and start saving immediately. You'll be set up in minutes and can place your first order right away — just in time for summer adventures.