DIY Citronella Bug Spray (Natural, Fresh & Perfect for Aussie Summers!)

Looking to keep the mozzies away without harsh chemicals? Citronella oil is a well-known natural insect repellent, and this simple DIY spray lets you put it to work in just a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

• 1 × spray bottle (we used our 200ml Clear PET Bottlepaired with a 24mm Spray Cap)

• 95ml distilled water (or boiled and cooled water)

• 95ml Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

• 30–50 drops Citronella Essential Oil

• Optional: A blend of other essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender, you can also add a teaspoon of a carrier oil to help moisturise skin while you protect it.Lavender is also the star of one of our favourite bath recipes, check out our Lavender Bath Soak if you want to put it to more relaxing use.

• Ratio note: If using a different bottle size, simply keep the water-to-IPA ratio 1:1

How to Make Your Spray

1. Combine Your Base

Pour the distilled water and isopropyl alcohol into your spray bottle.

2. Add Your Essential Oils

Add 30–50 drops of citronella essential oil.
If using a blend, aim for a total of 50–75 drops of combined essential oils.

3. Mix & Use

• Secure the spray cap tightly and shake well.

• Shake before each use for best results.

• Spritz lightly onto exposed skin or clothing (avoiding eyes and mouth).

• Store your spray in a cool, dark place between uses.

Patch Test: As always, test on a small patch of skin before full use to check for sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the isopropyl alcohol do in the spray?

It acts as the base alongside the water, helping the essential oils disperse through the mix and letting the spray dry quickly on skin or clothing. Keep the water and isopropyl alcohol at a 1:1 ratio so the balance stays right.

Can I use other essential oils besides citronella?

Yes. You can blend citronella with lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender, aiming for a total of 50 to 75 drops of combined oils. A teaspoon of carrier oil is an optional extra that helps moisturise the skin while you protect it.

How do I scale the recipe for a different bottle size?

Keep the water-to-isopropyl-alcohol ratio at 1:1 and adjust the essential oil drops to suit the volume. That way the base stays balanced no matter what size bottle you use.

How do I apply it safely?

Shake well before each use, then spritz lightly onto exposed skin or clothing, avoiding the eyes and mouth. It is always worth doing a small patch test on your skin first to check for any sensitivity.

How should I store the spray?

Keep it in a cool, dark place between uses, and give it a good shake before each application so the oils stay evenly mixed through the base.