Nature walks are a big part of our homeschooling, but as the seasons change, so do the bugs and pests. While we look forward to all the great outdoors has to offer, what we’re not excited about are the bug bites.

It’s important that I keep the kiddos and I free from bites but without the use of harsh chemicals found in most store-bought products. That’s why I started making my own kid-safe bug spray and want to share the recipe with you.

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Natural Ways to Repel Bugs

There are different ways you can naturally keep the bugs off and bites from happening. Try some of these ideas and stick with what works best for you:

• Use a natural barrier such as pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• An old-fashioned remedy calls for a garlic-based solution that can be sprayed on foliage.
• Go green by rubbing lemon verbena leaves on your skin.
• Opt in for a pre-made bug repellant (sold by an essential oil company is best).
• Create a homemade bug spray using essential oils that are packed with insecticidal properties.

Speaking of essential oils, there are several that have been known to naturally ward off pests and provide safe protection against bugs. Play around with the scents until you find one that you like.

(*Please note that some oils are considered not safe for children, expecting or nursing mothers. Please do your research.) 

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree
• Lemongrass
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint
• Clove
• Geranium

These are common oils you can find just about anywhere, but this is the place I highly recommend.

If you’re looking to go the do-it-yourself route, keep reading for a tried and true kid-safe bug spray recipe, plus a few others that I found too!

Best DIY Kid-Safe Bug Spray for Nature Walks

This is the exact recipe that I use for my own children. I prefer it since Plant Therapy did all the work for me to ensure its oil blends are safe for my kids. The best part about this recipe is it only takes 3 ingredients and 1 supply product. The next best thing is you’ll have a natural bug repellant you can trust.

Ingredients:

• 72 drops of KidSafe Shield Me (or your favorite bug blend)*
• ½ cup of witch hazel (or light carrier oil of your choice)
• Polysorbate 20

*Based on a 2% dilution.

Supply:

• 4oz spray bottle

How to Make: Combine the two ingredients in a dark glass spray bottle and give it a good shake. 

To use: Spray on exposed areas, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also spray on clothing. Shake well before each use.

Other Variations of Kid-Safe Bug Sprays

As I mentioned before, there are a few variations of sprays that I’ve found and want to share. Keep in mind that hot oils – like eucalyptus and peppermint – shouldn’t be used with children under 3 years of age. Also, essential oils have different effects on people, so be sure to test for any skin reactions. You may also need to apply more (or less) frequently.

Floral Scent Bug Repellant

Ingredients:

• 8 drops lemongrass
• 8 drops geranium
• 8 drops lavender
• ½ cup of witch hazel (or light carrier oil of your choice)

Supply:

• 4oz spray bottle

How to Make: Combine all ingredients in a dark glass spray bottle and give it a good shake. 

To use: Spray on exposed areas, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also spray on clothing. Shake well before each use.

Skin Nourishing Bug Spray for Kids

Keep your kid’s skin nourished while exploring the great outdoors!

Ingredients:

• 8 drops patchouli
• 8 drops citronella
• 8 drops lemongrass
• 8 drops Lavender
• ¼ cup of witch hazel 
• ¼ cup of distilled water
• 3 drops Argan oil
• 1 TSP vitamin E oil

Supplies:

• 4oz spray bottle
• Bowl for mixing

How to Make: Add witch hazel and distilled water to the bowl and mix. Then add essential oils and give it all another mix. Finally, add the Argan and Vitamin E oils. Mix all ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle.  

To use: Spray on exposed areas, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also spray on clothing. Shake well before each use.

Regardless of which variation you choose to use, make sure you use what’s best for your family. When you find something that works, stick with it! And don’t forget that every experience can be turned into a hands-on lesson.

As you research which oils you’d like to use, let your kids look up the flower plant that the essential oil is extracted from. Consider purchasing some of the plants to keep in your home, such as citronella and lavender. You can even learn how to create your own essential oil and tinctures. And don’t forget to look for these plants on your next nature walk!