Earthley Wellness

There’s nothing like embracing the great outdoors, but let’s be real – those pesky buggers can make summer evenings a little less magical. That’s where our DIY Bug Salve comes in! This simple, natural recipe combines nourishing oils, wax, and aromatic essential oils to create a soothing balm with a fresh, earthy scent perfect for your outdoor adventures – and to help hide your human scent from the bugs. This salve is a fun way to explore natural ingredients while keeping your skin soft and happy. Plus, it’s easy to whip up at home!

This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike, and it’s a great way to share the herbal love with your family.

Why These Ingredients?

This DIY Bug Salve is a blend of coconut oil, neem oil, candelilla wax, and two earthy essential oils – citronella and patchouli. These ingredients are loved for their rich, moisturizing properties and invigorating scents, which add a refreshing vibe to your outdoor routine.

Neem, citronella, and patchouli have also traditionally been used to help hide human and animal scents from biting insects. Coconut oil and neem oil nourish the skin, while candelilla wax gives the salve a smooth, spreadable texture. Citronella and patchouli EOs bring a crisp, woodsy aroma. Whether you’re gifting it to a friend or keeping it for yourself, this salve is a delightful addition to your natural wellness toolkit.

If you don’t have the ingredients or time to whip up this DIY, check out our Pest Aside Salve! Made with the same ingredients and at a low price, it is an easy-to-apply, non-messy tube to rub on!

DIY Bug Salve Recipe

Here’s the step-by-step guide to crafting your own bug salve. The recipe, as is, will be around an 8% EO dilution rate. If you have sensitive skin or wish to use it full body or daily, you may want to reduce the amount of EOs that you use. You can catch the video below, too!

Ingredients

2 oz coconut oil
2 oz neem oil
1 ½ tbsp candelilla wax
1 ¼ tsp citronella essential oil: Adds a bright, lemony scent loved in outdoor balms.
1 ¼ tsp patchouli essential oil: Brings a grounding, woodsy aroma to the mix.

Safety Note:

Essential oils are potent – use high-quality, pure oils, and avoid overuse. Neem oil has a strong scent, so brace yourself!

Supplies

A pint-sized mason jar (heat-safe)
A small saucepan and enough water to fill it up by about 2 inches
Two 2 oz metal tins or glass jars for storage
A spoon or stirrer (non-metal preferred to avoid reactions)
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Put the coconut oil, neem oil, and candelilla wax in a warm mason jar.

Step 2: Fill a small saucepan with about 2 inches of water and heat it over medium until it’s hot but not boiling (about 160–180°F is ideal). Turn off the heat to keep things safe and prevent overheating.

Step 3: Place the oil- and wax-filled mason jar in a small saucepan of hot water, ensuring no water enters the jar. Let the jar sit in the water bath, stirring the jar contents occasionally with a spoon, until the candelilla wax fully melts into the oils (about 5–10 minutes). The mixture should look smooth and liquid.

Step 4: Remove the jar from the saucepan using a towel or oven mitt. Let it cool slightly for 1 - 2 minutes, then stir in citronella and patchouli essential oil.

Step 5: Carefully pour the warm mixture into two 2 oz tins or glass jars. Let them sit undisturbed at room temperature for 1 - 2 hours until the salve solidifies into a creamy, spreadable balm. Pop on the lids, and voilà – you’ve got your DIY Bug Salve!

Storage & Use

Store in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life is about 1 year, but that greatly depends on storage.
Apply a small amount to exposed skin for a moisturizing, aromatic boost before heading outdoors.