🦟 DIY Bug Repellent Spray with Catnip Hydrosol & Essential Oils

If you're looking for a natural alternative to synthetic bug sprays, this plant-powered formula is a refreshing, effective way to keep mosquitoes and biting insects at bay — without coating your skin in chemicals.

This recipe uses catnip hydrosol, high-proof alcohol, and essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, geranium, and cedarwood. Together, they create a beautifully scented spray that’s surprisingly strong when it comes to insect-repelling power.

Here’s how to make it:

🌿 Herbal Bug Repellent Spray Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 fl oz catnip hydrosol (Nepeta cataria)

• 2 fl oz 190-proof alcohol (like Everclear)

• 35 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil (Corymbia citriodora)

• 25 drops geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

• 20 drops Virginia cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in an 8 oz glass spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Store in a cool, dark place — or the refrigerator — for up to a year.

   
   

Spray on exposed skin, clothing, or gear before heading outdoors. Avoid eyes and do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

🧪 Why This Formula Works: The Herbal Science Behind the Blend

Each ingredient in this spray serves a purpose — not just for scent, but for its ability to deter insects naturally. Let’s explore why this formula is more than just a good-smelling blend.

🐱 Catnip Hydrosol (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip isn’t just for cats — it’s a powerful insect repellent backed by science. The active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, has been shown to be even more effective than DEET in some studies. If you do not know how to make a hydrosol, please check out this blog post on hydrosols here: https://www.theearthboundherb.com/post/what-is-a-hydrosol-diy-skincare-s-secret-weapon

Why it's in this spray:

• Nepetalactone affects insects’ olfactory receptors, making it harder for them to locate human scent.

• It's gentle on the skin and offers a cooling, herbaceous base.

• Hydrosols (the aromatic water left over from essential oil distillation) offer a less concentrated, more skin-friendly alternative to essential oils while still carrying the plant’s aromatic and therapeutic properties.

  
  

Catnip hydrosol makes up the base of this spray, setting the tone with its insect-repelling and skin-soothing properties.

🍋 Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Corymbia citriodora)

This oil is the powerhouse of the blend. Not to be confused with standard eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus contains high levels of p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) — a compound approved by the CDC as an effective mosquito repellent.

Why it's in this spray:

• Lemon eucalyptus has been shown to provide protection from mosquitoes for up to six hours.

• It masks human scent while directly repelling a wide variety of biting insects.

• It adds a bright, lemony, herbal aroma that complements the other oils beautifully.

  
  

This is the oil most similar in performance to DEET — but from a plant, not a lab.

🌸 Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium oil is a gentle yet effective addition that balances the blend both aromatically and energetically. Its sweet, floral scent is known to deter ticks, mosquitoes, and even lice.

Why it's in this spray:

• Known for its tick-repelling abilities, especially when paired with cedarwood or citronella.

• Offers anti-inflammatory and skin-calming benefits in case of bites or irritation.

• Enhances the overall scent profile with a light, rosy-green note.

  
  

Geranium is a beautiful middle note in the recipe — and a favorite among herbalists for both its function and fragrance.

🌲 Virginia Cedarwood Essential Oil (Juniperus virginiana)

Cedarwood oil is grounding, woody, and deeply protective. It’s also a long-standing traditional insect repellent used in natural moth balls and closet sachets.

Why it's in this spray:

• Effective against mosquitoes, moths, and some ticks.

• Its dry, woody aroma acts as a fixative, helping the more volatile citrus oils last longer on the skin.

• Known to soothe skin and support lymphatic flow — helpful when applied topically.

  
  

Virginia cedarwood is also more skin-friendly than some other cedar species, making it ideal for use in body sprays.

🍃 190-Proof Alcohol (like Everclear)

While not herbal in origin, this high-proof alcohol plays a critical role in the recipe.

Why it's in this spray:

• Acts as a natural preservative, helping the formula last up to a year.

• Helps essential oils disperse evenly in the hydrosol base.

• Gives the spray a quick-drying finish so it doesn’t leave your skin wet or sticky.

  
  

You can substitute with vodka or witch hazel in a pinch, but the potency and preservation won't be quite the same.

🌞 When & How to Use This Spray

This herbal bug spray is ideal for:

• Gardening and yard work

• Forest walks and nature trails

• Backyard evenings or camping trips

• Any outdoor activity

  
  

Spray liberally on exposed skin and clothing. If using near your face, spray onto hands and gently pat around neck and shoulders.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• Always perform a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Avoid spraying directly into eyes or open wounds.

• Not for internal use or use on infants under 6 months.

• Store out of direct sunlight and heat to preserve the essential oils.

  
  

💚 Why Make Your Own Bug Spray?

Most store-bought repellents rely on synthetic chemicals like DEET or permethrin. While effective, these ingredients can come with downsides — especially for sensitive individuals or those trying to reduce toxic load.

By making your own:

• You control the ingredients

• You avoid unnecessary fillers or irritants

• You get the added benefit of herbal skin care + aromatherapy

• It becomes a ritual, not just a product

  
  

Making your own bug spray connects you back to the land — and to the plant allies that have been helping humans protect themselves for centuries.

🌿 Final Thoughts

This herbal bug spray blends tradition, research, and sensory beauty into a single bottle. Catnip, lemon eucalyptus, geranium, and cedarwood each bring their own wisdom to the mix, creating something that’s not only functional — but deeply rooted in plant-powered care.

It’s simple, effective, and made with your well-being in mind.

✨ So next time you step into nature, take your plant allies with you. Let them protect your skin, clear your energy, and remind you that the Earth always has your back.

~Lydia ❤️