With little kids in the house, most of our best days are spent outdoors – tending the garden, exploring the woods, or just soaking in fresh air while the kids play. But as much as I love those moments, ticks and mosquitoes have a way of showing up uninvited.
Over the years I’ve learned that the easiest solutions are often the simplest. Instead of harsh sprays or complicated routines, I’ve found a gentle, homemade option that keeps the bugs at bay without compromising on the natural, non-toxic lifestyle we try to keep.
That’s when I found a simple solution that works beautifully for us…
Why a Diffuser Bracelet?
A diffuser bracelet is one of my favorite outdoor mom hacks. The porous beads hold essential oils for hours, slowly releasing their scent as we move through the day. No chasing the kids down with a spray bottle, no sticky residue – just steady, natural protection.
I make my own bug-repelling blend. It feels good knowing exactly what’s in it, and it’s one less thing to worry about when we’re outside digging in the garden, picking herbs, or feeding the chickens.
The Natural Bug-Repelling Oil Blend
This is the exact blend I use on our diffuser bracelets before heading out to the garden or for an afternoon walk. It’s made with a mix of essential oils that naturally repel ticks and mosquitoes – no mystery chemicals, just pure plant goodness.
I like that I can whip it up in minutes and know it’s safe for the whole family (because little hands are always curious and end up touching everything). It smells fresh, works, and makes outdoor time feel a lot less like a battle with the bugs.
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 15 mL of the blend:
Ingredients
| 2 tsp high-proof vodka or witch hazel | Helps the scent spread better in the air – gives your spray a boost. |
| 1 tbsp carrier oil (fractionated coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba) | Dilutes the essential oils and makes it gentle on skin. |
| 10 drops citronella essential oil | A plant-based bug blocker – especially good against mosquitoes. |
| 8 drops cedarwood essential oil | Earthy scent that helps keep ticks and pests away. Kid- and pet-safe. |
| 6 drops geranium essential oil | High in geraniol – great for keeping both mosquitoes and ticks off. |
| 6 drops lavender essential oil | Calming scent and mild bug repellent rolled into one. |
| 4 drops lemongrass essential oil (optional) | Adds extra mosquito-fighting power |
Optional: If you’re making this for adults or older kids, you can add 4–6 drops of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) oil for extra mosquito protection, or 3–4 drops of peppermint oil to help keep ticks away. Just be sure to skip these oils for toddlers under 3, as they can be a bit too strong for little ones.
How to Make Your Tick and Mosquito Repellent Oil
You’re going to love how easy it is to make a non-toxic, chemical-free solution for protecting yourself and your family, all while staying true to your holistic, natural lifestyle.
1. Combine Base Ingredients
You’ll need a small glass bottle, preferably amber or blue, to protect the oils from light. Once you have that, start by adding 2 teaspoons of high-proof vodka or witch hazel.
This helps the oils mix better and makes sure the scent gets dispersed more evenly. I know it sounds a bit odd, but trust me, it works.
Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. Fractionated coconut oil is my go-to because it’s light and absorbs well, but you can also use sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
The carrier oil helps dilute the essential oils, so they’re safe to apply on your skin, and it gives the mixture a smooth, easy application.
2. Add Essential Oils
First, drop in 10 drops of citronella – this is the key to keeping mosquitoes away. Then, add 8 drops of cedarwood.
It gives a nice, earthy smell and helps keep ticks at bay. After that, add 6 drops of geranium. This oil is great for both mosquitoes and ticks, so it’s a must.
Then, add 6 drops of lavender. It smells calming and also helps deter bugs. If you want a little extra punch, toss in 4 drops of lemongrass – just be careful with this one since it’s pretty strong.
3. Mix and Shake
Now, just cap your bottle and give it a good shake. This mixes everything together and makes sure the oils are properly blended. When you use it, give it another quick shake to keep it all mixed up.
4. Let it Sit
Let the oil sit for about 24 hours. This lets all the oils come together and really blend. I know it’s tempting to use it right away, but trust me, giving it time to meld makes a big difference.
5. Apply to Bracelet
Once it’s ready, just add 1–2 drops onto each lava bead of your bracelet. I like to use my finger or a cotton swab to apply it, so I have more control.
Let it soak in for a minute or two before putting it on.
6. Reapply as Needed
As you wear the bracelet, the scent will slowly release and keep the bugs away. I usually reapply every few hours, or whenever I notice the scent fading.
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, just top it off as needed. It’s quick and easy, and it works.
How Do I Safely Apply and Use This Bug Repellent Oil?
Okay, now that your DIY bug-repellent oil is ready to go, let’s talk about how to actually use it. After all, we want to stay safe, effective, and, of course, enjoy the process.
1. Start with a Small Amount for Toddlers
When using this oil for little ones, it’s best to start light. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if you need it. For toddlers, aim for a subtle scent – nothing overpowering.
You want them to be safe, but you also don’t want to overwhelm their senses. This way, you’re still getting that natural protection, but in a way that’s gentle on their skin and nose.
2. Place the Bracelet in a Safe Spot
Toddlers love to explore and put things in their mouths (we’ve all been there!). So, when it comes to the bracelet, consider putting it on their ankle, stroller, or maybe even clipping it to their clothes.
If they’re not able to reach it, you’re golden. That way, it stays on them and still works – without them chewing on the beads. Safety first, always.
3. Always Supervise Young Children
While the oils in this blend are gentle and safe for most, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on things, especially for the younger ones.
If you notice any redness or irritation where the bracelet rests, simply remove it and wash the area with warm water and mild soap.
Find what works best for each person’s unique skin, and always listen to your body (or your little one’s!).
4. Keep the Oil Away from Eyes and Sensitive Skin
Just avoid getting the oil in the eyes or on any mucous membranes. If that does happen, just rinse the area with water and a gentle soap.
No harm done, but it’s always best to be cautious with any oils, especially around delicate spots. It’s just one of those small things that makes a big difference in keeping things safe and comfortable.
5. Optional Oils for Adults or Older Kids
As I mentioned earlier, if you’ve added stronger oils like lemon eucalyptus or peppermint for extra protection, remember that these should be reserved for older children (around age 3+) or adults.
These oils are powerful and can be a bit intense for the younger ones. But for a hike or a backyard BBQ with friends, they’re fantastic for keeping those mosquitoes and ticks away.
Just follow the recommended drop amounts (4–6 drops of lemon eucalyptus or 3–4 drops of peppermint) and adjust based on your needs.
6. Reapply as Needed
Since the oil is diffusing from the beads, you’ll want to reapply every few hours to keep that bug-repelling action going strong.
Just a drop or two on the bracelet is all it takes, and you’re good to go! It’s an easy way to make sure you stay protected without needing to reapply a messy spray or lotion every time.
Keep Ticks and Mosquitoes Away
And that’s all there is to it – a natural blend that takes just a few minutes to make. No unnecessary ingredients, just what’s needed to help keep mosquitoes and ticks away.
I use this on days we’re working in the garden, walking through the woods, or letting the kids play outside. A few drops on a diffuser bracelet and it does the job without the need for chemical sprays.
This is the kind of practical, low-effort solution that fits well into how we try to live – simple, mindful, and in tune with what we value: health, clean living, and making things ourselves when we can.
If you’re ready to make outdoor time more peaceful (and bug-free) for your crew, grab your oils, mix up a batch, and see just how well it works. Your garden walks and backyard playtimes are about to get a whole lot more comfortable.
Have a favorite natural bug-repelling trick of your own? Share it in the comments – I’d love to hear what works for your family. And if you try this blend, let me know how it goes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I know you might still have a few questions – here are the most common ones to help you get started with confidence.
1. Can I use this oil blend on my skin directly?
It’s best to avoid applying the oil directly to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. The oils in this recipe are meant for use on the lava beads of a diffuser bracelet, where they slowly release the scent to keep bugs away. If you want to try a direct skin application, consider diluting the oil further with more carrier oil to be safe.
2. How often should I reapply the oil to the bracelet?
For maximum protection, you’ll want to reapply a few drops of the oil every 2–4 hours, or whenever you notice the scent fading. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, don’t be afraid to top up your bracelet as needed. The good news is it’s a super quick and easy process!
3. Can I use different types of diffuser bracelets?
Absolutely. Most diffuser bracelets use lava beads, but you can also use wood bead bracelets or clay pendants. Just make sure whatever you’re using can safely absorb essential oils without breaking down or irritating your skin.
4. What if I don’t have all the essential oils? Can I substitute something else?
Absolutely! You can adjust the recipe based on what you have. If you don’t have one of the oils listed, just use more of the ones you do have. For instance, you could replace lemongrass with citronella if you prefer. Just remember that each oil adds its own protective benefit, so try to keep the blend balanced.
5. How long will this blend last in the bottle?
If stored properly (in a dark glass bottle and kept away from heat), this bug-repellent blend can last for a few months. Essential oils tend to have a long shelf life, but make sure to shake it well before each use to keep the oils mixed together.
If you notice any changes in scent or the oil seems less effective, it might be time to make a fresh batch.
