In Northern Michigan, where we’re headed soon on a road trip, there are lots and lots of little biting bugs. And when evening comes, these little biting bugs all seem to all love to feast on me.

I won’t put DEET on myself or on my family, so I’ve tried a number of natural insect repellants over the years. I found one that worked decently that utilizes various essential oils, which we’ve bought and used for the last few years. Recently, however, a friend of mine sent me the following recipe, which actually has many of the same ingredients as the spray I was buying commercially. I haven’t tried it yet, but based on what’s inside it, I have high hopes that it’ll work as well as the stuff we were buying.

Here’s what I made:

All-Natural Homemade Insect Deterrent Recipe

Spray bottle
1 generous pinch of Epsom salt
10 drops Purification essential oil (I get mine HERE)
10 drops Peppermint essential oil (I get mine HERE)
10 drops Thieves essential oil (I get mine HERE)
3 oz distilled water

Add the Epsom Salt to the bottle, than add the essential oils.

Fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. Shake well to mix.

Shake well before each use.

Spray skin and clothes generously, avoiding the face (you don’t want to accidentally spray this – or anything else – in anyone’s eyes).

Reapply as needed.

NOTE: The natural insect repellant I was buying says to reapply every hour. I’d guess this formula needs about the same reapplication rate, at least during the heavier bug times.

You can find out more about the essential oils I use as well as how to order your own amazing essential oils HERE.