There’s something magical about being outside in the warm months—sun-soaked evenings, garden dinners, and time spent barefoot in the grass. But with that beauty comes an inevitable visitor: bugs. From buzzing mosquitos to pesky no-see-ums, they can quickly turn a peaceful evening into a scratchy, uncomfortable mess.
Fortunately, nature has already provided us with a bounty of gentle, effective solutions that support our skin and soothe our senses. Whether you're a mother mindful of what goes on your child’s skin or someone who simply prefers plant-based living, there are beautiful, botanical ways to stay protected and find relief—all while connecting to the natural world.
A Personal, Plant-Based Journey
For me, essential oils have been my go-to for well over a decade. Growing up in the '90s, there was really only one way we knew to stay bug-free: those heavy-duty aerosol sprays. I vividly remember the sharp, chemical smell, the cold sting on my skin, and the familiar command, “Close your eyes!” as you braced for a cloud of DEET to be sprayed over your entire body. It was intense, and for my sensitive skin, it was often uncomfortable.
As I got older and more mindful about what I put on my body, especially after becoming a mom, I started exploring gentler, more natural alternatives. That’s when I discovered how empowering it feels to invite nature into my everyday rituals. Instead of synthetic sprays, I now reach for botanical blends made from pure essential oils—ones that not only protect but also uplift, smelling like a walk through a sun-drenched wildflower field. It’s a small shift that brings both peace of mind and a deeper connection to the earth.
One of my favorites is Slow North’s Not Today Bug Spray—a beautiful essential oil blend I trust on myself and my little one. And if a bite sneaks through? I turn to Sunsejoy’s Bug Bite & Itch Relief Roll-On for its skin-soothing, plant-powered ingredients.
Essential Oils That Help Keep Bugs Away
Nature has an incredible way of protecting itself, and essential oils are one of its most elegant defenses. These concentrated plant extracts carry the very compounds that plants use to guard against insects, fungi, and other threats. When used thoughtfully, they can help us do the same safely and beautifully.
Below are some of the most effective essential oils known to deter mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted guests. Each offers unique benefits beyond insect-repelling, making them versatile staples for any natural household:
- Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus): The most well-known botanical for repelling mosquitoes, citronella masks the human scents that attract insects. It's fresh, lemony, and effective when diffused, sprayed, or even added to outdoor candles.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Often confused with citronella, this oil contains high levels of citral and geraniol—compounds bugs find overwhelming. Its citrusy brightness uplifts the mood while quietly keeping pests at bay.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Gentle, calming, and surprisingly powerful. Lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, and flies, and is especially suited for use around children thanks to its soothing properties.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Crisp and cooling, peppermint oil is a dual-purpose powerhouse—repelling bugs on contact and soothing itchy bites afterward. Its menthol content creates a strong aroma that flying insects avoid.
- Lemon Eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora): Not to be confused with standard eucalyptus, this oil contains PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), a compound shown in studies to provide extended protection from mosquitoes. It's one of the few plant oils recognized by the CDC for its effectiveness.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Earthy and grounding, thyme oil has been found in studies to repel mosquitoes with up to 91% effectiveness when burned. It's also antibacterial, making it a lovely addition to blends.
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): Rich in eugenol, clove oil is intensely aromatic and known to deter a wide range of insects. It’s strong, so use sparingly and always diluted.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Both the fresh plant and its essential oil are unappealing to flies and mosquitoes. Sweet basil is lovely, but lemon basil offers an even more potent punch.
How to Use: When applying essential oils to the skin, always dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, roughly 10–30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for adult use. For diffusers or candles, pure essential oils can be used on their own or blended for a custom outdoor aroma.
Garden Guardians: Plants That Protect and Beautify
Your outdoor space can become its own defense system with the help of certain plants that naturally deter bugs. Whether planted in the ground, in raised beds, or in pots on the patio, these living protectors offer beauty, scent, and function all in one.
- Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus): Not just the source of citronella oil, this ornamental grass is visually striking and great for borders or large patio pots.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Its scent is loved by humans but disliked by insects. Lavender’s silvery foliage and purple blooms add elegance while repelling mosquitoes and moths.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): Refreshing and fast-growing, mint is a strong deterrent for flies, mosquitoes, and even ants. Keep it in pots to prevent overgrowth.
- Rosemary ( Salvia rosmarinus): Its woodsy scent helps repel stinging insects like mosquitoes and wasps. Plant near outdoor seating or toss fresh sprigs into a fire pit or grill to release its oils.
- Sage ( Salvia officinalis): Another fantastic herb to burn during gatherings—its smoke discourages pests and its earthy aroma creates a grounded, natural vibe.
- Basil ( Ocimum basilicum): Especially effective in repelling flies and mosquitoes. Try lemon basil for added power and an invigorating citrus scent.
- French Marigolds (Tagetes patula): These bright, cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum—a natural compound used in many natural insect sprays. Plant near doorways or garden beds to deter aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Studies show catnip is more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, thanks to a compound called nepetalactone. It’s easy to grow and loved by cats, too.
- Bee Balm (Monarda): While attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, bee balm also helps deter mosquitoes, making it a win-win for biodiverse backyards.
Pro Tip: Group these plants near windows, doorways, and outdoor seating areas. Not only do they enhance your space visually and aromatically, but their combined scents form a natural bug-repelling barrier.
DIY Botanical Bug Candles
On warm evenings spent outdoors, I love lighting handmade soy wax candles infused with essential oils. They add a soft, calming glow to your space and serve a beautifully aromatic, practical purpose that are natural and help to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
To make your own 8 oz bug-repelling candle at home, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients & Tools:
-
16 oz of 100% soy wax flakes
(Soy wax melts down to about half its solid volume, so 16 oz will yield approximately 8 oz of liquid wax.) You can find pure soy wax at most local or online craft stores. -
A 10–12 oz heat-resistant container
This gives you enough space to safely pour and burn your candle. If using glass, be sure it's thick and durable—avoid thin glassware like wine glasses, which may crack from heat. -
A cotton wick
Available at any craft store. Use a wick sticker (double-sided adhesive) to secure your wick to the bottom of your container. Pro tip: A wick sticker makes it easier to reuse your candle container for future batches, unlike glue, which can damage the vessel. Avoid trying to stick your wick down with wax—it won’t hold, especially with soy wax. -
A wick holder
To keep your wick centered while pouring and cooling, wrap the wick around a pencil or chopstick laid across the top of the container. Alternatively, you can use a wood wick, which often stands on its own and doesn't require a wick holder. -
A microwave-safe container
A 2–4 cup glass measuring cup works well. Melt the soy wax in the microwave using 90-second intervals, stirring between each round until the wax turns into a glistening, golden liquid. Use caution and protect your hands when handling the hot measuring cup.
Creating Your Essential Oil Blend:
To scent an 8 oz candle, you'll need about 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of essential oils.
For a balanced, lasting aroma, combine a top note, middle note, and base note—this layering technique mimics professional fragrance blending and helps your candle throw scent evenly.
Here’s a simple outdoor-inspired blend:
- Top notes: Citronella, Lemongrass
- Middle notes: Rosemary, Lavender, Eucalyptus
- Base notes: Clove, Cedarwood
Mix your essential oils into the melted wax once it has cooled slightly (about 120°F) to preserve the integrity of the oils.
Pour & Set: Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared container. Let the candle sit undisturbed until completely cooled and solid (24 hours is ideal). Trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting.
These botanical candles are more than just functional, they’re therapeutic to make and a joy to use. The gentle aroma of plant-based oils like rosemary, citronella, eucalyptus, and clove adds a sense of calm to outdoor gatherings while offering extra comfort from buzzing intruders.
Whether you're dining al fresco or enjoying quiet moments on the patio, these DIY bug candles are a lovely, non-toxic way to enhance your summer evenings—naturally.
Creating Your Own Natural Bug Spray
If you’re the DIY type, making your own bug spray is simple and satisfying. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
Simple Botanical Bug Spray:
- ½ cup witch hazel or vodka
- ½ cup distilled water
- 30–40 drops total of essential oils (citronella, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, etc.)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice for extra soothing
Mix ingredients in a glass spray bottle, shake before use, and reapply as needed. Keep it in the fridge for a cooling mist on hot days!
Embracing Bug Season the Natural Way
At Sunsejoy, we believe in turning to nature first. Botanical oils and herbs have protected humans for generations, and they remain gentle, effective allies—especially for those of us who want to feel good about what we’re using on our skin and around our families.
Whether you’re spraying down before a hike, tending to a garden, or simply enjoying time on the porch, there’s a plant-powered option to keep you feeling confident, safe, and beautifully connected to the natural world.
Stay protected, smell heavenly, and let your summer be guided by the gentle wisdom of plants.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and reflects our personal experience and botanical knowledge. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Sunsejoy products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health or the health of your child.