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Writer's pictureLorine

"Itching" for some DIY bug spray options?

Are you “itching” for ideas on how to DIY bug sprays this summer?

…yeah, I know I went there ;)


With all the heat and humidity this NYC summer season, I’m finding the critters to be a bit out of control. But I don’t like to use bugs sprays. So my personal solution is to create my own version…


I repurpose a small glass bottle (1.7oz) that came with a dropper top, and fill it with rubbing alcohol, adding to it about 12 drops of tea tree oil and another 12 drops of peppermint oil. It’s small enough to easily make room for it in any bag to grab-and-go. Just a few drops do go a pretty long way. I find it very effective. And it doubles as a hand disinfectant for these germ-y times! [If you've read my short "Rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and a lint tape roll..." blog, you already know I use this same combo for city-life bug spraying too!]


For après bug treatment, I reuse the little blue roll-on bottle (pictured below) and fill it with pure fractionated coconut oil. Again, I add a few drops of both tea tree and peppermint oil, and vary the number of drops depending on how strong I would like the scent to be. This carrier/essential oil combo is used in case a little bugger does get me, which gratefully isn’t often. It rather rapidly controls the itch for me, and I find that the swelling also decreases quickly (…probably, in part, because I’m not itching!).


If you’re not allergic or have any aversion to those ingredients listed above, I recommend giving it a go. Plus, for us frugalistas, it’s relatively inexpensive to DIY! An additional FYI, I like the NOW brand of products for both the coconut and essential oils, but please note that I’m not sponsored by them. It’s just my brand-preference-of-the-moment :) and I usually look for the best size/price options on Amazon.com.


More DIY options, tips and tricks that I found helpful are in this Earth911.com article "All-Natural Bug Spray Recipes That Actually Get the Job Done." I’ve used the baking soda paste for the, thank goodness very occasional, bee sting and it’s very soothing! Please click on the link below if you would like to further read on in more detail...


Continue to stay safe! Love and respect the outdoors, have fun in the sun… and dance in the rain! :)


My favorite little blue DIY essential oil roll-on bottle!


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