Homemade Natural Bug Spray – So you can sit and stitch!

One of the fun things about moving into a new home is finding a few new favorite spots to sew.  There are a few spots in my new home that are kind of obvious places you can sit and stitch.  One would be in front of the fire place…either on the main floor or in the basement.  The other would be the back porch of the home.

It’s a great spot to sit and stitch.  I can sit and look out over the lawn and play areas.  Watch the boys hit the golf ball, Eliza kick a ball or two or the many dragon flies dart about.

But– there is of course another little issue with stitching outdoors.  The bugs!  They are everywhere!  We have a small pond in the front and that breeds them like crazy (still learning how to manage that!).

There are a few things though that do work…and thought I’d share so you can enjoy a little outdoor stitching as well without swatting at the bugs with a needle in your hand.

Homemade Natural Bug Spray

Here are some great oils that work well….depending on what kind of bugs you are trying to avoid.

Mosquitoes: Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Geranium, Clove, Sage, Cinnamon, Rosemary

Flies/Gnats: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Melaleuca, Rosemary

Ticks: Peppermint, Geranium, Thyme, Melaleuca, Cedarwood

If you are like me and like things in larger quantities and over spray or use something….or maybe someone else in the family takes the bottle over, there are some recipes for sprays in larger quantities.

DIY Homemade Bug Repellent with Essential Oils,  Bug Off!

Just in case you only have flies that bother you — here’s a great homemade fly spray.

Homemade Bug Spray Instructions

1. Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
3. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.

I’ve made a lotion bar before- but this one made especially as a lotion bar bug repellent…genius!  It’s definitely on my to do list.

If you are interested in Young Living (my favorite brand of essential oils!)  check out more info here:  Essential oils starter kit  and essential oils for beginners.

What oils are in the starter kit that are listed above?   Lavender,  Peppermint, Melaleuca, Lemon– it’s a great place to start.

---