Stay Bug-Free This Summer With These 16 Natural Solutions

Keep bugs away from your next summer soirée with the help of natural bug repellents. You'll be amazed at how easily you can make these insect stoppers with materials you already have in your home. Along with being helpful, all of these bug-free solutions cost just about nothing to put together, and some are really cute. From citronella candles to ant repellents to fruit-fly traps and more, check out our collection of natural DIYs that will keep bugs from raining on your parade, ahead.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

01
Olive Oil Candle Lamp
Wallflower Kitchen

Olive Oil Candle Lamp

Thanks to the citronella in this olive oil lamp it acts as a natural bug repellent, and because it's a "lamp" it gives off more light than an average candle.

02
Balloon-Dipped Citronella Candles
Sugar and Cloth

Balloon-Dipped Citronella Candles

Not only are these balloon-dipped citronella candles super pretty to look at, but they also do a great job at keeping bugs away.

03
Anti-Spider Spray
A Beautiful Mess

Anti-Spider Spray

If your house has an infestation of spiders and you want a less harmful way to ward off the eight-legged critters, this anti-spider spray is it. It's made of essential oils, water, and a little dish soap, and it works like a charm!

04
Essential Oil Insect Repellant
Tasty Yummies

Essential Oil Insect Repellant

Keep bugs from biting you this summer with this essential oil insect repellent. The ingredients only call for three essential oils, witch hazel or vodka, and distilled or boiled water, and ta-da! You have an effective bug spray.

05
Ant Killer
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Ant Killer

Thanks to the borax in this ant killer (a natural mineral that's often used as a cleaning booster) your ant problem will be gone in a flash. The sugar in this killer attracts the ants, while the borax kills the small pests. Simply place a few drops on a piece of cardboard, and watch your ant problem disappear!

06
DIY Fruit Fly Trap
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

DIY Fruit Fly Trap

Keep fruit flies away from your favorite fruits and vegetables by mixing one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap and water. The little bugs will be attracted to the apple cider vinegar as they meet their fate in the suds of the dish soap. Trust us, this fruit fly trap is effective and works quickly!

07
Natural Bug Repellent
A Beautiful Mess

Natural Bug Repellent

If you want a bug spray that works double duty at repelling ticks and mosquitos, this natural bug repellent is it. With both an adult and kids' spray, you can ensure that you and your kiddos are staying safe.

08
All-Natural Bug Spray
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

All-Natural Bug Spray

Made with dried catnip, which keeps pesky bugs away, this easy insect spray is scented with vanilla and essential oils for a fragrant and effective repellent.

09
Tick Off
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Tick Off

Summer is the season for ticks, so keep yourself and your furry friend safe with this vinegar-based spray that totally repels suckers. Don't freak out if you find one; here's the safest way to remove a tick from your pet, and you.

10
Natural Plant Spray
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Natural Plant Spray

Your foliage will thank you during the sultry summer heat with this easy plant bug spray that is effective at getting rid of gnats and aphids.

11
Shoo, Fly!
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Shoo, Fly!

Repurpose a plastic bottle into a fly and wasp catcher that really keeps patios and decks free of pests.

12
Pretty Helpful
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Pretty Helpful

Along with being so chic, these scented candle holders help repel bugs from your backyard party. Use ends of lemons, oranges, herbs, and spices for a fun way to give last bits new life.

13
Colorful Centerpiece
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Colorful Centerpiece

Along with being pretty centerpieces, these bug-repelling candle holders are made with rice, food coloring, and essential oils. And the color can be coordinated with any festive occasion.

14
Scented Oranges
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Scented Oranges

Use orange peels and the ends of candles to DIY scented candles that use smells that keeps bugs away.

15
Two-Ingredient Bug Spray
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Two-Ingredient Bug Spray

You only need water and tea tree oil to mix together this smart and easy bug spray that can be used as often as needed.

16
Ant Bait
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Ant Bait

DIY these helpful little ant-bait rounds that keep the little buggers away from your next picnic and take the natural poison back to the ant hill.