The warmer months are upon us and with it the arrival of outdoor bugs. While bugs serve their purpose in nature that doesn’t change the fact they can be annoying, especially if you find yourself with a bite or two or three. Sure repellents do the trick but if you’re looking to avoid the chemicals that can be found in most repellents? Simple. You make your own using products you already have in your home.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this DIY organic bug repellent:

This DIY is very simple and will take no time to complete, so let’s get started. Please keep in mind that I’m only making this in a small batch of about 4 oz. This will ensure that I’ll get through it all before it loses its potency.

Part One:

The first thing you’re going to do is unscrew the top of your tinted glass spray bottle and insert the funnel. Funnels are a lifesaver as they prevent spillage as you add your ingredients. For this craft, I used a tinted glass bottle because it reduces how much sun shines into the bottle giving you the most out of your essential oils. You don’t have to this, you can use whatever bottle you have handy, but a tinted glass bottle is my recommendation.

Part Two:

Open your distilled water and use 1/4 cup (2 oz of liquid) and pour it inside. Next, grab your witch hazel and you’ll pour another 2 oz of liquid and add it. Then add half a teaspoon of glycerin. The reason why I’m using witch hazel and glycerin is that both of these products will keep your sweat at bay, and the glycerin will keep your skin’s moisture locked inside. You won’t need the funnel for the glycerin just pour it slowly into the bottle.

Part Three:

Now it’s time to add the essential oils. You can use one or several fragrances it’s really up to you. For this repellent, I’ll be using lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. I added 15 drops of each one. I like how each of these smells but that’s not the only reason why I’m using them. There’s a special component in each of these that repels different kinds of bugs.

Lavender is a natural repellent for mosquitoes, rosemary keeps ants and mosquitoes at bay, and peppermint keeps away deer ticks. Healthline has a break breakdown of other essential oils and what bugs they repel.

Part Four:

Label or decorate the bottle so you don’t forget what the contents are. I’ve forgotten to do this a time or two and it took me a minute to figure out what it was. Don’t let that happen to you, especially if other people plan to use it. Labeling ensures those with allergies know what’s in it so they’ll know if it’s safe to use.

And that’s it! I’ve got you covered on mosquitoes, ants, and deer ticks for your next camping trip or playtime in the backyard.