All-Natural Vanilla Bug Repellent Spray

Since I'm a photographer, it may seem unusual for me to write a post about a bug repellent recipe. However, after my clients and I got bitten by countless pesky mosquitoes, I decided it would be a good idea to share my favorite all-natural vanilla bug repellent recipe.

All Natural Vanilla Bug Repellent Spray

What I love about this spray is how non-toxic it is; it smells great, and IT REALLY WORKS! It has been tested by me, my family, and my clients!

For years, I dreaded using bug spray. All the available options on the market were terrible. Many brands are extremely toxic, smell bad, and if I accidentally eat a snack with my bare hands after using one, I would get a terrible taste in my mouth that lingered forever. The so-called natural versions were often very oily and would stain my clothes, plus I couldn't apply them to my head (which mosquitoes really love, by the way).

So, when I came across this recipe, I decided to give it a try right away. After preparing it, we went to the most bug-filled area we knew of: Fish Lake in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. We camp there as a family all the time. It’s an exceptionally gorgeous area, especially during wildflower season, but the bugs can make it a miserable experience.

When we arrived at our testing area, the moment I got out of the car, I was bitten five times! However, as soon as I sprayed my new Vanilla Bug Spray concoction, I didn’t get one bite, and my husband didn’t get bitten either (and mosquitoes love my husband even more than they love me)!

So, without further ado, here's the All Natural Vanilla Bug Repellent Spray.

Vanilla Bug Spray:

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup vodka (optional; helps the spray dry faster)

• 10-15 drops of pure vanilla extract (must be real vanilla extract; imitators won't work)

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.

Application:

Spray liberally on any areas where you want to avoid insect bites. Remember, mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing and hair, so be sure to spray from head to toe and enjoy smelling like a cookie!