Greetings fellow succulent owner!

I recently acquired a two succulent plants after months of obsessing over them on Instagram. You may have even seen them in my blog post on my non-toxic morning routine. The thing is, one of my friendly photogenic plants brought unexpected pests in the form of mealybugs to my apartment.

On the hunt for a non-toxic solution to the bugs my succulent was attracting, I quickly headed to The Lab, aka my kitchen to create my own plant bug repellent.

Why make your own bug spray at home? It's simple, quick to make, cheap, eco-friendly, and you're in control of what goes inside of it, so if you avoid harsh or toxic products in the home when possible, this is for you!

Lavender oil is an essential oil commonly used to repel mosquitoes and various bugs. It also gives off a pleasant smell, unlike traditional bug sprays.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil commonly known for it's anti-fungal properties. Not only will it help prevent mold growth in your succulent, but it will also help kill any bugs and eggs in your plant.

A few tips for making and using this DIY succulent bug spray. If you spray your plants and this solution doesn't work, you may need to add a few extra drops of essential oil into your spray. This spray should not be used when the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the oil from burning our succulents.

When spraying your succulent with bug spray, I found that it's best to not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Get close, be generous with your spray and don't forget to spray underneath it's leaves.

Additionally, don't forget to check the original plant dirt for bugs and don't shy away from replanting your succulent with fresh dirt if needed.