Skip the Aerogard, Off!, DEET, Bushman’s, or other toxic chemical-filled bug sprays and instead try this natural homemade tick repellent made with ingredients backed by research.

I recently went hiking out in the bush near one of my friends’ places, trekking along unmarked trails, following this creek along the valley floor to see if we could spot koalas hiding up in the trees. But, the undergrowth was relatively thick, and I found myself becoming more and more paranoid about finding ticks on any exposed skin that wasn’t covered by clothing.

Thankfully, I made it out tick-free, but it was the catalyst that kick-started my search for a natural homemade tick repellent. I’ve come across a lot of recipes for DIY tick sprays, but very few cite ingredients and research sharing proven results. I’m always hesitant to try something if there isn’t enough research to prove that it works.

I always make sure to test out my homemade creations first, and note their effectiveness to ensure they actually work. I’ve been using this homemade tick repellent for a few months now, and so far, the ticks have stayed away. Now, this is no guarantee that you’ll never be bitten again wearing this stuff, but I have noticed it has helped reduce the amount of bites I receive on hikes from different insects (including ticks) dramatically.

The key here is to apply this spray liberally and reapply it frequently. Like every 1-2 hours. That frequently. This isn’t like the Aerogard stuff that only needs to be sprayed on once then you’re good to go all afternoon. It’s important to keep reapplying while you’re out in the wilderness.

Tick-Repelling Essential Oils

Essential oils can be wonderful insect repellents, with rose geranium being one of the most effective essential oils when it comes to repelling ticks, particularly the pelargonium capitatum x radens variety of rose geranium.

Another oil found to show tick-repelling properties is cedarwood essential oil. This 2024 study indicates that cedarwood can repel certain tick species.

This spray is pictured here in an 8-ounce amber glass bottle, as the dark amber glass helps to block UV light that can break down the effectiveness of the essential oils in the spray.

It’s important to note that, while essential oils are effective bug repellents, they should be diluted in a carrier oil or grain alcohol if you desire to use them on your skin or in a spray. Now, please keep in mind that oil and water does not mix. So any time essential oils are placed in water you can guarantee they will separate. But, if you mix the essential oils with a bit of high-proof grain alcohol, it can help to disperse the oils more easily.

Before we get started in learning how to make this natural tick repellent, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Homemade Tick Repellent

This natural tick repellent recipe calls for a high-proof grain alcohol such as vodka, but if you do not wish to use alcohol as a base, incorporating a mix of apple cider vinegar or witch hazel diluted with distilled water can be another alternative.

Makes approximately 240ml

Ingredients:

80 drops rose geranium essential oil
80 drops cedarwood essential oil
60 drops lavender essential oil
60 drops citronella essential oil
60 drops thyme essential oil
40 drops eucalyptus essential oil
40 drops peppermint essential oil
40 drops garlic essential oil
20 drops clove essential oil
4-ounces high-proof organic gluten-free vodka
4-ounces distilled water
8-ounce amber glass spray bottle

To make:

1. Fill an 8-ounce dark amber glass spray bottle with 4-ounces of a high-proof grain alcohol such as vodka. Carefully measure in the essential oils, then cap the spray bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Fill the bottle with the remaining 4-ounces of distilled water, then screw on the spray cap again shake well to combine.
3. To use this insect repellent, shake the bottle well before each use, then apply the spray liberally onto exposed skin, clothing, and shoes every 1-2 hours while outdoors. Spraying this repellent onto bare skin is my personal preference, as some of the essential oils in this blend can irritate skin, so use with caution and test before use. Please note this DIY tick repellent should only be used on adults and children older than 2 years of age.
4. Store this spray in a cool, dark place away from light.

For a natural bug repellent that targets a wider range of biting insects, see here.

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you made homemade bug spray or insect repellent before? What was your experience of it? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa