Camping season, garden season, hiking season, and long evenings outside are finally here. Unfortunately, mosquitoes and other biting insects tend to show up at the same time. I lived in the Bali jungle for several years, where mosquitoes were simply part of everyday life. Between working outdoors, spending time in the jungle, and living in a tropical climate, I learned a handful of practical habits that helped make outdoor time much more enjoyable. One of those habits was making my own homemade bug spray using essential oils and simple ingredients.

My Homemade Bug Spray Recipe
Ingredients:
– 30 drops geranium essential oil
– 30 drops citronella essential oil
– 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
– 20 drops lavender essential oil
– 10 drops rosemary essential oil
– 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
– 10 drops peppermint essential oil
– 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
– 10 drops neem oil
– 1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol
– 1/2 cup witch hazel
– 1/2 cup distilled or spring water
– 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

Instructions
– Add all essential oils to a glass spray bottle.
– Pour in the vodka or rubbing alcohol and shake well.
– Add the witch hazel and glycerin, if using.
– Add the water and shake again.
– Shake before each use since the oils will naturally separate over time.

*I like to spray it on clothing, hats, socks, and around exposed skin before heading outside.

Other Things I Did in the Bali Jungle
Bug spray was only one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other habits I relied on regularly.

1. Wear Light-Coloured Clothing
   Mosquitoes are often more attracted to dark colours than light ones. When spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk, I would often wear light-coloured shirts and loose-fitting pants.
2. Cover Up When Possible
   Long sleeves, lightweight pants, socks, and closed shoes can make a huge difference when mosquitoes are active. Loose clothing is generally more effective than tight-fitting clothing because mosquitoes can sometimes bite through thin fabric pressed against the skin.
3. Spray Clothing, Not Just Skin
   One thing I learned quickly was that protecting clothing can be just as important as protecting skin. I would lightly spray the outside of shirts, pant legs, hats, and socks before heading out.
4. Avoid Standing Water Around Campsites
   Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. If you’re camping or spending time around your property, dumping out buckets, containers, bird baths, or other sources of stagnant water can help reduce mosquito populations nearby.
5. Use Fans When Sitting Outdoors
   Mosquitoes are surprisingly weak flyers. A simple outdoor fan on a patio or campsite can make it harder for them to land and also helps disperse the carbon dioxide we exhale, which attracts them.
6. Time Outdoor Activities Wisely
   Mosquitoes are usually most active around dawn and dusk. If bugs are particularly bad, planning hikes, gardening, or outdoor chores during the middle of the day can sometimes help.
7. What About B Vitamins and Bitter Foods?
   You may hear people recommend taking B vitamins or eating certain foods to make themselves less attractive to mosquitoes. These ideas have been popular for many years, and I certainly heard them often while living in Bali. Locals ate bitter fruits and vegetables as a repellent routine.

A Simple Seasonal Reminder
One of the best parts of summer is spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re camping, gardening, hiking, or enjoying an evening around the fire pit, a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping bugs at bay.
For me, that starts with a homemade bug spray, light clothing, and being prepared before heading outside.

Disclaimer
This recipe is shared for informational purposes only and is based on personal experience. Essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Always perform a patch test before use, avoid contact with eyes, and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Natural products may not provide the same level of protection as registered insect repellents and should not be relied upon for protection against insect-borne diseases in high-risk areas.

With Bliss xo