Make this easy DIY tick spray with apple cider vinegar and essential oils for your next hike, camping trip, or day in the garden. This simple homemade outdoor spray comes together in minutes and is designed for use on clothing, shoes, socks, and outdoor gear. Keep a bottle in your backpack for all your outdoor adventures.
If you enjoy hiking, gardening, camping, or spending time outdoors, keeping a natural tick spray on hand can be a simple addition to your outdoor routine. This DIY tick spray is made with apple cider vinegar and a blend of essential oils including geranium, cedarwood, citronella, and lemongrass. It comes together in just a few minutes and is easy to keep in your backpack, garden tote, or car for outdoor adventures.
Many people enjoy making their own outdoor sprays because they can customize the ingredients and create small batches as needed. This recipe uses apple cider vinegar as the base, while the essential oils provide a fresh, herbal scent. Since the oils naturally separate from the vinegar, it’s important to shake the bottle well before each use.
I like using this spray on shoes, socks, pant legs, backpacks, and other outdoor gear before heading into wooded areas, hiking trails, or tall grass. While it can also be lightly misted on exposed skin, many people prefer applying it primarily to clothing because of the strong vinegar scent.
This homemade spray is quick to make, inexpensive, and easy to refill throughout the season. Whether you’re heading out for a summer hike, working in the garden, or exploring your favorite nature trails, it’s a simple DIY to keep with your outdoor essentials.
Important: This recipe is intended as a homemade outdoor spray. It has not been evaluated or proven to prevent tick bites or tick-borne illnesses. Follow local public health recommendations for tick prevention, wear protective clothing, perform tick checks after spending time outdoors, and use registered tick repellents when appropriate.
DIY Tick Spray
For this recipe you will need apple cider vinegar and essential oils.
Add the geranium, cedarwood, citronella, and lemongrass essential oils directly into your clean 2-ounce spray bottle.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with apple cider vinegar, leaving a little space at the top for shaking.
Secure the spray top and shake thoroughly to combine the ingredients.
Since the oils naturally separate, shake the bottle well before every use.
How to Use
Shake well before spraying.
Lightly mist onto:
- Shoes
- Socks
- Pant legs
- Clothing
- Backpacks
- Outdoor gear
If applying to exposed skin, avoid the eyes, mouth, and broken or irritated skin. Consider testing a small area first if you have sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spray this directly on my skin?
Yes, it can be lightly misted on exposed skin while avoiding the eyes, mouth, and broken skin. Because apple cider vinegar has a noticeable scent, many people prefer using it primarily on clothing and gear. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test first.
Can I make a version for children?
For older children or those with sensitive skin, you can reduce the essential oils by half. Be sure to research age-appropriate essential oil safety and consult your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns. Essential oils are not appropriate for all ages.
How long does homemade tick spray last?
When stored in a cool, dark place, the spray is generally best used within about 6 months.
Why do I have to shake it every time?
Essential oils do not dissolve in vinegar, so they naturally separate between uses. Shaking redistributes the oils throughout the spray.
Can I use a different vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used because of its mild acidity and natural scent, but you could substitute white vinegar if preferred. Keep in mind the scent will be different.
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DIY Tick Spray (with essential oils)
Make this easy DIY tick spray with apple cider vinegar and essential oils for your next hike, camping trip, or day in the garden. This simple homemade outdoor spray comes together in minutes and is designed for use on clothing, shoes, socks, and outdoor gear. Keep a bottle in your backpack for all your outdoor adventures.
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar (to fill a 2-ounce spray bottle)
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 8 drops citronella essential oil
- 6 drops lemongrass essential oil
Instructions
- Add all of the essential oils to a clean 2-ounce spray bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with apple cider vinegar.
- Secure the spray top and shake well.
- Shake before each use.
- Spray on shoes, socks, clothing, backpacks, and other outdoor gear. If using on skin, avoid the eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
Notes
- Shake before every use since the oils will naturally separate.
- Reapply every 1–2 hours while outdoors.
- This spray is often preferred for clothing and gear because of the vinegar scent.
- For a gentler version, reduce the essential oils by half.
- This DIY spray is not a substitute for proven tick prevention measures. Wear protective clothing, perform tick checks, and follow local public health guidance when spending time in tick-prone areas.
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