06/10/2026
It’s time to mix up our summer bug deterrent.
Now, let’s be clear—👉this is not an insect repellent, and I’m certainly not making any claims that it will prevent bites or keep every pest away. What it is, however, is a simple blend that we’ve found helpful while working in the garden, tending animals, pulling weeds, or enjoying an evening on the porch.
Our mixture uses witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and a combination of essential oils including eucalyptus, lemongrass, bergamot, and cedarwood. The scent is fresh, earthy, and pleasant, and when reapplied every couple of hours it seems to make us a little less appealing to some of those pesky gnats, garden flies, mosquitoes, and other summertime nuisances 😊
Most often we spray it on our hats, clothing, and around the outside of our work shirts before heading to the barn, garden, or orchard. I’ll also do a light mist across my shoulders and upper back since that’s where the flies seem to bother me the most while working outside.
Is it perfect? No.
Will it replace long sleeves, common sense, or EPA-approved insect repellents in high-bug areas? Absolutely not 🚨
But for everyday farm chores, gardening, watering flowers, and evening walks around the property, it’s become part of our summer routine. It’s simple, inexpensive, and easy to keep on hand during the busiest months of the year.
👉As with any product containing essential oils, everyone should be mindful of their own sensitivities and skin reactions and use what works best for them.
Sometimes the old-fashioned ways aren’t about perfection—they’re about making life outdoors just a little more enjoyable.
I will make sure to post both recipes in the comment section.