Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray

Mosquitoes have you dreading summer? Whip up a bottle of Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray to keep them at bay. Natural lemon eucalyptus oil is super effective and smells fantastic as well!

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It’s pretty great here at Camp Topisaw all year long

Well, except during winter ice storms when the power goes off and stays off. Then it’s not so nice.

But otherwise the seasons generally come and go in a happy parade. Fall brings bonfire season and Thanksgiving, my family’s favorite holiday. On to winter and cold numbing days and walks in the woods and wrapping in cozy blankets to watch old films. And then spring, oh spring, and sweet daffodils and chewing gum scented magnolias. Spring, when pulling weeds in the garden is easy, and I foolishly imagine that I might be able to keep ahead of them this year…

But when Camp Topisaw really shines is in the summer. The days are so long but somehow never quite long enough to fit in all we want to do in the glorious warmth. I take a chair to the creek and write or read with my feet in the water and the sound of birds and rushing water all around me. I go for walks and marvel at the tangle of vibrant green. Layers and layers of green. I bask on the rock bar, soaking up the warmth of the stones like a lizard. Dinner is always late and is rarely more than a bit of this or that. No one’s that hungry, and it’s just too delicious being outside.

Unless. Yes, unless the mosquitoes are outside as well. They ARE hungry and, unfortunately, their favorite meal is, well, me.

That’s when this Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray comes in handy. Here’s why I love it and why I think you’ll want to make some and keep it on hand:

1. It’s made with all natural ingredients.
2. It smells nice, fresh and super lemony.
3. It works!

about lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Derived from the Australian Eucalyptus citriodora tree, lemon eucalyptus oil contains para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a compound that makes it an effective insect repellent. How effective?

NMSU (New Mexico State University) researchers found that a product containing oil of lemon eucalyptus was about as effective and as long lasting as products containing DEET.

-NPR

Now that’s effective! Plus you can feel better knowing you’re using a natural insect repellent.

Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray ingredients

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Essential oils have become so popular lately — a good thing. I’ve noticed, though, that most people are getting tiny bottles of oil for big prices. Since I use essential oils for soap and candle making, I have to buy much larger bottles, and the price is usually much cheaper. Since I buy only from companies that I trust, I know that I’m getting quality oils at reasonable prices. The lemon eucalyptus oil I use is from Wholesale Supplies Plus, and I feel confident recommending any and all of the products you see on their site! (I’m not an affiliate — just really love the company.) That said, you can purchase lemon eucalyptus oil from many places, including Amazon.

Cyclomethicone. This is the carrier, the base, the liquid that holds the essential oil in Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray so you can spray it on your skin. It’s not oily but rather powdery, and leaves your skin feeling silky and moisturized.

8 oz plastic bottle with fine mist sprayer. You can also do a super thing and recycle an empty hand sanitizer bottle to use. Just wash and rinse well then dry thoroughly before using.

Printable Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray label. Available on our Freebies Page. Click to gain access!

how to make Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray

1. Add 6 ounces cyclomethicone to bottle.
2. With pipette/dropper, add 3.5 ml (equivalent to .12 fluid ounces or 54 drops or 3.4 grams) lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
3. Tighten cap, and shake well.
4. Apply label to bottle.
5. Spray on skin (avoiding your face) before venturing forth to enjoy summer, bite free!

lemon eucalyptus bug spray Project notes

• WARNINGS: Do not spray on your face or around eyes or nose. Some sources say that lemon eucalyptus oil shouldn’t be used on kids under 3 years. Don’t apply essential oil directly to your skin.
• Have a different size bottle? You can make this project in any size using this formula:

For each ounce of cyclomethicone, add 9 drops (OR .6 ml OR .02 fluid ounces OR .6 grams)  lemon eucalyptus essential oil

• Shake well each time before using.
• Handy Tip: If your sprayer tube is too long for the bottle, cut it using a pair of (clean) dog’s nail clippers! This is a trick that I’ve used for many years to cut tubes and candle wicks.