DIY Bug Repellent & Bug Bite Itch Relief Rollons

DIY Bug Repellent & Bug Bite Itch Relief Rollons

These DIY bug repellent and bug-bite itch relief roll-ons are compact aromatic blends for camping, picnics and evenings outdoors. One creates a fresh botanical aroma, while the other provides a cooling, soothing skin-care blend for occasional minor bites.

However, a homemade essential-oil roll-on has not been tested to determine which insects it repels or how long any protection lasts. It should not replace an EPA-registered insect repellent when protection from mosquitoes, ticks or insect-borne illness is important.

Recipes are below. Grab our free downloads about natural outdoor aromas and using essential oils in the garden. You can shop all of the essential oils mentioned in this recipes at the bottom of this page.

Important Bug-Repellent Safety Information

The CDC recommends an EPA-registered insect repellent containing an approved active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD or 2-undecanone. Registered products have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness when used according to their labels. Learn more from the CDC’s mosquito-bite prevention guidance and tick-bite prevention guidance.

“Oil of lemon eucalyptus,” or OLE, is not simply another name for ordinary Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil. EPA-registered OLE or PMD repellents are standardized finished products with tested concentrations and label directions. A homemade essential-oil blend cannot be assumed to offer the same protection.

DIY Outdoor Aromatic Roll-On

This fresh-smelling roll-on combines eucalyptus citriodora, geranium and lavender essential oils. It may be worn as an outdoor aromatic body oil, but it should be treated as a supplemental personal-care blend—not as proven protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies or other insects.

Ingredients

• 3 drops eucalyptus citriodora essential oil
• 2 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• Approximately 9 ml carrier oil
• One 9 or 10 ml amber glass roller bottle

We like fractionated coconut oil because it has a lightweight texture and remains liquid at room temperature.

Directions

1. Add the essential oils to a clean, dry roller bottle.
2. Fill the remainder of the bottle with carrier oil, leaving enough room to insert the roller mechanism.
3. Attach the roller top and cap securely.
4. Shake gently to combine.
5. Label the bottle with the ingredients and preparation date.

How to Use

Patch-test the completed blend before regular use. Roll a small amount onto limited areas of intact skin, such as the wrists or lower legs, and massage it in.

Do not apply it to the face, hands, broken skin or areas near the eyes and mouth. Wash your hands after application. This roll-on should not be relied upon for protection in areas where mosquitoes or ticks may transmit disease.

For proven protection, apply an EPA-registered repellent according to its label. Additional precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants, checking for ticks after outdoor activities and using appropriate mosquito netting.

DIY Bug-Bite Comfort Roll-On

Most minor mosquito bites cause temporary itching, redness or localized swelling. This diluted blend provides a light, cooling aroma and conditions the skin around an uncomplicated bite.

The essential-oil concentration has been kept conservative because bitten or irritated skin may be more reactive than unaffected skin.

Ingredients

• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil
• Approximately 9 ml tamanu oil
• One 9 or 10 ml amber glass roller bottle

The original recipe also included tea tree essential oil and lemongrass essential oil. They have been omitted from the updated formula to reduce the overall concentration and the likelihood of irritating already-sensitive skin.

Directions

1. Add the lavender, frankincense and peppermint essential oils to a clean, dry roller bottle.
2. Fill the remainder of the bottle with tamanu oil.
3. Insert the roller mechanism, close the bottle and shake gently.
4. Label the bottle with the ingredients and preparation date.

How to Use

After washing the area gently with soap and water, apply a small amount around an uncomplicated bite on intact skin. Avoid rolling directly over open, scratched, blistered or weeping skin.

Do not use the blend on the face or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. Stop using it if the area burns, becomes increasingly red or develops a rash.

A cool compress may also help provide temporary comfort. Try not to scratch, as broken skin can increase the chance of infection.

When Not to Use a DIY Bug-Bite Roll-On

Do not apply essential oils to:

• An embedded tick
• A retained stinger
• An open or bleeding wound
• Blistered, infected or weeping skin
• A bite near the eye or inside the mouth
• An area with rapidly expanding redness or swelling
• Skin that is already reacting to an essential oil

Remove an attached tick promptly using appropriate fine-tipped tweezers and follow current public-health guidance. Do not apply essential oils to an attached tick in an attempt to make it release.

Recognizing a Serious Reaction

Bites and stings from bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants can occasionally cause a serious allergic reaction. Call 911 immediately for symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest tightness
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
• Widespread hives
• Dizziness, fainting or confusion
• Vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal cramping accompanying other symptoms
• Rapidly worsening facial or body swelling

Use prescribed epinephrine immediately if the person has it, then seek emergency medical care. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology provides additional information about insect-sting allergies.

Contact a healthcare professional for increasing pain, warmth, pus, fever, expanding redness or other signs that a bite may be infected. Seek advice after a tick bite if concerning symptoms develop.

Essential-Oil Safety for Children

Do not use these DIY formulas on babies or young children. Children are not simply smaller adults, and safe oil selection and concentration vary with age.

For children, select an EPA-registered repellent appropriate for the child’s age and follow its label exactly. Adults should apply repellent to their own hands before applying it to a child and should avoid the child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts and irritated skin.

The CDC advises against using products containing OLE or PMD on children younger than three. Remember that this guidance applies to properly registered OLE or PMD products and does not establish the safety of a homemade eucalyptus essential-oil roll-on.

General Safety and Storage

• Patch-test each finished roll-on before regular use.
• Use only on limited areas of intact skin.
• Do not apply immediately after shaving.
• Keep away from the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes.
• Do not ingest the ingredients.
• Discontinue use if burning, rash or irritation develops.
• Ask an appropriate healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy, breastfeeding or while managing a medical condition.
• Keep roller bottles and essential oils away from children and pets.
• Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
• Discard the blend if its aroma or appearance changes.

Because these recipes contain no water, they do not require the same type of preservative as water-based cosmetics. Clean preparation and storage remain important. Make small batches and use them within approximately six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this DIY Bug Repellent roll-on protect me from ticks?

Its effectiveness against ticks has not been established. Use an EPA-registered product labeled for tick protection, wear protective clothing and perform a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors.

Is eucalyptus citriodora essential oil the same as oil of lemon eucalyptus?

No. Ordinary eucalyptus citriodora essential oil should not be assumed to be equivalent to the standardized OLE or PMD used in registered insect repellents.

Can I use these recipes on children?

These formulas are intended for adult use. Choose an age-appropriate, EPA-registered product for children and follow its label.

Can I apply the itch roll-on to a scratched bite?

No. Avoid essential oils on broken, bleeding or weeping skin. Clean the area and consult a healthcare professional if signs of infection develop.

Can I use the outdoor roll-on with sunscreen?

A homemade aromatic roll-on is not a substitute for registered repellent. When using sunscreen and an EPA-registered insect repellent, the CDC advises applying sunscreen first and repellent afterward, following both labels.

Explore More DIY Natural Body Care Recipes

This article is part of our complete DIY Natural Body Care Recipes with Essential Oils guide, featuring natural skin-care, hair-care, bath, beauty and personal-care recipes.

References

• CDC: Preventing Mosquito Bites
• CDC: Preventing Tick Bites
• EPA: Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively
• EPA: Find the Repellent That Is Right for You
• AAAAI: Stinging-Insect Allergy

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is intended for general educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Written by BioSource Naturals Editorial Team
Reviewed by Lezlie Cebulski, Traditional Naturopath, Aromatherapist, Formulator & Founder 

About the Reviewer