Natural DIY Mosquito Repellent Spray You Can Make At Home

September 1, 2022

diy mosquito repellant

First published in September 2022. Last updated September 2025.

Avoid harmful chemicals like DEET and deter mosquitoes and biting insects naturally with our easy DIY mosquito repellant recipe. Combining apple cider vinegar with a blend of essential oil that mozzies, sand flies, midgies and other bugs just hate, you can enjoy your picnic or hike in the bush without pesky bugs buzzing around or harmful chemicals on your skin! In Australia, our mozzie season can vary depending on rainfall, so this spray is handy all year round.

This is general information for home use. Always patch-test first, and check with your pharmacist or GP if you’re unsure.

Why make your own

Fewer harsh chemicals: plant aromatics for scent, not synthetic repellents.

Budget-friendly: pantry-style ingredients and a handful of essential oils.
Local-made
Less plastic: mix once in a reusable glass spray bottle and refill.

Easy homemade mosquito repellent recipe

You’ll need

Raw apple cider vinegar
Distilled water
Essential oils — mozzies dislike tea tree, spearmint, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, clove, citronella and eucalyptus

Our blend: 5 drops each of citronella, lavender and lemongrass

Glass spray bottle (100–200 mL works well)

Method

Fill your glass spray bottle half with distilled water and half with raw apple cider vinegar.
Add your chosen essential oils (start with 10–15 drops total per 100 mL, or use the blend above).
Cap and shake well to disperse the oils through the water–vinegar base.

How to use your homemade mozzie spray

IMPORTANT: Shake well before every use to ensure the effectiveness of the deterrent spray — you want the oils to be well dispersed.
Spray liberally over exposed skin and outer clothing. Avoid eyes, mouth and open wounds.
Not for children under 3. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Store out of direct sunlight and use within 6 months.

For sandflies and midgies

These tiny biters pack a very itchy punch. Wear long pants and sleeves, choose light colours at dawn/dusk, and lightly spray your clothing as well as skin.

Why it costs less to make your own

As with many household and beauty items, a natural mozzie repellent can be made inexpensively at home using simple ingredients. You’ll save money and cut plastic packaging waste by reusing your bottle.

You can even make your own apple cider vinegar from apple scraps.

Want to lean into the herbal side? Add several tablespoons of dried garden herbs such as sage, rosemary, lavender or thyme to the bottle. Let the mix steep for 1–2 weeks, then strain through a fine sieve or nut-milk bag before use.

Herbal tradition note: many of these herbs have long histories of use for their aromatic, cleansing qualities — lovely in a summer spray.

DIY mozzie repellent (quick FAQs)

Does it smell vinegary?
A little at first, but it settles quickly. The essential oils give a fresher finish.

Can I use tea tree?
You can include a couple of drops if your skin tolerates it, but always dilute and patch-test.

What bottle is best for mozzie spray?
Due to the essential oils, a glass spray bottle keeps the formula stable and is easy to clean and refill.

Can I use natural mosquito repellent for dogs?

Please be cautious. Essential oils and pets can be a tricky mix.

Do not use DEET products on pets. DEET is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It's not very nice for humans either! Other common ingredients in natural mozzie sprays that are harmful to dogs are Garlic and Citronella. Never use citronella candles around dogs.
Avoid spraying essential oils near cats.
For dogs, some people use a light vinegar–water spritz on collars or bedding only, not directly on the animal, and only with vet-approved essential oils at very low dilutions.
Check with your vet before using any essential oils around pets and keep all bottles out of their reach.

Helpful tips if you’ve already been bitten

Apple cider vinegar: dab a little on the bite to freshen and cool. For many bites, add 2 cups to a tepid bath and soak for 20 minutes. Stop if irritation occurs.
Witch hazel: a natural astringent — apply with a cotton pad to help calm the area.
Chamomile tea: chill a tea bag, squeeze out, and press on the bite for 10 minutes; repeat as needed.

We also have a homemade soothing bug bite balm and the all-time favourite calamine lotion recipe — perfect companions for your summer kit.