Some oils from natural ingredients like peppermint, garlic, lemon, and thyme may help ward off insects. However, more research is needed to fully support the benefits of homemade bug sprays.

Not everyone is comfortable using synthetic chemicals and pesticides to ward off bugs.

Many people are turning to natural, environmentally friendly remedies, and homemade bug sprays are an easy solution. Not only are they typically safe for human use, they’re generally effective, too.

Keep reading to learn more about some natural ingredients that may help repel insects and how to use them to make your own bug spray.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires most skin-applied insect repellents to be registered for both human safety and effectiveness.

The agency has also listed several natural ingredients as minimum-risk pesticides, including oils from:

  • citronella
  • cedar
  • geranium
  • peppermint
  • soybean

It’s important to note that while these ingredients are usually safe for human use, the EPA doesn’t evaluate them for effectiveness.

Here are some popular natural ingredients that may help repel bugs in your home and yard.

Citrus oils

Citronella and citrus oils like limonene are popular and well-known insect repellents. They’re commonly used in candles to help repel insects.

Studies suggest citronella helps repel mosquitoes, as well as fleas, aphids, mites, and flies.

Garlic oil

Studies from 2024Trusted Source and 2015Trusted Source found that garlic oil may help repel ticks and prevent tick infestations.

The EPA also lists garlic oil as a natural tick repellent for use in yards and gardens.

Thyme essential oil

Some research suggests that thyme essential oil may help repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

However, it’s important to note that thyme essential oil isn’t considered safe for use on the skin unless it is diluted.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

The oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a common EPA-approved ingredient used in many insect repellents.

A 2018 reviewTrusted Source suggests that OLE may be just as effective for repelling mosquitoes as DEET, a product with some health and environmental concerns. A 2022 study also found that citrus oils could repel ants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends against using “pure” OLE, as this isn’t EPA-approved and it hasn’t been tested for safety and efficacy.

Also, OLE shouldn’t be confused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil which isn’t effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Dill essential oil

Some researchTrusted Source suggests that dill essential oil may help repel Lone Star ticks, which could transmit diseases like Lyme disease.

A 2023 study also found that using dill essential oil in a factory setting helped repel insects that may negatively impact food production.

That said, minimal research has examined the insect-repelling effects of dill essential oil in humans. The oil should also be diluted before using it on your skin.

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon oil may help repel mosquitoes. A 2019 studyTrusted Source concluded that cinnamon oil helped repel mosquitoes both in a lab setting and outdoors.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggested cinnamon oil may be effective in killing mosquito larvae as well.

However, cinnamon oil may cause skin reactions, so be sure to dilute it before using it on your body, or stick to using it in the yard.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil isn’t only helpful for relaxation and sleep. Some research suggests it could also be effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Plus, lavender is usually considered safe for topical use without diluting it.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint and peppermint oil are both natural ingredients with minimal risks, according to the EPA.

Some research suggests that peppermint may be useful in repelling several insects, such as mosquitoes, ants, flies, and lice, among others.

Plus, another study concluded that peppermint oil may be effective at keeping spiders away as well.

Although many natural ingredients are considered safe for human use, it’s important to remember that not all essential oils are safe for topical use.

If you’re planning to use essential oils on your skin, you may need to dilute them with a carrier oil.

Some essential oils, like citrus oils, can be phototoxic when applied directly to the skin. This means sun exposure may cause severe burns and irritation.

When making a bug spray recipe that’s safe for your skin, it’s important to choose essential oils that are safe and effective for topical application.

For an easy and natural mosquito repellent for your skin, you’ll need the following:

  • glass spray bottle
  • oil of lemon eucalyptus or lavender essential oil
  • witch hazel

Then, follow these steps:

  • Mix 1 part oil of lemon eucalyptus or lavender essential oil with 10 parts witch hazel in the bottle. (For each drop of oil, use 10 drops of witch hazel.)
  • Shake gently to mix.
  • Spray to apply.

You can also create a homemade bug spray to use around your house or yard.

Remember, while many essential oils are safe and effective for repelling insects, they may not all be safe for topical use.

To make an indoor and outdoor bug spray, you’ll need the following:

  • glass spray bottle
  • lavender essential oil
  • oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • citronella essential oil
  • distilled water
  • white vinegar

Then, follow these steps:

  • Mix 10 to 20 drops of each essential oil with 2 ounces (oz) of distilled water and 2 oz of white vinegar.
  • Shake gently to mix.
  • Spray to use.

Some homemade bug sprays can help keep bugs away from your plants.

However, others, like cinnamon essential oil, may cause damage to the plants themselves. That said, cinnamon oil may kill and prevent weeds from growing, suggesting it could have other potential benefits for your garden.

For a DIY recipe that won’t harm your plants, try diluting a few drops of thyme essential oil, garlic oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus with distilled water. Mix in a glass spray bottle and spritz on your plants.

Besides using a bug spray or repellent, there are other steps you can take to help protect yourself from bug bites:

  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, especially when you’re outdoors.
  • Make sure your clothing covers your arms, legs, ankles, and feet.
  • To avoid mosquito bites, try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn.
  • Use citronella candles when you’re outdoors for additional protection.
  • Avoid wearing scented lotions and perfumes outside.
  • Get rid of standing water in gutters, birdbaths, planters, pots, and wheelbarrows.
  • Keep any food or drinks covered.

Is vinegar and water a good bug repellent?

Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may help repel bugs, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential bug-repelling effects.

What is the most effective natural bug repellent?

Researchers haven’t identified a single, most effective natural bug repellent. However, oils from natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, garlic, dill, and peppermint have all been shown to effectively repel insects.

Can you spray vinegar on plants?

Research on whether it’s safe to spray vinegar (diluted acetic acid) on plants is limited, and mixed.

For instance, a 2022 studyTrusted Source found that spraying acetic acid on apple trees helped improve their drought survival. However, some environmental protection agencies note that acetic acid is sometimes used to manage weeds and kill plants.

Before using vinegar on all your plants, consider spraying it on one small plant to see how it reacts.

Insect repellents with natural oils from ingredients like garlic, thyme, lemon, and dill are growing in popularity. Some types of natural oils may be as effective at repelling insects as some popular synthetic insect repellents.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully support the effectiveness and safety of natural insect repellents.

If you want to make a homemade bug spray, make sure you know about the safety of the ingredients you’re using. Even natural ingredients can be unsafe in certain situations.