All-Natural Bug Repellent (Formula #2)

I recently tweaked the formula for the All-Natural Bug Repellent based on the research I did on the formulas of a few other all-natural brands.  This new formula works just as well and I made eight bottles for my family and friends.  Enjoy!!!

This recipe will make enough to fill eight 4-ounce bottles

The main part of the formula that changed is the essential oil blend.  I looked at what a few companies added to their formulas and decided to base my recipe on theirs.  I ended up with 6.5% Citronella, 1.7% Peppermint, 1.5% Cedarwood Virginia, 1% Eucalyptus, 1% Litsea Cubeba, 1% Lemongrass and 0.2% Geranium.  I tested it out and the mosquitoes would buzz close to me, but did not land on me.  I did not get one single bite that night.

I had this huge batch of handcrafted Catnip tincture sitting in my pantry that I used along with some Witch Hazel Extract. 

I simply blended 225 ml of Catnip Tincture and 175 ml of Witch Hazel Extract in a large glass measuring cup.

Next, I measured out the essential oils into a glass beaker.

I lined up eight sanitized 4-ounce amber bottles and added in 7.5 ml of the essential oil blend to each bottle.

I then added 50 ml of the Catnip/Witch Hazel Extract blend to each bottle.

Add the spray attachment to each bottle and you are ready to apply a label.

You can print out these labels or make your own.

Here you have it! Enough bottles to share with family and friends.  Just make sure you shake the bottle very well before applying the repellent and be aware if you spray it on your clothes, they may get stained.

All-Natural Bug Repellent (Formula #2)

225 ml Catnip Tincture (click here to learn how to make tinctures)
175 ml Witch Hazel Extract
30 ml Citronella Essential Oil
8 ml Peppermint Essential Oil
7 ml Cedarwood Virginia Essential Oil
5 ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 ml Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil
5 ml Lemongrass Essential Oil
1 ml Geranium Essential Oil


Measure out the Catnip Tincture and Witch Hazel Extract in a glass measuring cup.  Blend all the essential oils in another small glass measuring beaker or cup.  In each 4-ounce dark glass bottle, measure in 7.5 ml of the essential oil blend.  Pour 50 ml of the Catnip Tincture/Witch Hazel blend into each bottle.  Place the spray attachment fitting into each bottle and apply a label.  Use within 1 year. No refrigeration is needed.

Want to make a single 4-ounce bottle just for yourself? You will add 28 ml of Catnip Tincture, 22 ml of Witch Hazel Extract, 3.75 ml Citronella Essential Oil, 1 ml Peppermint Essential Oil, 18 drops Cedarwood Virginia Essential Oil, 12 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 12 drops Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil, 12 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil and 3 drops of Geranium to a 4-ounce bottle.  


This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs, do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs, please review my disclosure page for details. Shannon Buck and Fresh-Picked Beauty strongly recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on this website and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming any type product. Anything you find on this website still needs more research to establish the potential effectiveness and safety of any ingredient and/or suggestion.  Before you consider using anything you find on this website, you need to consult with a medical professional to help you weigh the pros and cons of using natural ingredients.  You also need to review all the available safety data for each ingredient before you use it.  Herbs and natural ingredients have been used successfully for many years, but as a precaution, I suggest that you consult a naturopathic doctor, licensed herbalist, or holistic health practitioner who is qualified to guide you in the safe use of herbs and natural ingredients. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.