Mosquitos love me! And ticks love my dog, Buster!
At picnics my family is always near me, but it’s not out of deep affection. Rather, it is because they know they won’t get bitten since I am a mosquito magnet, leaving them in the clear.
Frankly, I don’t know exactly what makes me so tasty, but it is impossible for me to be outside in the evening between May and September without some sort of pest defense.
DEET bug sprays were one of my last hold-out uses of chemical products. The pain of the bite, swelling and unrelenting itching that lasted as long as 2 weeks was always more than I could bear. For some time, I happily sprayed commercial bug sprays on my legs and clothes.
Along with the pest battle, my cherished dog companion recently had a severe reaction to our vet-recommended monthly tick and flea application. This led me to research the popular product and how he and I can do it better without triggering another seizure like experience. Now, a few months later we are both naturally armed, tested and ready for the summer!
Going Natural For Less Toxicity
Just like most household items, there is usually a natural and less toxic option for all but the most severe bug situations. These homemade repellents are good for humans and dogs alike. They are based on natural ingredients, including essential oils and carrier oils that act as repellents.
Keep in mind that most natural repellents do not last as long as DEET options and need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours for maximum effectiveness since the active ingredients in essential oils tend to be highly volatile. Also, a blend of essential oils can provide a broader level of effectiveness against different types of pests.
Bug fighting essential oils:
Carrier oils that also repel bugs:
It’s important to remember that some people are allergic to plant oils and that oils should never be used near the eyes or on children under 3.
Natural Repellents
Try these essential oil solution recipes and you too can be on your way to boycotting poisonous DEET commercial products for all but the most extreme bug infestations.
Two are applied oil mixes which can go directly on the skin and tend to be a little stronger simply because of the concentration of ingredients. The third is a spray that makes for quick and easy use.
Let me know how these repellents work for you and if you have any other tried and true recipes. If you need help finding any ingredients, use the links on this page or contact me and I will direct you to good resources.
Natural Insect Repellent Oil #1, 10%
© GLAD for Health
Ingredients
15 drops citronella essential oil
15 drops of lavender oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
15 drops of peppermint oil
1 oz neem oil (or alternatively soybean oil)
Instructions
1.Combine essential oils In a 1 oz glass amber pump bottle.
2.Fill the rest of the way with neem/soybean oil.
3.Shake thoroughly.
4.For humans, apply to skin as needed. For dogs, rub on you hands then apply to the coat, especially legs, but avoid the underbelly where they may lick.
Notes
You can use any combination of the suggested essential oils.
Get essential oils here.
Natural Insect Repellent Oil #2, 10%
© GLAD for Health
Ingredients
20 drops cedarwood essential oil
20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
20 drops of thyme oil
1 oz neem oil (or alternatively soybean oil)
Instructions
1.Combine essential oils In a 1 oz glass amber pump bottle.
2.Fill the rest of the way with neem/soybean oil.
3.Shake thoroughly.
4.For humans, apply to skin as needed. For dogs, rub on you hands then apply to the coat, especially legs, but avoid the underbelly where they may lick.
Notes
You can use any combination of the suggested essential oils.
Get essential oils here.
Natural Insect Repellent Spray #3
© GLAD for Health
Ingredients
35 drops citronella essential oil
35 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
35 drops of thyme oil
2 oz. neem oil (or alternatively soybean oil)
2 oz. Witch hazel
4 oz. Distilled water
Instructions
1.Combine essential oils In a 8 oz spray bottle
2.Add neem oil (or alternatively soybean oil)
3.Add witch hazel
4.Fill the rest of the way with distilled water.
5.Shake thoroughly before each use.
Notes
You can use any combination of the suggested essential oils.
Get essential oils here.
Source, Source, Source, Source
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