Mosquitoes can be annoying and depending on where you live, they attack left, right, and center, making it almost impossible to enjoy activities outdoors.
Aside from being annoying, most of us are concerned that mosquitoes could be spreading diseases like West Nile or Zika.
With that concern and the annoyance, most of us are reaching for bug sprays these days, but how safe are they?
Commercial bug sprays usually include a chemical known as DEET, which although approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is linked to skin blisters, soreness, and eye irritation.
The reason I started looking into it in the first place was to find a safe repellent for my girls.
So although DEET may be in products that doesn't mean it is safe for children.
And I believe it's always best to find effective less toxic alternatives when possible.
What Can You Use Instead Of Deet?
The answer lies in using naturally occurring essential oils either in natural products you purchase or make yourself.
Essential oils are a popular ingredient these days and easily available online.
You've probably heard some of your friends raving about their favorite brands.
I have a drawer full of various brands.
Why Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are released by plants to repel predators and attract pollinators.
Since it is a naturally occurring substance, they do more good than harm to the human body as opposed to commercial bug repellents that are made of potential toxins causing harm to the environment as well.
Essential oils also smell good and leave the skin feeling soft and fresh.
They are also known to be used for a variety of other purposes such as healing headaches or burns, relieving stress and anxiety, and relaxing the mind.
Which Oils Can You Use For Bug Repellent?
Different types of essential oils are effective in repelling different kinds of bugs.
One of the most potent essential oils is Lemon Eucalyptus.
According to studies, that oil is just as effective as DEET and is recommended by the CDC.
Here are just a few oils to try for some of the most common pests:
*click the links to purchase on Amazon or learn more about the oils.
Gnats: Rose Geranium (get it here) or Eucalyptus (get it here)
Horse Flies: Thyme, Tea Tree (get it here) and Lavender (get it here) (which is also safe for children)
Spiders: Peppermint
Ticks: Sweet Myrrh, Eucalyptus (get it here), Rose Geranium (get it here),and Tansy (get it here).
Mosquitoes: Sage(get it here), Cinnamon (get it here), Blue Cyprus, Lemon Eucalyptus (get it here), and Tansy (get it here)
Geranium Essential Oil
Blue Tansy Essential OilMyrrh Egyptian Essential OilGlass Spray Bottles
Easy Bug Repellent Candles
These pretty DIY repellent candles will look super cute on your patio the next time you have a party plus they will keep the bugs away.
Make these and make one of the DIY bug sprays below and you will be ready for your next summer party.
This recipe calls for citronella essential oil (get it here) plus fresh lemons, limes, and rosemary.
Easy Homemade Bug Repellent Sprays
There are many ways to create natural bug repellent sprays using different combinations of essential oils and carrier liquids.
You may have to experiment a little to find which combination works best for you.
Simply combine the ingredients in a bottle and shake before use.
Lavender Vanilla Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients:
15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
3-4 tbsp of Vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp Lemon juice
Distilled water
Scratch Mommy's Homemade Bug Spray
Ingredients:
30 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
10 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
1 T vegetable glycerin
3 oz glass spray bottle
Distilled Water
Creative Homemaking Homemade Bug Spray with Peppermint
Ingredients:
4 oz distilled water (or boiled water; leave to cool)
1 tablespoon liquid organic castile soap (get it here)
Witch hazel (get it here)
20 drops Lemon Essential Oil
20 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
8 oz Spray bottle
One Essential Community
Ingredients:
10 drops Geranium Essential Oil
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
10 drops Citronella Essential Oil
4 oz spray bottle
Distilled Water
Tips Bulletin Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent
Ingredients:
1 Tbs Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
½ cup Witch hazel
4 oz Spray bottle
Relieve Bug Bites Naturally
Not only can you repel bugs naturally but you can give relief with essential oils, too.
Here's a recipe from Simply Earth using their Bug Fighter Essential Oil (find it here) to make your own DIY bug bite relief lotion sticks.
75 Nontoxic RecipesNature ShieldBug FighterShoo FlyRepel Spray
The Essential Oil Blends That I Use To Repel Bugs
As I said, I have a drawer full of essential oils and it's time to whip up a batch of spray for the 2019 summer bug season.
If you don't have the time nor want to mess with it you can try some of these premade natural repellents I've used.
All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent (get it here) or California Baby (get it here)
Kids love these waterproof repellent bracelets (get here).
DEET-Free SprayInsect RepellentRepellent BraceletsGlass Spray BottlesLiquid Castile Soap
Tell Me What You Use?
Leave me a comment and tell me what you use for bug repellent.
Sources:
https://geekprepper.com/natural-insect-repellents/
https://reset.me/study/study-lemon-eucalyptus-oil-more-effective-than-deet-mosquito-repellent/
You might also like:
100 Clever Uses For Your Essential Oils
5 Essential Oils For Stress and Anxiety
7 Awesome Smelling Candy Blends
Sources:
https://www.naturalnews.com/029136_deet_toxic.html
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/05/25/natural-insect-repellents.aspx
