DIY Natural Insect Repellent for House and Yard

Making your own natural insect repellent for the house and yard is a great way to keep those pesky bugs at bay without exposing your family to harsh chemicals.

Citronella oil, a key ingredient in many commercial repellents, can be easily extracted from lemongrass and used in your DIY spray.

For a yard spray, mix 10 drops of citronella oil with 8 ounces of water and a tablespoon of dish soap. This combination is effective against mosquitoes and other flying insects.

You can also use this same formula for a house spray, but reduce the amount of citronella oil to 5 drops per 8 ounces of water.

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Natural insect repellents are a great way to keep those pesky bugs at bay without harming the environment or your family. You can use a variety of natural ingredients to repel insects, including citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and geranium.

These ingredients work by masking scents that attract bugs or overpowering their senses. For example, citronella has been registered as a plant-based insect repellent since 1948 and works by masking scents that are attractive to bugs. Lemon eucalyptus, on the other hand, contains PMD, which makes it difficult for mosquitoes and other insects to pick up skin odor.

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Some popular natural insect repellents include:

These ingredients can be used in a variety of ways, such as applying them to the skin, using them in candles or incense, or even planting them in your garden. For example, lavender candles can help repel mosquitoes, while basil plants can be used to repel flies and other pests.

Citronella has been registered as a plant-based insect repellent since 1948. It works by masking scents that are attractive to bugs.

Citrus oils, like citronella and limonene, are popular and well-known insect repellents. They're commonly used in candles to help repel insects. Studies suggest citronella helps repel mosquitoes, as well as fleas, aphids, mites, and flies.

Lavender oil isn't only helpful for relaxation and sleep. Some research suggests it could also be effective at repelling mosquitoes. Plus, lavender is usually considered safe for topical use without diluting it.

Catnip oil activates irritant receptors in many insects, making it a useful thing to have around when you're trying to ward off bugs. If you can believe it, catnip oil is believed to offer the same degree of efficacy as DEET, the compound that can repel ticks.

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Some research suggests that thyme essential oil may help repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. However, it's essential to note that thyme essential oil isn't considered safe for use on the skin unless it's diluted.

Dill essential oil may help repel Lone Star ticks, which could transmit diseases like Lyme disease. A 2023 study also found that using dill essential oil in a factory setting helped repel insects that may negatively impact food production.

Here are some popular natural ingredients that may help repel bugs in your home and yard:

Cinnamon sticks can be used to repel silverfish, and making cinnamon sachets and placing them in areas popular with silverfish is also an option.

Fruit flies can be a real nuisance, especially in the kitchen. Pour some apple cider vinegar into a small dish to create a trap.

The type of vinegar matters, as white vinegar won't work. Apple cider vinegar is the key to attracting those pesky flies.

Add a drop of liquid dish soap to the vinegar, and the flies will be drawn in. This is because the soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving one edge slightly lifted. This allows the flies to enter the trap but not escape.

The flies will land on the surface of the liquid, but the soap will cause them to sink and drown. It's a simple yet effective way to get rid of fruit flies.

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