DIY Natural Bug Spray (That Actually Works): My Go-To for Tennessee Summers
- LB
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Summer in Tennessee = sunshine, humidity, and BUGS. And if you're anything like me, the last thing you want is to be constantly swatting mosquitoes or worrying about ticks hitching a ride home from the park or trail.
As a mom, I’m also super mindful of what goes on my daughter’s skin. Traditional bug sprays can be full of ingredients I can’t pronounce—and that’s not something I’m willing to compromise on. So this year, I made my own homemade bug spray using witch hazel and essential oils, and it’s been a total game-changer.
I even made a TikTok video of the process—yes, I went full amber spray bottle aesthetic and everything.
Here’s the full breakdown of what I used, why it works, and what you need to know if you’re still breastfeeding. (Spoiler: we’re skipping peppermint!)
Why Make Your Own Bug Spray?
✨ Control what goes on your skin (and your kids’!) Your skin absorbs everything. When it comes to little ones, less is more—and knowing exactly what ingredients are being used gives me major peace of mind.
🦟 Targeted pest control—naturally Essential oils aren’t just for vibes. Some are proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and even biting flies. Plus, they smell way better than the chemical stuff.
🧴 Budget-friendly and reusable One upfront cost = multiple refills all summer long. No more overpriced bottles at checkout lines.
What Essential Oils Work Best Against Mosquitoes and Ticks?
Best Oils for Repelling Mosquitoes & Ticks:
Lemongrass – Fresh and citrusy, great for mosquitoes.
Lavender – Calming and bug-busting.
Geranium (specifically rose geranium) – Powerful for tick prevention.
Eucalyptus – Strong mosquito repellent with a refreshing scent.
Tea Tree – Great for overall insect repelling and skin health.
Cedarwood – Known to keep ticks far, far away.
Citronella – The classic—and for good reason.
⚠️ A Note for Breastfeeding Moms: Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is commonly used in natural bug sprays, but if you're breastfeeding, you might want to avoid it. There’s some evidence that peppermint essential oil can reduce milk supply—especially in larger or consistent doses.
Alternatives that still work:
Try lemongrass or geranium instead.
Mix in lavender or cedarwood for a balanced blend without affecting your nursing journey.
My Easy DIY Natural Bug Spray Recipe
What You’ll Need:
4 oz amber spray bottle (I got mine on Amazon)
2 oz witch hazel
1 oz distilled water
30–40 drops of essential oils (see combos below)
Optional: ½ tsp glycerin or fractionated coconut oil to help the oils stick to the skin longer
My Go-To Essential Oil Combo:
10 drops lemongrass
10 drops lavender
10 drops cedarwood
5 drops geranium
5 drops tea tree
Kid-Safe Alternative:
10 drops lavender
10 drops cedarwood
10 drops lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3)
10 drops geranium
Just shake it all up in your amber bottle and you're ready to go! I keep one in the stroller, one by the door, and one in my diaper bag for easy summer grab-and-go moments.
Price Breakdown:
Item | Price |
$8 | |
$6 | |
$10 | |
Distilled Water | $1 |
Glycerin (optional) | $5–7 |
For roughly $25 —you can refill them all summer long!
Tips
Reapply every 2–3 hours when outside for extended time.
Shake before each use—natural oils will separate.
Keep out of direct sunlight to protect the integrity of the oils.
Pin it, Save it, Spray it
Homemade bug spray is an easy summer swap that makes a huge difference. Whether you're hitting up a Tennessee trail or chasing your little one through the backyard, you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your family naturally—and affordably.
From one crunchy-ish mama to another: let’s keep our kids bite-free and build habits that feel good on and under the skin.
LB
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