Buzz Off Bug Spray - A Botanical Recipe

Let’s be real—mosquitoes don’t deserve an invite to your garden party. But neither does the harsh smell (or stickiness!) of conventional bug sprays. That’s why we whipped up a simple, skin-friendly DIY Herbal Bug Spray that smells divine and sends bugs packing.

It’s easy to make, kind to your skin, and powered by real, organic botanicals you can purchase direct from Positively Botanicals. 

Traditional bug sprays often rely on synthetic chemicals like DEET, which—while effective—can be irritating to sensitive skin, unpleasantly strong-smelling, and not ideal for daily or prolonged use (especially for kids or pets). 

Botanical ingredients, on the other hand, have been used for generations to naturally repel insects without the chemical overload. Herbs like lemon balm, peppermint, and lavender not only keep bugs at bay—they soothe skin, uplift your senses, and make you smell like a woodland goddess instead of a chemical cloud.

• 1 cup distilled water

• 1 cup witch hazel 

• 2–3 tbsp dried botanicals , like:

  • Positively Botanical's Lemon Balm – Naturally deters insects with its citrusy scent

  • Positively Tea's Peppermint – Cooling and bug-repelling

  • Positively Botanical's Lavender – Soothing and sweet-smelling, but bugs can’t stand it

• Optional: 1 tsp vegetable glycerin to keep your skin soft and happy

This botanical bug spray skips the DEET but still packs a punch. Whether you're hiking, gardening, or just sipping mocktails on the porch, it’s the natural way to stay bite-free and smell like a dream.

Plus, it’s fun to make—and way cuter than anything on the drugstore shelf.