We’re heading to a tropical, humid climate, which prompted me to make a homemade organic insect repellent to take with us. I wanted something simple and practical — a small glass roll-on bottle that could easily slip into a handbag or beach bag and be applied when needed.
Biting insects such as mosquitoes, midges, black flies, and sandflies locate us by tracking body scent, carbon dioxide, and skin chemistry. In many ways, this is similar to how lice are drawn to people based on the chemistry released from the body and emitted through the hair. The essential oils in this organic insect repellent work by disrupting those signals, making it harder for insects to recognise us as a target.
Eucalyptus and lemongrass create a strong aromatic barrier, while pine helps extend how long the blend remains effective on the skin, even in warm or humid conditions. Lavender, manuka, and tea tree add broad-spectrum support, offering additional repellent activity while also helping to calm and protect the skin. Manuka, in particular, has a long history of use in regions where sandflies and midges are common. Together, these oils form a versatile barrier designed to help reduce bites from multiple insect types making it especially well suited to hot, humid climates.
If you have everything in your cupboard this recipe will take about 10 mins to put together!
Here’s what you need to make 100mls:
- Small glass roll-on bottles (see image above. These ones are 9 ml each)
- Sweet almond oil – enough to fill to 100ml
- Eucalyptus – 22 drops
- Lavender – 12 drops
- Pine – 9 drops
- Manuka – 7 drops
- Tea tree – 5 drops
- Lemongrass – 5 drops
Total essential oils: 60 drops (≈3 ml | 3%)
Here’s how to put it together:
- Add essential oils to a bottle or small container.
- When all essential oils have been added top up the container with the sweet almond oil to make 100mls.
- Put the top on the bottle and shake well or stir the oil mixture if using a small container.
- Remove the top and the lid of the roll-on glass bottle, stir the mixture again and pour the mixture into the glass bottle being sure to NOT fill it to the top so it does not overflow when you replace the roll-on lid.
- Replace the roll-on lid and the top.
- Label.
How to use:
- Apply to exposed skin, focusing on ankles, lower legs, behind the knee, arms, and neck.
- Reapply every 2–3 hours, or more frequently in hot, humid conditions.
- Reapply after swimming.
How to store it:
- Store in a dark glass bottle (see image above – dark blue or amber bottle).
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Store below 25°C where possible.
- Keep the lid tightly closed.
- Avoid leaving in hot cars or direct beach sun for long period.
- A bathroom cabinet, bedroom drawer, or travel bag away from heat is ideal.
Shelf life:
- 9–12 months under normal storage conditions.
- Up to 18 months if stored very well.
Enjoy making this quick and very easy recipe for your family!
Why this ingredient list:
Eucalyptus (primary driver)
- Highly effective against mosquitoes and midges
- Strong vapour “cloud” masks human scent
- Works well in heat
Lemongrass
- Broad-spectrum repellent
- Effective against mosquitoes, sandflies, and black flies
- Particularly good in tropical coastal areas
Pine
- Traditionally used against black flies and gnats
- Adds staying power to lighter oils
Manuka
- One of the best oils for sandflies
- Especially useful in Pacific and NZ regions
- Also helps reduce bite reaction if they do land
Tea tree
- Repellent + antimicrobial
- Helpful for midges and sandflies
- Reduces irritation from minor bites
Lavender
- Supports repellent effect
- Calms skin, reducing inflammation if bitten
- Makes frequent reapplication more tolerable
