There’s nothing worse than enjoying a summer evening only to be swarmed by buzzing mosquitoes. These tiny pests can quickly ruin outdoor activities and leave behind itchy bites. While commercial sprays may keep them away, they often come with harsh chemicals like DEET that can irritate the skin and harm the environment.

That’s where a homemade recipe for mosquito spray comes in. This natural DIY bug spray is:
Table of Contents
- Eco-friendly – no harmful chemicals.
- Safe – gentle on skin when used correctly.
- Cost-effective – made from ingredients you may already have at home.
- Customizable – adjust scents and oils to your liking.
In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make your own homemade mosquito spray recipe, why it works, and how to customize it for your needs.
📝 Recipe Card – Homemade Mosquito Spray
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 bottle (100ml)
Difficulty Level: Easy

🦟 Homemade Recipe for Mosquito Spray (Natural, Safe & Effective)
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 bottle (100ml) 1x
Description
In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make your own homemade mosquito spray recipe, why it works, and how to customize it for your needs.
Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled water
- ½ cup witch hazel (or vodka if unavailable)
- 20 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 small dark glass spray bottle (100ml, to preserve oils)
Instructions
- Prepare bottle: Sterilize your spray bottle with hot water and let it dry.
- Add base: Pour distilled water and witch hazel into the bottle.
- Mix oils: Add essential oils one by one.
- Shake well: Close tightly and shake to blend ingredients.
- Apply: Spray lightly on exposed skin and clothing before going outdoors.
- Reapply: Every 2–3 hours or after sweating.
Notes
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a dark glass spray bottle to preserve oils.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Shelf life: Up to 3 months (if kept sealed properly).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Method: No bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 0
Keywords: homemade recipe for mosquito spray
Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled water
- ½ cup witch hazel (or vodka if unavailable)
- 20 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 small dark glass spray bottle (100ml, to preserve oils)

Instructions
- Prepare bottle: Sterilize your spray bottle with hot water and let it dry.
- Add base: Pour distilled water and witch hazel into the bottle.
- Mix oils: Add essential oils one by one.
- Shake well: Close tightly and shake to blend ingredients.
- Apply: Spray lightly on exposed skin and clothing before going outdoors.
- Reapply: Every 2–3 hours or after sweating.
✅ Tip: Always shake before each use since oils and water naturally separate.
Why This Homemade Recipe for Mosquito Spray Works
Mosquitoes dislike certain natural scents. Here’s why these ingredients are effective:
- Citronella oil – the most common natural repellent; mosquitoes avoid it.
- Lavender oil – calming fragrance that also deters insects.
- Tea tree oil – antibacterial, antifungal, and insect-repelling.
- Eucalyptus oil – fresh scent that masks carbon dioxide (which attracts mosquitoes).
- Witch hazel – acts as a natural preservative and helps blend oils with water.
This combination creates a potent, natural mosquito repellent without synthetic chemicals.
🌿 Pro Tips, Variations & Customizations
- For sensitive skin: Reduce essential oils by half to prevent irritation.
- Kid-safe version: Skip tea tree oil; stick to lavender + citronella.
- Extra strength: Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemongrass oil.
- Travel-friendly: Store in a roller bottle for pocket use.
- Cooling version: Add 5 drops peppermint oil for a refreshing feel.
- Pet-safe version: Avoid tea tree and eucalyptus; instead, use rosemary or cedarwood.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a dark glass spray bottle to preserve oils.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Shelf life: Up to 3 months (if kept sealed properly).
🧾 Nutritional Information (Topical Use Only)
(per 1 spray – approximate, not edible)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this homemade recipe for mosquito spray without witch hazel?
Yes. Substitute vodka (which also preserves) or use only distilled water.
Q: Is this mosquito spray safe for kids?
Yes, if you use a kid-friendly blend (lavender + citronella only). Avoid strong oils like tea tree on toddlers.
Q: Can I use lemon juice instead of essential oils?
Not recommended. Lemon juice can make skin photosensitive and cause burns in sunlight.
Q: How often should I reapply?
Every 2–3 hours, especially if sweating or in high mosquito areas.
Q: Can I spray it indoors?
Yes! Spray on curtains, doorways, or around windows to keep mosquitoes out.
Related Natural Remedies for Mosquito Control
- Burn citronella candles in outdoor areas.
- Plant mosquito-repelling herbs like basil, mint, and marigold.
- Use mosquito nets when camping or sleeping outdoors.
- Keep standing water away (mosquitoes breed in stagnant water).
Conclusion
Making a homemade recipe for mosquito spray is simple, effective, and healthier than chemical repellents. With just a few natural ingredients, you can protect your family from mosquito bites while keeping your skin safe from toxins.
🌿 Try this recipe today, and enjoy bug-free evenings naturally.
👉 Did you try this mosquito spray at home? Comment below with your experience, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love natural living!
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