DIY Travel Size Bug Spray Using Empty Essential Oil Bottles

Transforming Empty Essential Oil Bottles into Travel Size Bug Spray

If you’re an avid user of essential oils, chances are you’ve accumulated a collection of empty bottles. Rather than discarding them, why not repurpose those little treasures? I’ve found numerous innovative ways to utilize these bottles, including creating hand sanitizers, sleep sprays, roller bottles, mattress refreshers, homemade Febreeze, car diffusers, and more. In fact, I’ve compiled over 30 creative ideas and recipes for using empty essential oil bottles. Today, I want to focus on one of my favorite uses: making travel size bug spray. This compact spray is perfect for slipping into your purse or keeping in the car for quick access. You can even distribute them among family members’ outdoor bags or backpacks. Plus, at 15ml, it meets TSA liquid requirements, making it ideal for travel. Use this homemade bug spray to ward off a variety of pesky insects, including mosquitoes, flies, ticks, gnats, spiders, and more.

Steps to Create Your Travel Size Bug Spray with Essential Oils

Step 1: Remove the Drop Reducer from Your 15ml Essential Oil Bottle

Tip: A handy tool for removing orifice reducers, like the one shown in the image below, can make this step easier. This tool often comes included with spray tops, but you can also find it sold separately.
This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• • Find 15ml essential oil spray tops along with the reducer remover tool here.
  • Or explore essential oil bottle opener tools available separately here.

Step 2: Add About 1/4 Teaspoon of a Carrier Oil

Tip: I recommend using fractionated coconut oil as it is clear, odorless, and absorbs quickly into the skin. Alternatives include olive oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, or rosehip seed oil. If you plan to apply the bug spray to clothing, consider omitting the carrier oil to avoid any potential staining.

Step 3: Add 8-10 Drops of Essential Oil

Tip: You can opt for a single essential oil like lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, or citronella, or create a blend of several oils to address various pests from mosquitoes to ticks. Check out my favorite bug-repelling essential oil combinations below.

Step 4: Swirl the Ingredients in the Bottle to Mix

Step 5: Fill the 15ml Bottle with Witch Hazel

Tip: Leave a little space at the top of the bottle to allow room for the spray top. Overfilling can lead to spillage when you attach the spray top.

Step 6: Attach a Spray Top

Tip: Ensure that you select a spray top designed to fit 15ml essential oil bottles; otherwise, it may not fit properly.
This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• • Find colorful spray tops for 15ml essential oil bottles here (compatible with all brands including doTERRA, Young Living, & Plant Therapy).
  • Find black spray tops for 15ml essential oil bottles here (also compatible with all major brands).

Step 7 (Optional): Add a Label

Get your free printable label here.
Tip: You can print the label on full-sheet label paper, or like I do, print it on regular paper and affix it to the bottle with packing tape. This method is cost-effective and the packing tape ensures that the label adheres better and remains protected, keeping it looking great for a long time.

Best Essential Oils for Repelling Bugs

Do you have an almost empty essential oil bottle? Turn it into a travel bug spray! Lemon Eucalyptus and citronella are top choices, but many essential oils effectively repel insects during the summer months. Below is a list of excellent options. Simply add about 1/4 teaspoon of a carrier oil, swirl it to mix with the essential oil, and then fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel. You’ve just crafted your very own bug spray!

• Lemon eucalyptus
• Citronella
• Lemongrass
• Cedarwood
• Lavender
• Geranium
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Sweet orange

For more insights on these bug-repelling essential oils and the specific pests they deter, click here. You’ll also find numerous recipes for utilizing each oil to keep spiders, ants, and other unwanted insects at bay.

Essential Oil Recipes for Travel Size Bug Spray

Below are 12 variations of travel bug spray blends. Choose your favorite for your bug spray. Use the following recipe: 1/4 teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil, 8-10 drops of your chosen essential oil, then fill the 15ml bottle with witch hazel.

• 2 drops geranium + 3 drops lavender + 1 drop patchouli + 2 drops lemongrass + 2 drops citronella
• 3 drops lemongrass + 3 drops eucalyptus + 4 drops citronella
• 4 drops lavender + 4 drops lemongrass + 2 drops peppermint
• 4 drops rosemary + 4 drops cedarwood + 2 drops peppermint
• 3 drops lavender + 2 drops basil + 2 drops rosemary + 3 drops spearmint
• 3 drops eucalyptus + 4 drops lavender + 3 drops lemongrass
• 5 drops lavender + 5 drops citronella
• 4 drops lavender + 2 drops geranium + 4 drops cedarwood
• 6 drops lemon eucalyptus + 4 drops lavender
• 5 drops geranium + 5 drops spearmint
• 2 drops geranium + 3 drops citronella + 1 drop patchouli + 2 drops lemon eucalyptus + 2 drops spearmint
• 3 drops citronella + 4 drops lemon eucalyptus + 1 drop patchouli + 2 drops lavender

Helpful Tips for Application

• Since oils and water do not mix, be sure to shake the bug spray before each use.
• Avoid spraying directly on the face.
• Be cautious not to touch your eyes or mouth if you have applied bug spray to your fingers.
• Reapply as often as necessary for effective protection.

Explore More Ways to Use Essential Oils for Bug Repellent

• Discover full-size bug spray recipes here.
• Create a bug repellent candle to keep insects away from your yard, picnic, or party.
• Make adorable bug repellent lotion bars with this simple recipe.
• Check out mosquito and tick repellent roller bottle recipes here to swipe on wrists, ankles, and clothing openings for additional protection.
• Find the Bugs Away diffuser blend here.
• Explore many more essential oil bug repellent recipes, including natural spider repellents, ways to keep ants at bay, diffuser bracelets for mosquitoes, fruit fly traps, and methods to protect your garden.

Where to Find Your Supplies

This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• Click here for fractionated coconut oil.
• Witch hazel can be found online or at retailers like Target, Walmart, or drugstores, typically in the beauty or pharmacy sections.
• Find colorful spray tops for 15ml essential oil bottles here (compatible with all brands).
• Find black spray tops for 15ml essential oil bottles here (also compatible with all major brands).
• Click here for printable labels and recipes.

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Please note: The products mentioned on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided here is not aimed at diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. Always seek professional medical advice regarding your healthcare needs. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it due to something you read on this website.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click on specific links and then make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.