🦟 When the Bugs Come to the Party: My Favorite Natural Bug-Repelling Oils</span>

This summer, I'm living in an apartment complex, and let me just say… the flies have been horrific around the outdoor dining areas.

I'm not sure what genius decided it was a good idea to put trash cans without lids right next to the dining tables—and then add absolutely no fans—but let me tell you, trying to enjoy a meal outside has been quite the experience. 😂

There is nothing quite like sitting down to enjoy your dinner and having a whole squadron of flies decide that your food is their food.

And because I love finding practical, natural options whenever I can, I became determined to investigate.

What can I use to help deter these unwanted little dinner guests without immediately reaching for traditional bug sprays?

So I started digging, looking at essential oils that are commonly used for outdoor insect deterrence and figuring out which ones might actually make sense for everyday use.

And today, I'm sharing what I found—including the one I’ve been reaching for the most: Purification®. ❤️

Now, I want to be clear: I'm not saying essential oils are a magic force field against bugs. They aren't guaranteed to prevent bites, and when mosquito-borne illness is a concern, proven insect-repellent measures still matter.

But I do believe in having options.

And sometimes, finding another layer that makes outdoor living a little more enjoyable is worth exploring.

So let's talk about the oils I found most interesting—and how I'm incorporating them into my summer outdoor routine.

The Oils I Reach For

There are several oils I like for outdoor use, and each one brings something a little different to the blend.

🍋 Citronella

This is the classic.

Citronella is probably the oil most people think of when they think about natural mosquito deterrence. It has that unmistakable fresh, citrusy outdoor aroma.

Think: patio evenings, outdoor gatherings and summer adventures.

🌱 Lemongrass

Fresh, bright and citrusy, lemongrass is one of my favorites to pair with citronella.

It gives your outdoor blend a beautiful, fresh scent while adding another aromatic option to your summer toolkit.

💜 Purification® — My Favorite

**Purification**

Purification® is one of my favorite oils to keep on hand because it's so versatile. **I reach for it most often to freshen my home, create a clean and inviting aroma, and—especially during summer—to help make our outdoor spaces less inviting to unwanted bugs.**

Okay, this one is my personal favorite. ❤️

Purification® is such an easy option because it brings several oils together in one convenient blend, including citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, lavandin and myrtle.

I love reaching for it when I don't want to stand there deciding which bottles to combine.

One bottle. Easy. Done.

And honestly? I just love the way it smells.

Rosemary

Fresh, clean and herbaceous, rosemary is a lovely addition to an outdoor blend.

Geranium

If the thought of smelling like traditional bug spray doesn't exactly excite you, geranium is a beautiful alternative to bring into the mix.

It's floral, fresh and much softer aromatically.

Spearmint

Cool, refreshing and uplifting.

Spearmint is a fun choice when you want your patio or outdoor space to smell fresh and inviting.

Thyme & Clove

These two have stronger, spicier botanical aromas, so I like them in smaller amounts when creating an outdoor blend.

You Don't Need a Whole
Shelf of Oils

If you're just getting started, don't feel like you need to buy everything.

I'd start with these three:

🍋 Citronella — the classic outdoor choice
🌱 Lemongrass — fresh and citrusy
💜 Purification® — my favorite easy all-in-one blend

Together, they give you plenty of flexibility for your summer outdoor toolkit.

Three Simple Ways to Use Them

1. Diffuse

If you're hanging out on the patio, try an outdoor-safe diffuser with:

Citronella + Lemongrass + Purification®

Let the aroma settle around your gathering space and enjoy your evening.

2. Make a Patio Spray

A simple spray can be used around outdoor seating areas, doorways and other spaces where you'd like to create a less bug-friendly environment.

Just remember: don't spray directly into your eyes, face or onto your skin.

3. Make a Personal Roller

Want something you can take with you?

A properly diluted roller blend can be a convenient option for personal use.

One combination to try:

Citronella + Lemongrass + Geranium

Use a carrier oil and appropriate dilution rather than applying essential oils directly to your skin.

A Simple Outdoor Spray

Here's the recipe from the guide:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle:

10 drops Citronella
10 drops Lemongrass
5 drops Purification®
5 drops Rosemary
1 tablespoon alcohol or an appropriate solubilizer
Distilled water to fill

Shake well before each use.

A Gentle Reminder

This is the part I really want you to remember:

Natural doesn't automatically mean risk-free.

Essential oils are highly concentrated. Use appropriate dilution, avoid the eyes and mucous membranes, and take extra care when using essential oils around children, pets, during pregnancy, or on sensitive skin.

And while essential oils may help deter insects, they aren't guaranteed to prevent bites.

If you're in an area where mosquito-borne illness is a concern, consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent along with other proven protective measures.

That's the El is 4 Life approach.

We're not looking for one perfect solution.

We're looking at the layers.

A little more awareness.
A few more healthy options.
A little more intention about what we're bringing into our homes and onto our bodies.

Healing happens in layers. ❤️

And sometimes, that layer looks like sitting on the patio on a warm summer evening, enjoying the people you love, with your favorite bottle of Purification® nearby.

Want help creating an essential-oil blend for your household?

Reach out to El is 4 Life and let's put one together.

In the meantime download my handy Essential Oil Bug Repellent Guide.

🦟 When the Bugs Come to the Party: My Favorite Natural Bug-Repelling Oils