Homemade Bug Balm for Ticks & Mosquitoes
Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Kiersten James
This homemade bug balm is what our family uses to keep ticks and mosquitoes away. Safe for the whole family, smells great, and works without harsh chemicals.
This homemade bug balm is what I’ve made for the last year, and works just as well (if not better) than anything I’ve ever bought.
It’s gentle, easy to make, and the kids don’t complain when I put it on…which, if you knew my kids, says a lot. I generally keep a small tin of it by the back door under the water filter and another in my travel bag.
Bug balm is most useful before we head into the woods, out to the swing set (which borders the woods), in the evenings, and anytime the chickens start kicking up grass and bugs are flying around.
It definitely keeps the mosquitoes off and has helped with tick prevention, too.
Homemade Bug Balm to Repel Ticks and Mosquitoes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops geranium
Instructions:
Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler. I don’t care for the one that I have so I float a metal bowl in a large stock pot filled with water that is steaming but not hot enough to boil.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add jojoba oil and essential oils then stir to combine.
Pour into a 2 ounce tin or small glass jar and let it set up fully.
How to Use:
Rub a small amount onto wrists, ankles, behind the ears, and on the neck before going outside. Reapply every couple of hours if you’re outside for a long time or sweating.
How to Make a Spray Version
If you prefer bug spray for clothing instead of a balm that is applied to skin, you can do this instead.
Bug Spray Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 1/4 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- Same essential oils as above
Add to a spray bottle and shake before each use. The spray won’t last as long as the balm but it’s definitely great for quick coverage or clothing.
Some Additional Notes
Do not use on babies under 6 months.
Always test a patch first if using on kids with sensitive skin. Don’t use on areas of broken skin or previous bites that have been scratched raw.
Store in a cool place out of direct sun. The homemade bug balm will melt if it’s left in a hot car or out in the open on a hot day.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.
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Homemade Bug Balm for Ticks & Mosquitoes
This homemade bug balm is what our family uses to keep ticks and mosquitoes away. Safe for the whole family, smells great, and works without harsh chemicals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops geranium
Instructions
- Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add jojoba oil and essential oils then stir to combine.
- Pour into a 2 ounce tin or small glass jar and let it set up fully.
How to Use:
Rub a small amount onto wrists, ankles, behind the ears, and on the neck before going outside.
Reapply every couple of hours if you’re outside for a long time or sweating.
Do not use on babies 6 months or younger, or on areas of broken skin.
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