How to make your Natural Bug Repellent So I have been researching natural ways to avoid mosquitoes and flies from biting my family. How to make your own bug repellent ? So during my research I learned flies / mosquitoes hate basil and lavender. I did more research and learned that witch hazel reduces itching. So I decided to combined some ingredients and see what will work to deter the pests.

I went to a local lavender farm Peace Valley Lavender Farm in DoyelsTwon PA. I was talking to the owner and he said you know we never really have a bug issue except for the bees which pollinate our plants. While at the farm I purchased Lavender oil. Then I purchased sweet basil oils from a holistic healing shop that carried essential oils. You can also purchase the essential oil online as well or whole foods.
Basil oil has an anise smell, which is strong at first then you smell the under tones of lavender in the spray.
Witch Hazel is a anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce itching, it also helps with pre-existing bites and sunburn to cool the burn.

This spray works great for my family. I like the idea of making a non toxic Natural Bug Repellent

Natural Bug Repellent

Ingredients:

2 cups Witch hazel,
2 tbl spoons 95% alcohol,
20 -30 drops Lavender oil,
20-30 drops Basil Oil
Spray bottle- which I found at Dollar Tree

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle.
I have attached a PDF for the Labels please print labels on a 8.5 x11 Natural Bug Spray Labels You can print the labels and attach with Modpodge, print on a self-adhesive label, or clear packing tape.

This product has been tested on my family and friends. It does work fantastic for us. But please use at your own risk.
Please note .. dbl check person you are spraying is not allergic to the ingredients.
Avoid spraying In eyes
Do not drink

I also wanted to let you know if planted Basil and Lavender around a perimeter of a home has the same replellant affect. Lavender does attract bees the month they bloom (late June-Aug). Any variety of either plant Basil or lavender will repel so add them to picnic table décor to keep the pest away from food.