Catnip Tincture ~ Yarrow Tincture ~ Homemade Bug Repellent

 You may get a laugh out of this discovery, but it's a reminder to get your recipes out before you do early prep work.  I started a catnip infused oil earlier in May, thinking it was what I needed for my homemade bug spray.  It was not.  

I then thought I used catnip oil for homemade tick repellent, and that was not it either.

Having said that, I started a catnip tincture.  Good grief.  I started making the bug spray way back around 2015.   It works to repel bug bites, but if it's very hot out, you do need to re-apply it during your time outdoors.

(photos from September of 2015, when I first made the bug repellent spray)

The link for the online recipe no longer works, but the original recipe was from Mountain Rose Herbs.  They have changed the recipe and the title over three times since then.  It was first called Bug-Away Spray, then a Skeeter spray, and again changed after that.  

I went searching for the link to share, but in the process, learned something new.

Did you know that yarrow can be used for a bug repellent?  I did not know this.  I read comments on another recipe regarding homemade bug spray, and one person said she has been making a strong tea to keep the bugs away.  I love that it uses a lot less ingredients.

I have yarrow growing in two pots, and it grows wild here too.  You can research this in your own herbal books or online (Learning Herbs has instructions).

My entire process of mistaking the need for catnip oil, for bug spray, taught me a new recipe (and with less ingredients).

I now have a catnip tincture, and a yarrow tincture being made.  I can add the catnip to the yarrow spray, and utilize it, so I am making both.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Having made my mistake, which taught me something new, I can now share what I use for treating mosquito bites - chickweed salve.  So far, it's the best thing for, not only healing the bite, but removes the itch.

I have yet to make my own chickweed salve, as I have some that I purchased (made local by Amish).  I do plan to make it, but not until I run out of my current supply.  

I put some in a smaller container for traveling and camping.

Catnip Tincture ~ Yarrow Tincture ~ Homemade Bug Repellent © May 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Homemade Bug Spray and Rain Updates

Wed. morning we attended our youngest daughter's awards ceremony.  It rained most of the day, so we only got mulch on one small flower bed.  It was cold, cloudy, and the rain just seems to fall.  It was literally cold enough to start up the woodstove, but I held back, due to the upcoming weather.

Thursday, I planted more flowers while it rained.   I toted 54 of my tomato plants out to the garden, and planted those in the rain until the rain was too much.   I got about half of them planted, then went to the front porch.  I leaned over the edge and got the front beds finished weeded.  Dropped my zinnia seeds too, but I have more to plant.  Gladiolus bulbs are now planted too.

Headed back out to the tomatoes, but guess what?  It rained again, and too much to be out planting in it.  I'm gonna have to buy a rain coat to get that job done apparently.

I stayed inside and made a hot cup of mullein/nettle tea.  My sinuses were giving me issues with all this rain and spring allergies.

I also made homemade bug spray.  The recipe is from Mountain Rose Herbs blog, and it works.  It was originally called "Bug away spray" but now you can google it as "No Skeeter Spritz" spray.   If you click on the link above (goes to my blogpost on when I first made it), the link to the original recipe does not work.

The ingredients in their newly posted recipe are almost the same, they must of just changed the name of it, and added one essential oil - cedarwood (in place of citronella oil).  

You will need to make a catnip tincture (also called extract) first (which requires fresh or dried catnip and alcohol).  Start that now, so you can make your spray and start using it.  You can also find instructions on how to make a tincture on the MRH blog as well.  

You will need organic essential oils to complete the spray.  If you don't have wild growing catnip, you can also find seeds to plant at Strictly Medicinal Seeds.  The tincture can also be beneficial to help with insomnia and upset stomach.

Here is the original recipe I have used, so you have both options.

Bug Away Spray

4 oz. catnip tincture (I used vodka to make mine)
4 oz. witch hazel extract
80 drops organic citronella essential oil
80 drops organic eucalyptus essential oil
40 drops organic lavender essential oil
20 drops organic rosemary essential oil
10 drops organic lemongrass essential oil
10 drops organic lemon essential oil

Mix all ingredients, pour into a spray bottle.  Shake before using.  I do find I have to re-apply often, especially if it's hot out and I'm sweating a lot.