If you live in Texas like I do, then you already know… the unofficial state bird is basically the mosquito, so you need a good mosquito spray.
Between baseball games, lake days, porch sitting, backyard dinners, and watering flowers in the evening, summer means we spend a lot of time outdoors around here. And while I love a good summer night, I do not love getting eaten alive by mosquitoes the second the sun starts setting.
So over the years, I started making a simple homemade bug off spray with essential oils that we keep by the back door all summer long.
It’s fresh smelling, easy to make, and made with a handful of simple ingredients I usually already have on hand.
This is the blend I personally use most often for summer nights outdoors, early mornings at the ball field, camping trips, and evenings out on the patio.
Why I Like Homemade Bug Spray
I’ve always loved simple homemaking and finding practical ways to make everyday life feel a little better without overcomplicating everything. I’m not trying to make life harder or more extreme around here. I just enjoy making simple things for my family when I can, especially during the summer months when we’re constantly outside.
I also love being able to customize the scent depending on where we’re headed. Some blends feel more fresh and citrusy, while others have a softer woodsy summer smell that honestly just feels cozy for evenings outside.
This recipe uses a few traditional essential oils commonly found in homemade outdoor sprays, along with a witch hazel base that keeps it feeling light and refreshing.
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DIY Mosquito Spray Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons distilled water
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 12 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- Optional: 3–4 drops peppermint essential oil for a fresher outdoor blend
Supplies
- 4 oz or 8 oz amber glass spray bottle
- Small funnel
- Label
Directions
- Add the witch hazel and distilled water to your spray bottle.
- Add the essential oils.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray lightly on clothing or exposed skin before heading outdoors.
I linked everything I use for this homemade mosquito spray recipe in one easy Amazon shopping list, plus a few favorite summer things we keep by the back door this time of year.
Why These Essential Oils Are Commonly Used in Homemade Outdoor Sprays
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella is probably the most recognizable summer outdoor scent. It’s commonly used in candles, torches, and homemade bug spray recipes because of its strong fresh aroma.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass has a bright citrusy scent that pairs perfectly with citronella. I personally love using it because it smells cleaner and softer while still giving the spray that classic summer outdoor feel.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender helps soften stronger oils and gives the blend a calmer, more wearable scent. Without it, some outdoor sprays can smell a little too intense.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood adds a warm earthy scent that makes the blend smell more grounded and outdoorsy. It’s especially nice for camping trips, lake weekends, and summer nights outside.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint gives the spray a fresher cooling scent. I don’t always add it, but I like it for extra hot summer days and baseball tournaments.
Customize Your Summer Mosquito Spray Blend
One of my favorite things about homemade sprays is being able to customize the scent depending on the season or occasion.
Porch Swing Blend
Soft and calming for slow summer evenings outdoors.
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
Ballpark Blend
The one I reach for during long baseball weekends.
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Lavender
Lake Day Blend
Fresh and bright for hot summer afternoons.
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Sweet orange
- Lavender
Camping Blend
A warmer woodsy outdoor blend.
- Citronella
- Cedarwood
- Lavender
- Peppermint
What About Apple Cider Vinegar?
Some people also like using apple cider vinegar in homemade bug spray recipes, so I wanted to mention it here as another DIY option.
Potential Pros of ACV
- inexpensive pantry ingredient
- commonly used in traditional homemade recipes
- easy to mix into sprays
- strong scent profile
Potential Cons of ACV
- the smell can linger on skin and clothing
- some people find it too strong during summer heat
- may irritate sensitive skin
- can overpower the essential oil scent blend
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Instead
If you want to try apple cider vinegar in your homemade bug spray, you can simply replace part of the witch hazel with ACV.
I’d start with:
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Then add the same essential oil blend from the recipe above.
Personally, I still prefer mostly witch hazel because the scent feels lighter and fresher for everyday summer use, but some people really enjoy the stronger outdoor smell that ACV gives homemade sprays.
Tips for Homemade Mosquito Spray
- Always shake well before each use since essential oils naturally separate.
- Store in an amber glass bottle away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Make smaller batches during summer for the freshest scent.
- Patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
- Avoid spraying directly into eyes or near the face.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about summer evenings that makes me want to slow down a little. Backyard dinners, baseball games under the lights, lake weekends, nights playing volleyball or pickleball, kids swimming for hours in the pool… those are the moments I want to remember, not constantly swatting mosquitoes.
This simple homemade bug off spray has become one of those little summer staples around our house. Easy to make, smells fresh, and simple enough to keep by the back door all season long.
xo Marla Kay
