Now that it’s summer our kids are outside a lot. Depending on where you live it may be too hot during the day to play outside. It’s the best time to avoid some of the bugs like mosquitoes, but that doesn’t prevent ticks from hopping on for a ride. So then they’re playing out in the evenings when it’s cooler and the mosquitoes are ready to feast. So we find ourselves looking for natural ways to repel bugs.

With all of the possible illnesses contracted by mosquitoes and ticks it’s a little scarier. From a mosquito bite we’re seeing diseases like West Nile, Dengue, or Zika. Then there are the tick borne illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or Ehrlichiosis that you can get. I think most of us want to avoid the discomfort these illnesses can potentially cause.

It’s moved far past the “good ole days” when you just got an itchy bump. Discomfort has taken on a whole new level with muscle and stomach pains, severe headache, high fever and fatigue as minor symptoms. Some of the serious side effects like damaged blood vessels, developmental delays and neurological damage are down right scary.

The best way to avoid bug bites is by making it more difficult for the bugs to come in contact with your skin. So wearing light colored, loose, long clothing and close toed shoes are the best to cover up with. That said though who on earth wants to wear long clothing when they’re in the heat? I know I don’t want to if I can avoid it. So I can only imagine my kids wouldn’t be interested in it either.

When it comes to your own turf there are a few natural ways to repel bugs:

• Remove all standing water.
• Rake up and dispose of all leaves.
• Keep grass short.
• Use LED or yellow light bulbs on your porch or deck.
• Have plants like citronella, lemon balm, marigold, basil, garlic, catnip, lavender, peppermint, pennyroyal, rosemary, and geranium.

If your kids or you are going to be out moving around and want extra protection you’re going to be reaching for an insect spray repellent. While repellents with DEET are good at repelling misquitos and ticks some of us try to avoid strong chemicals like DEET. If you have to and are only going to be out a short time it’s advised to use the lower DEET like 7-10%, but if you’re going to be outside all day then the 20-30% is appropriate. Make sure you wash it off with soap and water once you do get indoors.

For those of us who want to avoid the chemicals whether it be due to sensitive skin or just by choice there are options. Looking for brands of repellents that contain picardin or lemon eucalytus (for kids over 3 years old).

Top DEET Free Insect Repellents

• Natural Citizen Insect and Bug Repellent
• Burt’s Bees Outdoor Herbal Insect Repellent
• Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent
• California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray
• The Honest Company Bug Spray
• ECOSmart Organic Bug Repellent

You can also whip up your own Insect Repellent with blends of essential oils. Here are some of the top essential oils used to repel insects.

Mosquitoes: citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, catnip, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, lavender

Ticks: rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, oregano

Here’s a couple recipes for insect repellent:

Tasty-Yumminess.com shared:

• 2 ounces distilled or boiled water
• 1.5 ounces witch hazel or vodka
• 30 drops citronella essential oil
• 25 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil* (optional, if you add this, add only 1 ounce of vodka or witch hazel
  This makes 4 oz and should be reapplied every 2 hours. You can alter the particular oils depending on your needs as long as you’re putting in 50-75 drops of essential oil total. For full directions and more info check it out here.

DIYNatural.com shared:

• 2 Tbsp of one or a combination of the following: witch hazel or vodka
• 2 Tbsp of one or a combination of the following: grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, or neem oil (which contains natural insecticidal compounds)
• ½ tsp vodka as preservative (if not already using)
• 100-110 drops essential oils (example blend: 55 drop lemon eucalyptus – as long as it’s not being used on a child under 3 years old, 15 drops lavender, 15 drops cedarwood, 15 drops rosemary)
  Add the first 3 ingredients then add in the drops into a 3-4 oz glass bottle. Shake well and reapply every couple hours.

A couple more ways you can naturally repel bugs if you’re going to be sitting around outside you can in one area:

• Turning on an oscillating pedestal fan on high reduces mosquito landings by 45-65%
• Use an essential oil diffuser like this top rated URPOWER Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

When using essential oils that are being put on your skin make sure the oils you’re using are high quality. That they come from a reliable source, and don’t contain other ingredients not listed. As with supplements essential oils are not regulated by the FDA so companies can get away with adding additives you may not want.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this blog. If you have any questions or ideas of other ways to naturally repel bugs I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or send me a message on my site under contact me.

References:

Interlandi, Jeneen. “How to Keep Mosquitoes and Ticks Away.” Consumer Reports. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2017.

“11 Fragrant Plants That Repel Mosquitoes.” Natural Living Ideas. N.p., 14 Mar. 2017. Web. 12 June 2017.

Hargrove, Dana BaardsenandMargaret, and Dana Baardsen. “Ditch the DEET: 16 Bug Sprays and Products for Safe Repelling.” Best Products. N.p., 09 Mar. 2017. Web. 12 June 2017.

“How-to Make Homemade Essential Oil Insect Repellent Spray.” Tasty Yummies. N.p., 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 12 June 2017.

“Homemade Mosquito Repellent: Keep Mosquitos & Bugs Away Naturally.” DIY Natural. N.p., 17 Apr. 2017. Web. 12 June 2017.

Palus, Shannon, and +Email +Twitter Shannon Palus’s Writing Has Appeared in Slate, Discover, Popular Science, Retraction Watch, and Many Other Publications. “The Best Essential Oil Diffusers.” The Sweethome. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2017.

Wong, ND Cathy. “Which Natural Mosquito Repellent Works Best?” Verywell. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2017.