Y’all ever hear that vanilla keeps bugs away? I thought folks were joking… until I got a message from one of our mamas who used the vanilla body butter on her child before playtime. She said everybody else came back with bites, except her little one. Not a single bump.
I was like, hold up… we might be onto something.
So I started playing around in the apothecary, mixing vanilla with a few of my favorite bug-hatin’ herbs. Nothing fancy, just stuff I already had on hand. And y’all… the spray I ended up with? It smells so good and actually works. You won’t be walking around smelling like citronella candles either. This is sweet, simple, and natural. Let me show you how to make your own homemade bug spray.
Why Go Natural?
If you’ve got sensitive skin, little ones running around, or you’re just trying to keep things clean and low-tox, you probably already know that most store-bought bug sprays are a lot. That strong chemical smell? That’s usually DEET. And while it might keep bugs away, it can also irritate your skin, stain your clothes, and feel kind of harsh to use on the regular.
Even worse, some studies have linked DEET to hormone disruption, headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and can even negatively affect the nervous system when used heavily. Health experts recommend avoiding it on babies and limiting use overall.
I’m always looking for swaps that feel good on the skin and still do what they’re supposed to do. You don’t need a bunch of harsh chemicals to keep bugs off. Plants like vanilla, clove, lavender, and lemon balm have been used for centuries to do just that. They’re gentle, they smell good, and they actually work. No stinging eyes, no heavy fumes, no junk your body doesn’t need. Just plant love doing its thing.
Vanilla as a Natural Bug Repellent
Okay so get this. That sweet, cozy smell we all love in vanilla? That comes from a compound called vanillin, and it actually helps keep mosquitoes off you. I’m not even playing. And when you mix it with other plant oils like clove or lemon balm, it really starts doing its thing.
Part of the magic is that it messes with the way bugs smell you. Mosquitoes are out here sniffin’ folks out, and when you’ve got something like vanilla on, it makes it harder for them to track you down. You basically become invisible to them.
Plus, vanilla is so gentle on the skin. It keeps bugs off, but also smells bomb and feels so good too. Honestly, this is one of those things you’ll want to spray on even if you’re not heading outside.
Other Bug-Repelling Ingredients That Work Well With Vanilla
Alright, so vanilla works pretty good all on its own. But when you pair it with the right plant oils? Woo child, that’s when all the good stuff happens! Some options to consider when making your own homemade bug spray for your family:
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Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
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Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
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Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
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Lemon (Citrus limon)
Don’t forget though, y’all: essential oils are strong! Don’t use them straight up out of the bottle. Be sure to mix them with something like water, witch hazel, or a carrier oil. And if you’re making this for children, stick with gentler options such as lavender.
DIY Vanilla Bug Spray Recipe
This homemade bug spray smells yummy like dessert and actually works. It’s quick to make, easy on the skin, and doesn’t leave you smelling like a citronella candle.
You can tweak the oils to fit what you’ve got at home, but this combo right here? *Chef’s kiss.* Grab a cute little glass spray bottle and let’s mix it up.
Supplies:
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Small 2 oz or 4 oz amber glass spray bottle
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Funnel (optional but helpful)
Ingredients:
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1 oz witch hazel or vodka (for dispersing oils)
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1 oz distilled water
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1 tsp vanilla extract (preferably pure or glycerin-based, not imitation)
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5 drops lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil
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5 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil
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5 drops lavender( Lavandula spp.) essential oil
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5 drops cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil
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Optional: 5 drops geranium essential oil for added power and floral scent
Instructions:
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Add witch hazel or vodka to the spray bottle.
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Add vanilla and essential oils.
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Top with distilled water.
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Label with the ingredients and shake well before each use.
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Spray on skin or clothing (avoid eyes and mouth).
Tips for Use:Â
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Reapply every 2–3 hours, especially outdoors.
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Safe for most adults and older children. Do a patch test first!
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Store in a cool, dark place.
More Than Just a Bug Spray
This recipe was actually inspired by my vanilla body butter. After that mama told me it kept the mosquitoes off her baby, I knew I had to turn it into a spray too.
Now I like to use both. The vanilla body butter gives you that rich, creamy layer that helps lock in moisture, softens the skin, and masks your scent. Then the bug spray goes right on top for an extra layer of plant-powered defense you can toss in your bag and reapply when you need it.
The two together? Game changer. You stay moisturized, smell amazing, and bugs buzz off!
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Sweet, Safe, and Strong
It still blows my mind that something soft and sweet like vanilla can help keep the bugs away. When you pair it with the right herbs, you’ve got a simple, natural spray that actually works and feels good on your skin.
I hope you give this homemade bug spray a try. Let it be one of those easy swaps that makes a big difference. And if you do end up making it, tell me how it goes. I love hearing what y’all are up to and what’s working for you and your family!
If you’re looking for more recipes like this, you know I’ve got you. The blog is full of natural skincare and wellness favorites, and the shop’s always stocked with goodies made from the heart.Â
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