Here’s a Homemade Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Kids that’s made of clean ingredients for a more natural approach to bug spray.
Have you seen the ingredients on some bug sprays?
They usually contain DEET which is a watered-down version of agent orange. In higher concentrations, it’s also used as a pesticide. [source] It’s extremely effective at keeping bugs away but it’s not worth the risks. [source]
What essential oils keep mosquitos away?
I’ve used citronella and lemongrass to specifically repel mosquitos, but the additional oils help repel ticks and fleas as well.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is also effective at repelling ticks and mosquitos but may not be entirely safe for kids. [source] I’ve omitted it from this recipe for that specific reason. Please make note of this if you decide to purchase a bug spray for your family as many store bought bug sprays often use this ingredient as a DEET alternative.
How to make bug spray with essential oils
1. That’s easy. Just combine all ingredients in a measuring cup then pour into a 8 ounce spray bottle.
Tips for making the best essential oil bug spray recipe that’s kid and dog safe
- Make sure that you’re getting high quality essential oils. You want to make sure that the oils are diluted or mixed with other oils that may not be safe for kids or dogs.
- I use Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar.
- Don’t allow dogs to drink this bug spray. While it’s not toxic and safe for exterior use, too much vinegar can give dogs digestive trouble.
If you like this Homemade Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Kids, try my other DIY clean living recipes.
- Homemade Laundry Detergent (No Borax)
- Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap
- Homemade Disinfectant Spray
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
- I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
- The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Made this recipe and am pretty pleased.
How often should this be sprayed?
I usually spray it again after I stop smelling it. Usually ever hour.
Do you have Substitute for lavender oil do not like smell of it
I would just double the geranium oil. But the lavender smell doesn't really show through. This mostly smells like ACV.
Need to replace the geranium oil. Whats good? Im allergic to that family of plants
Just leave it out. Or substitute it with additional lavender oil.
Hello
Thank you for your recipe. I would like to try this, have almost all the ingredients except for Lemongrass. I have lemon essential oil. Could you suggest a replacement for the lemongrass, a few examples? Also, does the apple cider vinegar leave a smell, is this mix of essential oils adequate in masking it?
Thanks again for your recipe and knowledgeable post!
If you don't have lemongrass, then just leave it out. I don't have a substitute. And the ACV does leave a smell. This doesn't smell great but it works.
Instead of Acv, could you use witch hazel?
Yes. Witch hazel is a good substitute. It would probably smell less offensive with witch hazel as well!
Thank you for this bug spray. I am going to try it out as my Muffin has gone through the dreaded ehrlichiosis twice in the last 3 years. It was scary both the times. She hardly has ticks but the two times we found a tick on her body and a month later she got the sickness.
I'm so sorry your pup got sick. I hope this helps.