DIY Natural Bug Repellent Using Garden Herbs

If you love spending time in the garden but hate the constant buzz of mosquitoes and biting flies, you’re not alone. I’ve lost count of how many evenings I’ve had to cut short because the bugs got so bad. Store-bought repellents work—but many are loaded with chemicals that smell strong, feel sticky, and don’t always sit well on sensitive skin. And if you don’t want to make your own bug repellent, I’ve got a solution for you that has cleaner ingredients.

The good news? You can make your own natural bug repellent using herbs you’re likely already growing. It’s simple, affordable, and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re putting on your body.

This homemade herbal spray won’t keep every single mosquito away, but it will help reduce bites—and it smells a whole lot better than anything from a can.

This post is all about natural bug repellent.

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Table of Contents

Why Use Herbs in Bug Repellent?

No one likes getting a million mosquito bites. The worst is trying to fall asleep when you’re super itchy. Certain herbs naturally repel insects because of their strong scent compounds. These plants have been used for generations to ward off bugs, and when used in the right combinations, they make a gentle, skin-safe repellent you can feel good about. When I’m out tending the tomatoes, this spray helps keep mosquitoes off. You can also use them throughout your garden, patio area, etc to keep them at bay.

Best Garden Herbs for Natural Bug Repellent

What are the best garden herbs to use as a repellent? Well, I’m glad you asked because I have that info for you! The great thing is that these herbs have different uses besides repelling bugs. I’ve shared links to packets of seeds that you can grab either individually, or as a bundle. Here are a few herbs you can grow and use to make your own DIY spray:

Lemongrass – This herb is an ornamental grass that’s used in cooking, soaps, aromatherapy, candles, and so many other things. It’s high in citronella and is a well-known mosquito repellent.
Lavender – Lavender is the Swiss army knife of herbs. It can take care of so many things from burns, helping to heal wounds, aromatherapy for a calming effect, and more. It’s a calming scent for us but it repels moths, flies, and mosquitoes.
Mint (any variety) – Mint is a super prolific herb that’s a very hardy perennial. Meaning it’ll come back each year, which is an added bonus. However, you may want to keep it in a container because it’s pretty aggressive with how it spreads. It’s also strong-smelling and great for repelling mosquitoes and ants.
Basil – Basil is a fragrant, fast-growing herb that’s a favorite in summer gardens for both its flavor and ease of use. It thrives in warm weather and can be preserved through freezing, drying, or turning into pesto for later use. Interestingly, it too contains insect-repelling oils. Totally not something you’d expect!
Rosemary – Rosemary is a hardy, aromatic herb known for its needle-like leaves and woodsy fragrance. It’s a great companion plant in the garden and can be dried easily for use in cooking, natural cleaning, or homemade bug repellents. Its scent deters mosquitoes and flies.

Rosemary works wonderfully in natural bug sprays—here’s how to dry and store it.

Thyme – Thyme is a low-growing, woody herb with small, fragrant leaves and a slightly earthy, minty flavor. It’s drought-tolerant, easy to grow in containers or garden beds, and a staple in both culinary dishes and natural remedies. It contains thymol, which insects dislike.
Catnip – Catnip is a member of the mint family known for its strong scent and its stimulating effect on cats. Beyond its feline appeal, catnip is also a powerful natural insect repellent, particularly effective against mosquitoes. It’s been proven to be highly effective against mosquitoes (even more than DEET in some studies).

Instead of buying these seeds individually, consider buying them in a bundle: Survival Garden Seeds 10 Herb Seeds Collection. This bundle has Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Sage & Thyme.

If you’ve got more herbs than you can use right now, here’s how to preserve fresh herbs so nothing goes to waste.

DIY Natural Bug Repellent Spray Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup distilled water
1 cup witch hazel (or vodka, for a longer-lasting version)
A handful (½–1 cup total) of fresh herbs: choose a mix of mint, lavender, basil, and rosemary
Optional: 10–20 drops essential oils (like citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, or lemongrass)
Spray bottle (glass or BPA-free plastic)

Instructions:

Roughly chop your fresh herbs to release their oils.
Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil.
Remove from heat and add the herbs. Cover and let steep for 30–60 minutes.
Strain the liquid and let it cool.
Combine the herb-infused water with 1 cup of witch hazel or vodka in a clean bowl.
Add essential oils if using, then pour into a spray bottle.
Shake before each use. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for freshness.

Tips for Using Natural Bug Repellent

Test on a small patch of skin first if you’re sensitive to herbs or essential oils.
Reapply every hour or two, especially if you’re sweating.
Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
Use caution on children under 2. Always check with your pediatrician before applying herbal products to young kids.

Want Longer-Lasting Protection?

This spray is great for light coverage during gardening or relaxing outside, but for more intense protection (like camping), consider pairing it with:

Wearing long sleeves and pants
Avoiding dusk/dawn hours when mosquitoes are worst
Burning rosemary or sage in your outdoor fire pit or smoker

If you do happen to get a mosquito bite, try this itch stick by Nature’s Willow. This only happens if I forget to put anything on!

Final Thoughts

There’s something empowering about making your own natural bug repellent from herbs you grew yourself. It’s another small way to reduce chemicals in your home, use what you’ve harvested, and feel more prepared during bug season.

If your garden is full of basil, mint, or lavender, give this a try—it takes just a few minutes to mix up, and your skin (and nose!) will thank you. And if you’re not looking to make your own, try this awesome one made by Badger. Works like a charm!

This post was all about natural bug repellent.