Spring is a time of celebration, rebirth, renewal, and the return of colorful greenery, blossoms, birds, and wildlife.
Unfortunately, the warmer seasons also bring the return of pesky, biting, disease-carrying bugs.
At Gaia Herbs, we appreciate insects' role in keeping a harmonious balance on our certified regenerative organic herb farm.
We’re also very concerned about declining global insect populations, so we have never used toxic pesticides and insecticides on our farm.
These synthetic chemicals are highly toxic to insects, animals, humans, soil, and the environment, acting like nukes that destroy any insect (beneficial or harmful) in its path.
Instead, we rely on regenerative approaches like companion planting, building soil health, and other non-toxic targeted pest-control solutions.
We recommend taking a similar approach to insect repellants used on your skin.
Seek natural, non-toxic, DEET-free bug sprays and lotions that keep the bugs away without exposing yourself to potentially harmful chemicals.
Yes, having the best of both worlds is possible, even for repelling ticks.
In this article, we’ll show you which natural and non-toxic ingredients are most effective for repelling bugs, plus how to make your own economical DIY natural insect repellants in minutes.
What Chemicals Should I Avoid in Insect Repellants?
Conventional insect repellants may appear safe and effective.
After all, most schools and camps recommend their use on children, and no one wants to risk contracting an insect-borne illness if they can help it.
However, synthetic insect repellants/bug sprays sold in stores contain EPA-registered pesticides.
This is how they work to repel and kill bugs.
The same goes for synthetic mosquito treatments used in yards, schools, and public places.
We willingly expose ourselves to potentially harmful pesticides whenever we use these products.
The most infamous ingredient of concern is DEET.
Until recently, nearly every bug spray contained DEET, a very effective pesticide for repelling various bugs, including disease-carrying ticks.
However, like nearly all synthetic chemical pesticides, DEET has a dark side.
Research recorded in the NIH’s Compound Summary of DEET has shown it is toxic to the nervous system and may cause various mild to severe symptoms, including:REF#3829
- Aplastic anemia
- Bleeding
- Coma
- Convulsive seizure or death
- Crying out
- Disorientation
- Episodes of stiffening into a sitting position, extending of extremities, flexing of the
- fingers and dorsiflexion of the toes.
- Mucous membrane irritation
- Jaundice
- Skin and eye irritation
- Slurred speech
- Staggering gait
Many of these side effects are rare, which is why DEET is approved for use in humans.
However, it is enough to raise legitimate alarm for frequent use, especially in children.
There is also a lack of data on DEET’s long-term effects on humans.
Picaridin is Another Synthetic Chemical That’s Become Popular in Bug Sprays
Many consumers are seeking alternatives to DEET because of health and long-term concerns. Hence, the synthetic pesticide Picaridin is gaining popularity in bug sprays.
Picaridin was introduced to the market in 2005 and is considered less toxic than DEET, rated “3” (slightly toxic) for acute oral and dermal toxicity, and rated “4” (practically non-toxic) for primary eye and skin irritation based on the available toxicological data.REF#3830
It also does not appear to have the same neurotoxic effects as DEET.
All this is encouraging.
However, Picaridin has only been on the market since 2005, so data on its long-term effects is lacking.
Presently, it seems to be a comparable yet less toxic alternative to DEET.
Growing public awareness about the harms of pesticides has created a significant demand for natural bug sprays.
Today, many non-toxic options utilize herbs and plant-based ingredients to repel mosquitos, ticks, and other creepy critters.
But do they work, and are they as effective as conventional bug sprays?
Let’s examine the research about the best natural insect repellants.
8 Science-Backed Plant-Based Natural Insect Repellants
Most of us have been taught that natural ingredients cannot be effective bug repellents.
This belief has kept many people relying on products they know are potentially harmful to repel harmful insects.
This is understandable given the severity of certain mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, such as Zika, Lyme Disease, and La Crosse encephalitis.
Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds, provided you know which plants, herbs, and essential oils have been proven to repel disease-carrying insects.
Most of the plants and herbs we’ll discuss have been studied in the form of essential oils.
Essential oils are used, studied, and recommended for bug sprays versus the whole plant because they contain concentrated amounts of specific insect-repellant plant compounds, such as Thymol, Citronellal, Citronellol, and Geraniol.
However, studies, traditional uses, and experience also suggest planting these plants, flowers, herbs, and trees around your yard can also help repel insects.REF#3831
The use of plants as natural fumigants is still practiced extensively in most rural parts of the tropics, where chemical insecticides are unavailable, perceived as unsafe, and/or too costly.
The one caveat when using natural insect repellents is they typically do not last as long as synthetic pesticides, so reapplication every one and a half to two hours is recommended.
1: Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil, also known as “Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus,” is one of the most popular ingredients in natural insect repellants.
This is because it’s the only essential oil recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as an effective natural insecticide comparable to DEET.
The main active insecticide plant compound in Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil is Citronellal, comprising 85% of the oil.REF#3832
As a bonus, Lemon Eucalyptus is effective against mosquitoes and ticks.REF#3833 REF#3834
2: Garlic for Ticks, Mosquitos, and More
Garlic has a storied history as an herb for protection.
For example, folklore associates Garlic as a vampire, disease, and insect repellant.
Although no evidence supports its use on vampires, emerging research has shown garlic can be an effective natural insecticide.
- For example, one study showed applications of Garlic juice on lawns were effective at killing black-legged ticks.REF#3835
- The sulfide compounds found in Garlic essential oil have also been shown effective against mosquitoes and their larvae, along with moths, mealworms, Japanese termites, German cockroaches, and more.REF#3836
Due to their smell, Garlic juice and oil are most commonly used in natural insecticides designed for gardening and farming.
However, some people use homemade garlic oil, either “neat” or combined with essential oils, as a natural insect repellent.
It may not be the most pleasant-smelling natural insect repellent, but it does appear to work.
3: Citronella
Citronella is the most recognized natural insect repellent used in bug sprays, candles, and as a plant.
Many people don’t know that Citronella has been an EPA-registered biopesticide since the 1940s and thus has a long history of use as a natural bug repellant.
It’s also been used in its native Asia for centuries as a natural insecticide, fungicide, and other traditional uses.
Citronella's main active insecticide compounds include Citronellal, Citronellol, and Geraniol.
Many studies have validated Citronella’s efficacy for repelling mosquitoes.REF#3837 REF#3838 However, research shows it needs to be used in the right concentration and re-applied at least every two hours for best results.
It also works well with other essential oils, which we’ll discuss next.
4: Thyme for Ticks and Mosquitos
Thyme is typically considered a culinary herb.
However, as mentioned in Make Time for Thyme! 9 Ways This Common Herb May Benefit Immunity, Respiratory Function, Heart Health, & More, this common woodsy herb is incredibly versatile to support wellness and as a natural insect repellent.
Thymol, the main active plant compound in Thyme, is believed to be responsible for its efficacy against various bugs, including mosquitos, ticks, garden pests, and even the common housefly.REF#3839
This is why it is commonly used as a natural garden insecticide and weed killer.REF#3840
One study found that a 5% Thyme essential oil solution was comparable to a 20% DEET solution for repelling ticks attached to clothing.REF#3841
Thyme is effective when used on its own. However, research has shown it works even better when combined with Citronella, offering up to 91% effectiveness at repelling mosquitos and ticks.REF#3842
As with Citronella, application every two hours is recommended for best results.
5: Soybean Oil
Most health-conscious consumers avoid soybean oil in their food due to concerns about GMOs and processing.
However, research has shown it does serve a purpose by helping enhance the effectiveness of other essential oils and insecticides in formulas.REF#3843
Still not a fan of soybean oil?
Research also shows that coconut, palm, and andiroba oils show some level of repellency, although not at the level of other essential oils listed here.
The primary purpose of using these oils in natural insect repellants is to leverage their unsaturated fatty acids, which act as emulsifiers to improve repellent coverage and slow evaporation of volatile repellent molecules.
This is why soybean oil is often used as the base of premade and DIY non-toxic bug repellants.
6: Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another tropical plant that has been (and still is!) traditionally used to repel various bugs, particularly mosquitos, in tropical areas.
Lemongrass contains many active plant compounds that act as natural insecticides, including Citral α, Citral β, Nerol Geraniol, and Citronellal.REF#3844
Research suggests its historical use is valid, with one study showing lemongrass up to 95% effective in repelling mosquitoes.REF#3845
One study also found it was effective at repelling tropical cattle ticks.REF#3846
7: Neem
Neem has been a staple in Ayurveda, the traditional wellness practice of India, since at least 2,000 BCE as an herb, a tree of protection, and a natural insect repellent.
Neem’s main plant compound, azadirachtin, can deter biting insects through its unpleasant taste and smell. It also inhibits molting, which keeps insect populations from multiplying.
Neem has a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, in addition to azadirachtin, that are also believed to play a role in its insecticide effects.
Research has shown Neem-based repellents provide safe and low-risk protection against mosquitoes comparable to DEET products. Although Neem was found to be effective for up to 3 hours versus 8 hours for DEET.REF#3847
Animal studies have also shown Neem oil is effective at killing tick larvae and can kill adult ticks on contact.REF#3848 REF#3849 REF#3850
For more fascinating facts about Neem and its history as a natural insect repellent, see: Neem Oil: The Natural Insect Repellent.
8: Oregano Oil
Although Oregano Oil hasn’t been studied as much as the other natural insect repellants here, studies have shown it can be effective.
For example, the same study cited previously in the Thyme section found Oregano Oil at 5% concentration was also comparable to a 20% DEET solution for repelling ticks attached to clothing.REF#3851
Oregano Oil contains Thymol, Carvacrol, linalool, terpineol, and α–terpinene, which are all considered natural insect-repellent compounds.REF#3852
One study found a highly concentrated version of Oregano Oil (40%) exhibited more repellency against bed bugs than a commercial insect-repellent stick containing 33% DEET. More research is needed, but the results of this study are fascinating.REF#3853
Other research has shown Oregano Oil can also be effective on mosquitos and ticks.REF#3854
How to Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent
Now that you know which plants and essential oils are most effective, you can make your own homemade DIY natural insect repellent.
The two easiest ways to go about this are:
- Make a spray
- Make an oil
Here, we provide basic recipes you can customize for you and/or your family.
Basic DIY Insect Repellent Spray, 2 Ways
#1: Soap-Based DIY Natural Bug Spray
Supplies
- Four 4 oz empty dark (amber, cobalt blue, etc.) glass spray bottles with spray nozzle
- Glass is recommended over plastic because essential oils will not damage or degrade a glass bottle. If you want/need an unbreakable option, choose stainless steel. Dark bottles are recommended to preserve the mixture.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Distilled Water
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap
- 50-100 drops essential oils of choice OR 1 teaspoon Neem Oil
- The optimal amount of essential oil depends on your skin type, so start with less and test for effectiveness and tolerance before adding more
How to Make:
- Combine everything in a large mason jar and cover with a lid.
- Shake to combine.
- Store in a spray bottle(s), and apply every 90 minutes to 2 hours for best results.
- Makes four 4 oz spray bottles
#2: Witch Hazel-Based DIY Natural Bug Spray
Supplies
- Four 4 oz empty dark-colored (amber, cobalt blue, etc.) glass spray bottles with a spray nozzle.
- Glass is recommended over plastic because essential oils will not damage or leach a glass bottle. If you want/need an unbreakable option, choose stainless steel. Dark bottles are recommended to preserve the mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Distilled Water
- 1 cup Witch Hazel
- 1 teaspoon glycerin or carrier oil (helps it stick)
- 50-100 drops essential oils of choice OR 1 teaspoon Neem Oil
- The optimal amount of essential oil depends on your skin type, so start with less and test for effectiveness and tolerance before adding more
How to Make:
- Combine everything in a large mason jar and cover with a lid.
- Shake to combine.
- Store in the dark bottle(s) and apply every 90 minutes to 2 hours for best results.
- Makes four 4 oz bottles.
Basic DIY Insect Repellent Oil
Supplies
- A 4 oz glass or stainless bottle with dropper or pump
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soybean oil or carrier oil of choice (jojoba, sweet almond, olive oil, sesame oil, etc)
- Note, coconut oil can be used but will solidify at room temperature making it difficult to pump
- 40-80 drops essential oils of choice
- The best amount of essential oil depends on your skin type. Start with less and test it for effectiveness and tolerability before adding more.
How to Make:
- Combine everything in a large mason jar or measuring cup.
- Mix using a whisk or immersion blender.
- Store in the dark bottle(s) and apply every 90 minutes to 2 hours, for best results.
- Makes four 4 oz bottles.
Natural Insect Repellent FAQs
How Much Essential Oil Should You Add to Your Bug Spray for Maximum Effectiveness?
The studies aren’t consistent as amounts vary from oil to oil, with some containing higher concentrations of essential oils that may not be safe for DIYers.
In addition, not everyone will tolerate the same amount of essential oils on their skin (especially children or those with delicate, sensitive, or allergic skin types).
Finally, since essential oils are natural products, not all brands/batches will necessarily be consistent in their concentrations of active plant compounds.
Therefore, the safest course of action is to buy the highest quality 100% pure essential oils you can afford and experiment with the amounts recommended in the recipes, adding and subtracting a few drops here and there, and see what works best for you.
Can Natural Bug Sprays Cause Reactions?
Yes! Even natural substances may not be compatible with every person’s skin or body.
Although they do not carry the same risks as DEET, people can be allergic or sensitive to certain essential oils, such as those with limonene or cinnamon.
Natural bug sprays, especially DIY versions, can also cause a reaction if they contain too high a concentration of certain essential oils. This is why we recommend starting with less rather than more.
An excellent way to avoid this is to test a small skin patch before applying your DIY or premade brand all over.
Are All Plant- or Essential Oil-Based Bug Sprays Natural and Non-Toxic?
Not necessarily.
Although you control what goes into DIY bug sprays, premade brands may include synthetic and natural ingredients, depending on the formula.
You can usually decipher this by reading the label, but some ingredients—even natural and non-toxic ones—may be unfamiliar.
You can use consumer advocate sites and apps like The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) SkinDeep Database if you are unsure.
Here, you just scan or type in the name of the bug spray, and EWG will rate it on a scale of 1-10, with “1” being the least toxic and “10” being the most harmful.
Ideally, you’d opt for products in the “1-2” range, especially for the chemically sensitive or those with young babies or children.
How Long Will DIY Bug Sprays Last/What Is Their Shelf Life?
It depends on your recipe, but since essential oils contain natural preservative properties, they can last several months without spoilage.
The DIY oil recipe will spoil faster, especially if kept in the sun.
It is recommended to store DIY bug spray in a dark bottle away from direct sunlight.
Looking for More Non-Toxic, Natural DIY Recipes?
Making your own natural bug spray or oil is a great place to start your DIY journey, and you’ll soon discover there’s nearly no limit to what you can create at home.
For more non-toxic and natural DIY projects, check out the following articles: