I am making my own Tick / Bug Spray for Camping.

United States
May 9, 2018 6:57pm CST
I have already told you that I was going camping. I've decided to make my own bug spray. I've been looking at different Essential Oil's that are recommended to repel bugs, and I've also been looking at recipe's that others have made / used. I've ordered Lemon Thyme Hydrosol (Distilled Flowers or Herbs) as I know that I want to use that as part of my own recipe. Thyme is one of the ingredients that was recommended for a tick spray. Cedarwood, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass were three others. Cedarwood is supposedly the "killer" of the ticks, taking away the tick's air basically. Eucalyptus and Lemongrass I believe are more "repellants." Apple Cider Vinegar is suggested as well as it smells awful to the tick's. I've got a little time to decide just what I want to use, but I still need to allow enough time for me to receive some things through the mail. The EO company I use ships really fast and also offers a reward program. On top of that , I can trust the EO's they provide. Do you buy commercial bug repellant, or make your own?
10 people like this
13 responses
@cintol (11278)
• United States
10 May 18
We never needed it in Colorado but here in Texas I am hearing we should buy it in cases. I will have to wait and find out. Good luck with yours, I hope it works really well while your camping.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
I hope so too. Though I suppose if it doesn't I will just have to borrow some from my friend.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
@cintol Definitely agree. I don't want to be constantly itching during the weekend.
1 person likes this
@cintol (11278)
• United States
10 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Always keep a second plan on hand
1 person likes this
@rakski (112993)
• Philippines
10 May 18
that is good. let us know what will work so we can try it also
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
I will let you know how it goes, but it will be awhile since we won't be camping for another month.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
@rakski Of course!
@rakski (112993)
• Philippines
10 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum It is okay. You can post it here we will have idea on how to create it on our own also. Thanks in advance
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
10 May 18
I put lemon grass oil on the collar and on my hat and on sleeves and it works well. I also will dilute it in water. I have the other oils. I may have to make my own repellent blend. Hydrosols are water based and I believe are safe for your pets as well. I would like you to pm me the name of your EO company if you would. Thanks.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
No problem, I am pm'ing you now. hydrosols are pet safe? Good. I've been talking to a friend with pets and she's been wanting recipes and the such for cleaning supllies. I"ve seen a few using hydrosols. I'm assuming you could spray the hydrosol on the pet, and that might help with ticks for them.
@Tina30219 (81441)
• Onaway, Michigan
23 May 18
We buy stuff from the store have tried homemade stuff and the one we have tried just did not work.
@Tina30219 (81441)
• Onaway, Michigan
23 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Right some people have good luck with the homemade stuff and others don’t
1 person likes this
• United States
23 May 18
I'm gonna try this and hope for the absolute best. I do have friends who will have the store bought stuff for back up though.
• United States
23 May 18
@Tina30219 Agreed. Deodorant is one of those tricky things. If you go from the commercial stuff to homemade, or differently made, there is a detoxing period. I've gone through several different more natural brands and I still haven't found one that works / I like. I am going to make my own.
• United States
10 May 18
I only bought bug repellant once when I went to six grade camp. I didn't even use it. But I hope the one you make will work out for you. :)
• United States
10 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Yes, most definitely its important to protect ourselves. :) Hope you enjoy camping.
• United States
10 May 18
I don't know, as a kid I just didn't worry about repelling bugs as much. Now all of these bugs carry diseases. Ticks were always a worry though.
• United States
10 May 18
@infatuatedbby Thank You. I am sure I will. I plan to take some photos that I can share here. It's so gorgeous where we are camping.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (455012)
• Switzerland
10 May 18
Good luck, I hope this home made spray will work for you. I made my own with the same ingredients and the mosquitoes seemed to love it.
• United States
10 May 18
Oh know, that's not good. It attracted mosquitoes? I'm going to have to look into something to repel them. I am pale white, and mosquitoes LOVE me.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
@LadyDuck I will definitely be looking to add something else to it, or do something else for mosquitoes on top that then. I think the tent I will be in will have mosquito netting around it.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (455012)
• Switzerland
10 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Yes, it seemed to attract mosquitoes. I am like you, pale white, all the mosquitoes of the area love me, they love me too much.
@popciclecold (35025)
• United States
13 May 18
I have never made any, but I have been interested in essential oils.
• United States
13 May 18
Just make sure you get essential oils from reputable places. I use Eden's Garden. They aren't an MLM, and they offer a rewards program.
@velvet53 (22528)
• Palisade, Colorado
10 May 18
That sounds interesting. I usually just buy it but now I think I might try and make my own.
@velvet53 (22528)
• Palisade, Colorado
14 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Good luck to you. I will pull recipes up on the internet and try making it.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 May 18
@velvet53 Thank You! Good Luck to you as well.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
It is very easy. There are different suggestions and recipes online. Some peole use witch hazel, other apple cider vinegar. I think I've even seen one using distilled water. I am going to try it with a hydrosol. I've got several people wanting to know what I do when I do finally make it. I plan to get all the stuff by the last week of May. My camping trip is the 2nd of June.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (136866)
• Philippines
10 May 18
I hope the experiment will be a success. Hear from you about the outcome.
@Shavkat (136866)
• Philippines
11 May 18
@ScribbledAdNauseum Looking forward.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 18
I will be making a discussion about it in the future, but it won't be until June.
@JESSY3236 (18760)
• United States
11 May 18
I use OFF! bug spray.
• United States
12 May 18
I don't really want things on my skin that I don't know what it is.
1 person likes this
@franxav (13583)
• India
10 May 18
Mosquitoes and houseflies are the irritant in our conditions. We buy and use repellants to keep them away. We also try to keep the surroundings clean.
• United States
10 May 18
I am always cleaning surfaces to keep ants away here. If I had a green thumb, I'd be planting things to deter pesky bugs from coming around anyway. Mosquitoes love me. I usually end up with no less than three bites if I spend more than thirty minutes outside.
@andriaperry (116876)
• Anniston, Alabama
10 May 18
I want to amke my own too, let me know how it works for you.
@Peach10 (1920)
12 May 18
For bugs none but for cleaning and deodorizer I make my own baking soda and apple vinegar It maybe be good for ants too!
• United States
13 May 18
I know, when it comes to the home, things like ACV, Peppermint and Salt can help. Luckily, I haven't had any ant problems yet this year. I hope I won't, but if I do I'll attack them before they can get too bad.