Lemongrass Bug Spray Recipe That Really Works Fast

When summer rolls around, nothing is more annoying than battling pesky bugs while trying to enjoy the outdoors. Instead of relying on harsh chemical sprays, why not opt for a natural alternative that smells refreshing and keeps those insects at bay?

Lemongrass is a fantastic ingredient for homemade bug spray because it contains citronella, a natural insect repellent. Plus, it’s gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through a simple and effective lemongrass bug spray recipe that you can make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a camping trip, or just want to enjoy your backyard in peace, this recipe will become your go-to solution.

Let’s dive into how you can create a safe, aromatic, and powerful bug spray right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemongrass bug spray recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it uses natural ingredients, making it safe for your family, pets, and the environment.

Unlike commercial bug sprays that often contain DEET or other chemicals, this DIY spray harnesses the power of essential oils and fresh herbs.

It’s also incredibly easy and inexpensive to make. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh lemongrass or essential oil, you can whip up several bottles to share with friends and family.

Plus, the fresh citrusy scent of lemongrass is refreshing rather than overpowering, so you’ll actually enjoy wearing it.

Finally, this spray is versatile. You can adjust the strength, add other natural repellents like lavender or peppermint, and even use it as a light body mist on hot days.

Say goodbye to itchy bug bites and hello to peaceful outdoor fun!

Ingredients

• 1 cup water (preferably distilled or boiled and cooled)
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (natural astringent and base for the spray)
• 10-15 drops lemongrass essential oil (or 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, chopped)
• 10 drops citronella essential oil (boosts insect repellent power)
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional, enhances scent and repellent effect)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional, helps the spray adhere to skin)
• 1 teaspoon almond oil or jojoba oil (optional, for skin moisturization)

Equipment

• Spray bottle (preferably glass or BPA-free plastic, 8 oz size)
• Small funnel (for easy pouring)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl or jar (to combine ingredients)
• Knife and chopping board (if using fresh lemongrass)
• Strainer (if infusing fresh lemongrass)

Instructions

1. If using fresh lemongrass: Chop 2 stalks into small pieces and place them in a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let the lemongrass infusion cool completely. Strain the liquid into a clean bowl or jar, discarding the solids.
3. Combine the base: Add 1/4 cup of witch hazel to the cooled lemongrass water (or plain water if using essential oil only).
4. Using a small funnel, pour the liquid mixture into your spray bottle.
5. Add essential oils: Add 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 10 drops of citronella oil, and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil if desired. These oils enhance the bug-repelling properties.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin to help the spray stick to your skin, and 1 teaspoon of almond or jojoba oil for moisturizing benefits.
7. Close the spray bottle tightly and shake well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
8. Label your bottle with the date and ingredients. Store in a cool, dark place.
9. Before each use, shake the bottle well to ensure oils are evenly dispersed.
10. Spray generously on exposed skin and clothing before heading outdoors. Avoid spraying near eyes and mouth.

Tips & Variations

“Always perform a patch test before widespread use to ensure no skin irritation occurs.”

For an extra boost against mosquitoes, try adding a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. These also have natural insect-repellent qualities.

If you prefer a stronger scent, increase the essential oils by a few drops but never exceed 25 drops total for an 8 oz spray.

If you want a spray without witch hazel, you can substitute with vodka or apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind the scent will change. For a kid-friendly version, omit the glycerin and oils with potential sensitivity, and focus on diluted lemongrass infusion only.

To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and store in multiple bottles. This recipe should keep fresh for up to two weeks; after that, make a new batch for best results.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This lemongrass bug spray is perfect to take along on any outdoor adventure. Use it before hiking, gardening, or enjoying a barbecue on the patio.

It is also handy to keep at your bedside during mosquito season.

For kids, spray lightly on clothing rather than skin to reduce any risk of irritation. If you’re attending an outdoor event, keep a small bottle in your bag for quick refreshes throughout the day.

Want to combine it with other natural remedies? Check out these refreshing recipes for your outdoor gatherings:

• Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas
• Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food
• Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious

Conclusion

Making your own lemongrass bug spray is a wonderful way to stay protected from insects naturally while enjoying the fresh scents of essential oils. This recipe is simple, effective, and customizable to your preferences.

Plus, it’s a great option for families who want to avoid harsh chemicals and embrace eco-friendly choices.

By using fresh or essential oil lemongrass combined with citronella and a few other natural ingredients, you get a refreshing, skin-safe spray that’s perfect for outdoor fun. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and find your favorite blend to keep bugs away all season long.

For more natural DIY recipes and healthy meal ideas, be sure to explore our other posts like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Happy bug-free days ahead!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Lemongrass Bug Spray Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A natural and effective bug spray made with fresh lemongrass and essential oils. Perfect for repelling mosquitoes and other insects without harsh chemicals.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup water”, “1/4 cup fresh lemongrass, chopped”, “10 drops citronella essential oil”, “10 drops eucalyptus essential oil”, “1 tablespoon witch hazel”, “1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol”, “1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring water to a boil in a small pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped lemongrass and simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let cool completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain lemongrass infusion into a clean container.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add witch hazel, vodka, and essential oils to the infusion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vegetable glycerin if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “5”, “proteinContent”: “0g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “1g”}}