The ESSENTIAL Bug Spray

Y'ALL. For the first time in the history of lake trips, I did NOT get bitten by any bugs. This is BIG. I have a love-hate relationship with mosquitos, as in I hate how much they love me. As someone who usually comes home from the lake with multiple bug bites, to be sitting here itch-free feels like a miracle. 

I've tried every citronella candle and bug spray on the market, and nothing has worked. I love essential oils (so much so that I became a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Oils) and I'm always looking for new ways to use them. I stumbled upon a homemade bug spray recipe on oneessentialcommunity.com via Pinterest (naturally), and tweaked it a little bit in hopes that it would ward off ants, spiders, gnats, and of course, mosquitos. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be making my own bug spray, I would have laughed. But, well, here we are. 

In a 5 oz. spray bottle I added the following:
2 oz. water
2 oz. witch hazel 
20 drops lavender essential oil 
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil 
10 drops peppermint oil

I'm so thankful this little potion told those bugs to buzz off! I sprayed in on my feet, legs, and arms, and I also applied it to any other areas of skin that were exposed (I would recommend spraying it on your children's clothes instead of directly on their skin due to possible sensitivity). When I got home, I sprayed it around all of my doors and windows, as well as around my bed and on my pillows. If you decide to make this spray for yourself, be sure to shake it up before each use. Diffusing these four oils together would also be a great way to keep those unwanted critters away.

If I can answer any questions about essential oils for you, please leave a comment. If you're interested in ordering doTERRA Oils, please visit my website: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/. Happy June!