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Natural Bug Protection for the Summer
Paula Gallagher on
Mosquitoes, black flies and ticks are just a few of nature's creatures that can be a nuisance to many people who love the outdoors. But sometimes, they can be more than nuisance. West Nile virus, Zika virus and Lyme disease are just a few of the diseases that can be spread by their bites. But don’t hide indoors or douse yourself with commercial insect repellents. Try natural bug protection to outsmart these pests or take the sting out of getting bitten.
Tips to help prevent bug bites this summer
- Wear light-colored clothing that is less attractive to mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants. Light-colored clothing may not attract mosquitoes, and it is also cooler because it reflects light.
- Cover up in loose-fitting, tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants and closed shoes.
- When in tick territory, tuck in your shirt and pull your socks over your pant legs. Before going inside, check clothing and exposed skin for ticks.
- Avoid heavily scented soaps, lotion, perfumes or colognes that may attract bugs.
- When taking infants outdoors, cover cribs, playpens and strollers with mosquito netting.
sale
BADGER
Anti-Bug Shake And Spray
1 review
$10.39
$12.99
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
Repels insects naturally with the pleasant aroma of Citronella, Rosemary, and Wintergreen essential oils.
Laboratory tested to repel mosquitoes.
No synthetic chemicals, DEET or petroleum products.
Good For the Skin. Bad for the Bug. Badger’s Anti-Bug Shake & Spray is a totally organic & natural bug spray repellent. Using pure essential oils to naturally keep bugs, mosquitoes and insects away from you and your family. Based on our effective and popular Anti-Bug Balm formula, this organic Shake &Spray bug repellent naturally repels insects with the pleasant aroma of Citronella, Rosemary, and Wintergreen essential oils. Badger Shake & Spray contains no DEET, petroleum products, or synthetic chemicals, and has been independently lab tested for efficacy - so it's safe and effective for the whole family! The sturdy, lightweight aluminum bottle is easily recyclable.
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QUANTUM INC
Buzz Away Spray
No reviews
$8.79
$10.99
Independent lab tests prove that Buzz Away keeps the bugs at bay for hours because Buzz Away is 100% DEET-free and natural. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of DEET on children. Made from pure, natural essential oils -- cedarwood, citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass -- Buzz Away smells terrific.
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PLANT THERAPY
Organic Citronella Essential Oil
No reviews
$7.19
$8.99
More than just a crisp and fresh aroma, Citronella exhibits a multitude of benefits. Its lemony citrus scent with subtle wood tones is often used in soaps and candles. Citronella is most widely known for usage while outdoors. When camping, hiking or taking any nature trips, Citronella comes in handy in keeping those outdoor annoyances at bay. Need something to help clean surfaces around the house? Citronella is great for DIY cleaners due to its citronellol and geraniol content.
Natural bug repellents
Natural repellents can easily be made by combining some essential oils. Some people are sensitive to the following volatile based oils so always try a test patch, or place it on your clothing instead. Here are some essential oils that, when combined, can be as effective as DEET, and much safer.
- Citronella oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil (do not use on children under the age of 3)
- Cinnamon oil Castor oil
- Rosemary oil Lemongrass oil
- Cedar oil Peppermint oil
- Clove oil Geranium oil
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NOW FOODS
Lemon & Eucalyptus Oil Blend
No reviews
$6.74
$8.99
NOW Essential Oils are analytically tested for identity, purity and adulteration to assure the highest quality.Product Color:YellowIngredients: Pure lemon oil (Citrus limon), pure eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) & pure lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus).Aroma: Citronella-like.Attributes: Clarifying, cleansing, invigorating.Mixes Well With: Thyme oil, lavender oil, rosemary oilExtraction Method: Lemon Oil – Cold Pressed; Eucalyptus & Lemongrass Oils – Steam Distilled
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NOW FOODS
ORGANIC CINNAMON CASSIA OIL
No reviews
$13.59
$16.99
For aromatherapy use. For all other uses, carefully dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive, or almond oil prior to use.Please consult an essential oil book or other professional reference source for suggested dilution ratios.After using essential oils, immediately close caps tightly to prevent any oxidation. For best results, please store our high-quality essential oils at room temperature and in the original bottle. You should avoid storing the oils near any kind of heat, which includes cabinets over stovetops, areas with direct sunlight, and areas with excessive humidity like bathrooms.
Aroma: Warm, spicy
Attributes: Warming, stimulating, refreshing
Mixes Well With: frankincense, hyssop, myrrh, cinnamon bark
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled from leaves and twigs.
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PLANT THERAPY
Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
No reviews
$7.19
$8.99
Rosemary is stimulating, warming and refreshing and can be used to help boost memory retention and staying alert. It has many skin care applications, including adding to a shampoo to aid in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. When diffused, Rosemary can also be helpful as a respiratory support oil. Like most spice and herb oils, Rosemary is helpful in aiding occasional digestive upset. Rosemary is also beneficial in massage blends, increasing circulation and warmth to the skin and underlying muscles.
Botanical Name:Rosmarinus Officinalis ct 1,8-Cineole
Country of Origin:Morocco
Extraction Method:Steam Distilled
Plant Part:Aerial parts
Strength of Aroma:Strong
Aromatic Scent:Rosemary essential oil has a powerful, fresh, woody-herbaceous scent.
Blends Well With:Citronella, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fir needle, Pink Grapefruit, Laurel leaf, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Sweet Marjoram, May Chang, Black Pepper, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Tea Tree.
Cautions:Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children. We recommend a maximum dilution of 4% for topical applications.
A combination of two or three of these essential oils is more effective than just one, because of the differences between types of mosquitoes. Here is the recipe I use for my repellent:
- Start with 20 -25 drops total of citronella, lemon, cinnamon and castor oils.
- Add these to 2 Tbsps of a carrier oil such as olive oil, or to witch hazel (for a less greasy experience).
- Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil or witch hazel. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise.
- Unused natural insect repellent can be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight.
If you don't like this combination of essential oils, you can try others until you find what's right for you.
You can also make your property less attractive for mosquitoes and ticks by:
- Removing standing water from around your home.
- Dumping or cleaning standing water from pool covers, wading pools, and bird baths.
- Keeping swimming pools and ornamental ponds aerated.
- Storing flower pots, watering cans, wheelbarrows and wading pools upside down.
- Covering outdoor containers – garbage, recycling, or composting bins – –and rain barrels.
- Cleaning clogged eavestroughs.
- Clearing brush, leaves and tall grass.
- Putting woodpiles in sunny locations.
Have a happy and pest-less summer!
Image from here, with thanks.
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