Bugs getting to you? It’s mosquito season where I am and plenty of other places, too. I don’t much like putting DEET on my skin so I came up with an alternative. Plus, it smells better.

Citronella’s an easy one, and cedarwood shouldn’t surprise you either. My grandmother had a chest made out of the stuff to hold her linens and boy, did it smell good. Keeps the moths out, too, she told me.

Eucalyptus isn’t just for koalas! It’s also a strong insect repellent and also happens to be good for sore muscles (a lovely side benefit!). Spearmint smells good and, surprise, chases off bugs too! And tea tree oil and vitamin E oil are just plain good for your skin.

They’re all in a base of water, witch hazel (an astringent), and aloe vera juice (helps with those little scratches and scrapes you’ll get running around outside trying to stay away from the bugs).

I make all of my products by hand, and use only essential oils and other natural ingredients. The spray bottle holds two ounces of bug stuff.

Ingredients: Water, witch hazel, aloe vera juice, citronella essential oil, tea tree essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, spearmint essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, geranium essential oil, vitamin e oil.

Price: $6