When the sun is shining, nothing beats a day outside. Whether it is spent gardening, sunbathing, or staying active, a day full of fresh air is a day well spent. But when insects swarm, they can suck all the fun out of any activity. For decades, harsh chemical bug repellent has been the solution. Today, however, the news is full of information about the dangers of using too many chemicals. The resolution: creating safe, effective, and (best of all) natural insect repellent that can be used by any member of the family.
Just as insects are attracted to a variety of stimuli, they are repelled by a variety of things, too. Typically, essential oils are the most effective repellent, but they need to be mixed with alcohol or so-called carrier oils in order to absorb properly. But note: it is important to use essential oils in low amounts. These oils are intense, and in large quantities, they can cause skin irritation. However, used in responsible doses (10-25 drops of oil to two tablespoons of alcohol, for example), they are the all-natural answer to insect problems.
Biting insects such as fleas, black flies, mosquitoes and ticks are repelled by a number of appealing oils. These oils include citronella (often used in insect repellent candles), orange oil, cinnamon oil, lavender oil and rose geranium oil. These oils, mixed with rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, olive oil, or even vodka, provide safe and effective protection from biting insects. The oil/alcohol mixture can be rubbed or sprayed onto skin, and soaps containing the essential oils can be used to provide preventative care.
There are other means of repelling insects, too. Consuming certain foods are thought to repel certain insects. For example, mosquitoes and ticks are repelled by consuming potent foods such as garlic and vinegar (one or two tablespoons).
While concocting at-home insect repellent remedies is simple and effective, many products on the market promise to provide relief conveniently composed and packaged. Bite Blocker Insect Repellent Spray, Buzz Away Natural Insect Repellent Spray, and Bygone Bugz (an herbal solution) offer safe alternatives to the harsh chemicals that are so abundant on pharmacy shelves. For a repellent specifically designed to be safe for children, California Baby Bug Repellent Spray offers the ease and performance parents need.
Enjoying the great outdoors doesn’t have to mean slathering the skin and filling the air with bottled chemicals created in a lab. Many natural insect repellents are available, and a bevy of natural repellents can be easily made at home.
Post Author: andyc.
