It’s getting to be that time of year. There are TONS of DIY outdoor summer spray recipes using essential oils. I don’t think you can go wrong with choosing to make a homemade batch with natural ingredients over a store bought chemical version. Here is the DIY outdoor spray recipe I make up for my family. Mosquitoes LOVE my husband (I call him the mosquito magnet) so this is what he uses nearly every day from May through October. 

Ingredients I use (I recommend Young Living essential oils): 

• 10 drops of Purification essential oil blend
• 10 drops of Thieves essential oil blend
• 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• distilled water (or equal parts distilled water/witch hazel)
• pinch of epsom salt
• It’s best to use a glass spray bottle, however we use a medium sized spray bottle from the dollar store since we go through it pretty quickly. We just keep it handy near the back door or on the patio table.

What I do: add the above ingredients to the spray bottle and shake before each use. It’s pretty hard or near impossible to mess it up. No explosions if measurements are off. 

Optional: Sometimes I’ll add 5 drops of Citronella essential oil. Sometimes I’ll add Palo Santo/Lavender essential oil for tick prevention. If I’m out of distilled water, I do use regular water in a pinch until we get to the store. Prefer a cream? Mix your essential oils with coconut oil instead. 

Note: Low on essential oils? Try Purification + distilled water only. Or depending on my own supply, sometimes I’ll alter the recipe above and still have amazing results. Need something stronger? Add more drops. YOU control the strength. Take a look at the properties/benefits of your essential oils, play around and test/create your own special blend. Just remember that citrus oils are photo-sensitive and will break down plastics so it’s best to avoid those for this recipe. 

What I love: Overspray (well, I don’t love that part at all) but I do love that it’s chemical-free, DEET-free and if the dog or cat are nearby, they’re safe. Even my bamboo floor is safe. If I walk through overspray, I’m not gagging at the scent or trailing chemicals across the floor. I also love that since we do go through a lot of outdoor spray during the summer months and it’s something my husband is applying everyday, he’s not absorbing chemicals through his skin, but essential oils with amazing benefits. Hey, it’s one way to get those essential oils into his system! I also love that it’s safe to give the dog a spray and rub down for dissuading pesky critters this time of year too. I’ve even soaked her collar in the mixture and let it dry. 

Relief: Lavender or Purification. 

Another Note: I personally never really have an issue. Guess I’m just not that tasty. Wonder why that is or what makes the difference? However, this kind of weather seems to make the flies bite and this outdoor spray seems to be working for that for me. 

Going to try: This year, I’m going to try diffusing citronella essential oil on the patio too. I will keep you posted on the results! 

One last note:  Having my Young Living essential oils on hand means we have something on hand every day for things that come up. I only use and recommend Young Living essential oils. I love the Seed to Seal Guarantee of this world leading essential oil company with a 20 year history. Love them! YOU NEED THESE! How do you get your hands on them? Get more details and an amazing deal HERE!

Reach out with questions any time! Creating a beautiful home begins with making a safe environment.