As summer approaches and the sun starts shinning, we tend to head for the hills, lakes, rivers, or other outdoor destinations. The beauty of nature compels us to sleep in tents
and enjoy sitting in front of fires. Unfortunately, while enjoying the beauty of nature we must
battle the bugs of nature. Changing birdbath and pet water regularly, and dumping out the water that collects in outside pots or containers, can help keep the population of bugs down to a minimum.

When outdoors, wear long sleeved shirts, long socks, closed toe shoes, and hats to avoid
getting bitten. You can also try to avoid early morning and later evening, the times when
mosquitoes are most active. Additionally they tend to swarm in shaded areas, so staying
in the sun or out of wooded, shaded areas can help minimize exposure.

There are so many different bug spray options to buy from the store, but I have found just
as many natural remedies to not only help avoid bites, but that are also non-toxic to
the bugs themselves.

Most remedies include using an essential oil (EO) or multiple EO’s that bug dislike.
These are the ones that everyone seems to agree repel insects the best:

• Cinnamon (do not use on children)
• Citronella
• Lemon, lemongrass or lemon eucalyptus
• Tea tree oil (use caution when using with children)
• Rose Geranium (good for ticks, especially on pets- place one drop on pets collar every other week)
• Peppermint

These are the remedies I have found:

• Citronella Candles
• Boil lemons on the campfire
• Throw sage or rosemary on the BBQ grill or campfire
• Bug repellent soap- mix a combination of the bug repelling EOs into Castile soap and shower with it before going outdoors.
• EOs mixed into a carrier oil, water, witch hazel, or vodka and sprayed onto clothes or skin (only spray on children’s clothes to avoid negative reactions)
• One drop of EO on pets collar every other week
• For your yard- plant marigolds or lemongrass plants
• Hang bat houses to promote the cycle of nature
• Spray yourself with garlic water or eat plenty of garlic
• Take a B-1 vitamin every day
• Smoke repels bugs, so standing next to lit candles, a campfire, or bbq can help deter bugs

None of the above suggestions have been proven to be one hundred percent effective,
so using a combination that works well for your family will help to keep you bug free
and in a way that is friendly to the bugs, the environment, and yourselves.

Have a happy summer!

Mandy lives in the beautiful Northwest with her husband, son, and dog.
She enjoys baking, crocheting, volunteering, water skiing, and being a
stay-at-home mom. Her current projects include being the VP of an
indoor park, serving as the the Secretary of her local La Leche League, starting a charter school in her area, and(of course) writing articles for
Natural Parenting Group. The most important thing in her life is her family
and her ability to live life the way she wants to.