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
How to make Homemade Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Kids
This Homemade Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Kids is a safe and effective bug spray to keep your family safe and itch free this summer.
Materials
- Measuring cup
- Dark Glass Spray Bottle
Tools
- 50 drops Geranium Oil (ticks)
- 50 drops Lavender Oil (ticks)
- 50 drop Citronella Oil (fleas and mosquitos)
- 50 drops Lemongrass Oil (Fleas, mosquitos and ticks)
- 4 ounces Apple Cider Vinegar
- 4 ounces Water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Pour into a 8 ounce spray bottle.
Notes
- 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.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Can you add vanilla extract to this recipe. And if so would you eliminate something else or no
You could. You wouldn't need to eliminate anything else. Although I'm not sure why you would want too? If you're trying to cover up the scent of ACV, I don't think vanilla would be enough to do it. It's quite strong.
Vanilla is supposed to extend the life of the other oils
Hi Beth, how often would you apply the spray on dogs? thanks
I would do it every couple of hours.
Can you name the brand of oils you use. I am new to this and don’t quite have a grasp on what you mean diluted oils?
Since this is just for a spray, I use whatever I have on hand or is the most affordable. When I say 'diluted oils' I'm referring to the ingredients. Just make sure the ingredients are just the oil nothing else.
Hi Beth. I love this spray! I use it all the time. I would like to mention though you should never use what ever oils. They get absorbed by your skin and pets and inhaled. Only use CPTG oils like dōTERRA. Lots of misleading advertising and labels on oils now days. Again, thank you for this recipe.
I'm glad you like this 'recipe.'
So..if your pup licks it after you spray it will it hurt them drinking it?
I think they would be fine if they licked it. Just don't let them drink it.
Do I spray this in the air or on my pet and kids?
I sprayed it directly on myself, my kid and my dogs. I just kept it away from everyone's faces.
Is this safe to use on toddlers?
None of the ingredients are toxic. I used it on my toddler. I just kept it out of his face and didn't use it near open cuts. It would most definitely sting.
Hi, are these safe for pets? When I looked them up it mentions some of them are toxic.
I keep it away from their faces when spraying the dogs. I felt safe using it on my dogs. However, I'm not a vet. If you are concerned about safety, check with your vet.
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.