Essential Oils: For Mosquito & Tick Repellent

Learn how to make effective, non-toxic mosquito and tick repellents with essential oils—safe for humans, pets, and even your hair. Includes DIY recipes, safety tips, and my personal routine.

Growing up right on the edge of Jamaica Bay in South Queens, mosquito bites were a summer constant. I’d be out back watching the sun set over the water, and before I knew it—bam—eaten alive. Fast forward to now: I live tucked in the woods upstate, surrounded by trees, trails, and ticks. So bug protection isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a daily ritual.

My biggest issue is that I don’t want to coat myself or my dog in chemicals just to go outside. I want safe, natural, effective options that actually work and since I love using essential oils, I use them in my bug sprays all the time. They're more than just pretty smells—they’re powerful, plant-based tools we can use mindfully and effectively.

Why Bother? The Real Reason to Repel

We’re not just avoiding itchy bites here. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and ticks can transmit Lyme and other infections. But most commercial sprays are filled with harsh chemicals—no thanks. Our skin is our largest organ, and whatever we put on it matters. And if you’re a huge animal lover like me? You know the risks are even higher for our four-legged friends who love to sniff, roll, and explore.

My Go-To Bug Protection Routine

For me:

  • Every morning before heading out, I apply SallyeAnder’s “No-Bite-Me” cream—this stuff is legendary and it’s what I have on every time I am complements on my “perfume”

  • I also love doTERRA’s TerraShield, which smells amazing and actually works.

  • I make my own essential oil spray for hair and clothes—geranium is my star ingredient.

  • And I diffuse oils at home to keep the indoor air clear of buzzing invaders.

For Theo (my 75-lb rescue dog):

  • He wears a vet-approved flea & tick collar, but I don’t stop there.

  • Before hikes or yard time, I rub a pet-safe oil blend between his shoulder blades and on his feet. (please don’t dog-shame me - it’s always dilluted and I’ve spot-tested everything and anything I put on him. I also do a ton of research on all of the products I buy or make for him!)

  • Bonus: He smells like a woodland spa afterward.

Essential Oil Safety 101

Essential oils are potent. That’s why they work. But we must use them safely:

  • Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut, jojoba, or almond oil).

  • Avoid putting oils on broken or sensitive skin.

  • For pets, do not use tea tree, clove, cinnamon, or peppermint—these can be toxic. Just like humans, not everything works for every dog, so make sure you spot test and only use quality plants and products on your pets.

  • When in doubt? Less is more. And always patch test.

DIY Bug-Repelling Blends (For Humans)

Bug-Off Body Oil Spray

Best for: arms, legs, ankles
Blend in a 2oz glass spray bottle:

  • 2 tbsp witch hazel

  • 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil

  • 15 drops geranium

  • 10 drops lavender

  • 10 drops cedarwood

  • 5 drops lemongrass

  • 5 drops eucalyptus lemon (lemon eucalyptus)

  • Fill the rest with distilled water. Shake before each use.

Hair Mist for Hikers

Best for: scalp, braids, hats, and neck
In a 2oz glass bottle:

  • 1 tbsp witch hazel

  • 10 drops geranium

  • 5 drops lavender

  • 3 drops rosemary

  • Fill with rosewater or distilled water

Home Diffuser Blend: Forest Calm

Great for: porch time, yoga, or just keeping bugs at bay inside
Add to diffuser:

  • 3 drops cedarwood

  • 3 drops eucalyptus

  • 2 drops lemongrass

  • 1 drop lavender

Dog-Safe Tick + Bug Blend

Always check with your vet first, especially if your pup has allergies or is on medication.

🐶 Theo’s Woodland Shield

Rub between the shoulder blades
In a 1oz bottle:

  • 1 tbsp sweet almond oil

  • 2 drops lavender

  • 2 drops cedarwood

  • 1 drop geranium

  • Shake well before use.

Do not use this blend on cats. Cats lack the liver enzyme to process essential oils!

The Fine Print (Because Safety Is Key)

This post is for educational purposes only. I’m sharing what works for me (and my close friends, family, and pets) after years of living, hiking, and healing in bug-heavy places. I’m not a vet or a dermatologist—so always talk to your own qualified practitioner before trying new topical or internal remedies.

From Rockaway Beach to the Woods of Upstate New York

I’ve been mosquito bait since birth—playing in the ocean breeze as a kid and hiking through New York State Parks. I’ve always been drawn to nature… but also bitten by it.

Now that I live in the woods full-time, I’m more intentional about how I protect myself and my pup. Applying my SallyeAnder cream feels like part of my armor. Spritzing geranium oil into my hair is a little love spell for safety. And caring for Theo with plant-based tools reminds me we’re all part of nature, not separate from it.

So, whether you’re beach-bound, trail-blazing, or just chilling on your porch—here’s to safe skin, happy dogs, and bug-free adventures.

Ready to make essential oils part of your daily rhythm?

Let’s keep you (and all oved ones!) protected, grounded, and glowing—naturally.

Lisa Bermudez