DIY Natural Kid-Safe Mosquito Repellent

Summer may be coming to a halt for some, but mosquitos don’t quite get that memo.

You see, mosquito season is at it’s highest during warmer months starting in spring through fall here, but that doesn’t mean they won’t show up during warm winter days as well. If you live in the everglades, well, I feel for you!

We live within 4 miles of a lake, so we occasionally turn into a human buffet; mostly my husband since the c02 he dispels is a little more enticing to these pesky creatures. You can also secrete a chemical in your skin like lactic acid that makes you seem more delicious too. Wonderful isn’t it? I often wonder why mosquitoes even exist, but apparently, they are important pollinators. Doesn’t make them any less of a nuisance though.

Now, I don’t like those store-bought citronella candles or sprays because there are other hidden chemicals which are absolutely horrible to breathe in, which includes DEET the unsafe ingredient. So I decided to make an all-natural citronella spray that is safe for the skin.

You’ll Need:

Spray bottle
Shoo Fly Synergy Blend oil (1/2 – 1 tsp)
Witch hazel (1/2 cup)
Fractionated coconut oil (1 tsp)
Distilled Water (1/2 cup)

Homemade Bug Spray Instructions:

Place shoo fly synergy blend essential oil in your 16oz glass spray bottle.
Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.
Add 1 tsp fractionated coconut oil.
Add distilled water and shake again.

Be sure to shake before each use because the oils and water will separate over time.

I feel like this is one of those must-have sprays that either needs to be left by the door, or in a first-aid kit if you plan on heading outside because you just never know when the mosquitos are rampant. Most of the lakes up here have thick mosquitos so this DIY Natural Kid-Safe Mosquito Repellent is so very needed! My husband went fishing one time and counted 16 mosquito bites on his hand/lower arm alone and that’s no joke. We also went to the beach this past weekend and I got a mosquito bite on my knee where my pants have a hole. Do note, they can bite through jeans as well so you will want to spray your clothes down too.

While this and other essential oil sprays have been shown to be effective bug repellents, they should be reapplied often for maximum benefit.