DIY Herbal Bug Spray

Sometimes, we just need something that repels bugs. But who wants to douse themselves in unsafe chemicals from commercial bug sprays that absorb into our skin just to prevent a bite or two?

Luckily, there’s a perfectly safe way to avoid those bites without the junk. I promise it works, and it’s so safe you could (almost) eat it. I don’t worry at all about spraying it on my kids.

What is it? A simple, easy-to-make herbal bug spray.

If DIYs aren’t your thing, check out Earthley’s Pest-Aside, an all-natural bug salve alternative!

About the Ingredients

These ingredients are available at almost any store (if you are in Columbus, Ohio, stop by our retail store at 6903 East Broad St -- down by the Giant Eagle). There are three main ones: witch hazel, rosemary, and catnip.

Yes, catnip, like cats go crazy for. See, bugs don’t like catnip at all.

Catnip is one of the most effective bug repellents out there — and yes, humans could actually eat it. I’ve used it in various tea and tincture recipes because it helps people calm down.

Rosemary is also a natural bug repellent.

So is peppermint if you need an alternative.

You could use essential oils, but I chose an herbal infusion because it’s milder and safer for young skin. And you can buy these ingredients very easily.

Herbal Bug Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. rosemary
• 2 tbsp. catnip
• 4 oz. witch hazel extract

Directions:

Step 1: Combine the herbs and witch hazel in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake to combine.

Step 2: Let this mixture sit for 2 – 3 days until the color has deepened.

Step 3: Strain the mixture through a cloth, squeezing it to remove all the liquid. Reserve the liquid and toss the herbs.

Step 4: Pour the infused liquid into a 4-ounce spray bottle.

Spray your homemade herbal bug spray on your skin in buggy areas like the woods. Super simple! It takes about 2 minutes to put together and another 5 minutes to strain and pour. Super quick — anyone can do it.

By the way, planting these herbs in your garden will help naturally repel bugs from your yard. Try planting them around the patio. You can use them for cooking, teas, or other medicinal purposes; they are pretty and keep your yard bug-free. And they’re completely kid and pet-safe. Not bad, huh?