Every year, bug season starts early and gets worse as the days grow hotter. You might spot mosquitoes near the porch or find flies hanging around the feed room. Some might even follow you back from the pasture and linger near the shaded walls of your home. Thankfully, you don’t need store-bought chemicals to handle them. Many homemade sprays and plant-based blends can give you solid results without exposing your family, animals, or garden to harsh ingredients. This guide shows what works, how to mix them, and where each spray fits best. What Goes Into a Natural Bug Spray Most natural bug sprays rely on strong-smelling ingredients that insects find unpleasant. The good news is that you can whip up a batch using what’s already in your pantry or herb garden. Start with a liquid base. Vinegar, witch hazel, or even water can help dissolve and spread the active ingredients. Then, add herbs or oils that fit the pest you’re dealing with. Useful ingredients include: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol Essential oils: citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, cedarwood, lavender Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, basil, catnip Garlic or onion Water Depending on the ingredients, some oils will turn out stronger than others. If you’re spraying near animals or seedlings, stick with milder options like lavender or cedarwood. For more information about essential oils and safety, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has a helpful guide on essential oil use. Homemade Remedies That Actually Work Each recipe in the chart below helps with a specific type of pest. Some sprays work best on plants. Others belong on gear, boots, or surfaces around entryways. Recipe Name Pests Repelled Where to Use How Long It Lasts Citrus Herb Spray Mosquitoes, gnats Skin, porch chairs, window trim 2–4 hours Vinegar Garlic Mix Aphids, beetles, ants Garden beds, compost bins 3–5 days Lavender Cedar Blend Flies, moths Barn walls, feed buckets 2–3 days Peppermint Barrier Oil Ticks, fleas Door frames, boot soles Up to 1 week Onion Chili Spray Deer, squirrels, caterpillars Fencing, fruit trees 1–2 days If you want the spray to stick longer, add a few drops of dish soap. Shake before each use, and test it on a small patch before spraying widely. Safe Ways to Use Natural Sprays Even natural ingredients can cause trouble if used carelessly. Always label your jars, store them away from kids, and test a small area first before applying to fabric, leaves, or animals. Some oils and herbs may irritate skin or discolor surfaces. It’s best to start with light doses until you know how each blend behaves when applied. Helpful precautions: Store in clean, labeled bottles Shake well before spraying Avoid direct contact with animals Skip spraying near flowering plants during bee activity Apply early or late in the day If you raise livestock such as chickens or goats, use these sprays on door frames or fencing. Avoid spraying directly on the animals themselves. Sprays That Serve More Than One Purpose Some homemade sprays do more than just keep pests away. They can help freshen the air, protect storage spaces, or even prevent plant disease. A garlic and vinegar mix might work against aphids and can also reduce mildew on leaves. Lavender and cedar help with moths and also keep storage bins smelling clean. Herbs like basil or mint keep flies away when planted near doorways. Choosing remedies with added benefits can cut down on clutter and simplify your pest control routine. Natural Bug Sprays That Fit Your Homestead Natural bug sprays are easy to make and useful across the homestead. You can treat problem spots without bringing harsh chemicals into your garden, barn, or kitchen area. These remedies give you control over what touches your tools, clothes, and animals. Start with what you have. Test a few recipes and adjust them based on what you grow, raise, and protect. Have a spray that works well in your space? Share it with us, as we’d like to hear what’s in your jar this summer. FAQs How long do these sprays last once mixed? Most sprays hold up for a few days. Store them in the fridge to stretch their shelf life. Oil-based recipes may last longer than herb-steeped water blends. Are natural sprays safe for animals? Some are, but it depends on the ingredients. Lavender and cedar tend to be gentler. Test each blend before using it near pet bedding or stalls. What if I don’t have essential oils? Steep herbs in hot water or vinegar for a day. Strain the liquid and use it as a lighter version of an oil-based spray. Can I use these inside the house? Yes. Try mild blends first. Spray lightly near doorways, under sinks, or around windowsills. Avoid electronics, fabrics, or polished surfaces unless tested first.