Natural Bug Repellent Spray for Mosquitoes and Summer Gatherings

There is something about summer evenings on the porch that feels slower in the best kind of way.

The kids are winding down after playing outside, conversations stretch a little longer, and everyone tries to enjoy those last few moments before the day finally settles in for the night.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes usually decide to show up around the exact same time.

Over the years, I have tested several natural outdoor blends, but this natural bug repellent spray has become one of my favorite simple summer homemaking staples.

Not because it creates some magical bug-free bubble around the porch, but because it helps make outdoor evenings feel more enjoyable again.

And honestly, that small difference matters.

Whether we are sitting outside after church, enjoying a family cookout, or simply watching the kids catch lightning bugs in the yard, I love having a natural bug repellent spray nearby that feels gentler than many traditional sprays.

In this post, I’m sharing the exact natural bug repellent spray we personally use during summer porch evenings and outdoor gatherings, along with a few simple reminders for safe family use.

Natural Bug Repellent Spray Recipe

For a 4 oz spray bottle:

• 8 drops geranium
• 10 drops lavender
• 3 drops patchouli
• 8 drops lemongrass
• 8 drops citronella
• 1 oz witch hazel
• distilled water to fill

Add the witch hazel and essential oils to the bottle first, then fill the remainder with distilled water. Shake well before each use.

Why These Oils Work Well Together

💜 Lavender helps soften the blend and is often appreciated for its calming and skin-friendly properties.

🌿 Geranium is commonly used in outdoor blends and helps support the overall bug-repelling properties of this spray.

🍋 Lemongrass adds a fresh outdoor scent while helping strengthen the spray’s ability to discourage mosquitoes.

🌱 Patchouli helps ground the scent and helps the spray linger a little longer outdoors.

🌾 Citronella is one of the most recognized essential oils for outdoor sprays and is commonly used to help naturally discourage mosquitoes.

Ways We Use Natural Bug Repellent Spray During Summer

One of the things I appreciate most about this blend is how easy it is to keep nearby during outdoor activities.

We personally use it during:

• porch evenings
• cookouts and outdoor meals
• backyard playtime
• church gatherings outside
• sitting around the fire pit
• evening walks around the yard

I think it would be great to lightly spray patio furniture cushions and outdoor pillows before everyone gathers outside for the evening.

Again, this is not about perfection or promising that bugs will completely disappear. It is simply one small way we help make outdoor summer moments feel a little more comfortable.

A Gentle Reminder About Summer Rhythms

The older I get, the more I realize that some of the sweetest family memories are often tied to ordinary evenings.

Not expensive vacations. Not elaborate plans. Just simple moments together.

A porch swing moving slowly. Children laughing outside. A popsicle melting faster than it can be eaten. The sound of crickets beginning to chirp as the sun starts to go down.

Those little moments matter more than we sometimes realize.

“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” – Proverbs 17:1

I love the reminder in that verse that peace inside the home matters deeply, even in the middle of busy seasons.

⚠️ Safety Notes

• Avoid spraying near the eyes, face, or sensitive skin.
• Patch test first before wider use.
• Always supervise use with children.
• Use extra caution with young children and sensitive skin.
• Reapply as needed during outdoor activities.
• Use essential oils responsibly and in moderation.

Where to Buy High-Quality Essential Oils

Not all essential oils are created equal! To ensure you’re getting the best quality, here are my trusted recommendations:

Simply Earth – Exciting news for all my essential oil lovers! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve partnered with Simply Earth, a brand that’s not only committed to providing pure, affordable oils but also donates 13% of their profits to ending human trafficking. As a Simply Earth subscriber, you’ll receive monthly Recipe Boxes that come with everything you need to create your own blends, along with free access to their Essential Oil Hero Course! Plus, if you’re a new subscriber, use my code MAKINMACONFREE at checkout to receive a $45 gift card after your first box purchase. It’s the perfect way to get started with essential oils while supporting a great cause! Head over to Simply Earth to sign up today!

Guru Nanda – A budget-friendly option available at Walmart and Amazon, making it easy to find quality oils at a great price. Shop Guru Nanda on Amazon.

Want to Learn More About Essential Oils?

If you are new to blending or want to better understand how to safely mix oils for sprays and rollers, I highly recommend starting with my essential oil dilution guide here on the blog. It walks through simple dilution guidelines for everyday use around the home.

You can also explore more blends in the Essential Oils section of the blog, including Wellness Blends, Seasonal Blends, and Home & Cleaning Blends.

If you would like more simple blends like this, along with encouragement sent straight to your inbox, be sure to join my Fragrant Faith email group where I share exclusive blends, practical tips, and monthly encouragement.

As always, remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.