Nothing says summer like having a bug fly up your nose or into your mouth. Yuck!
There are plenty of ways to repel bugs, but if you’re looking for the most natural, green-friendly methods, here’s what you can do:
1. Use an essential oil diffuser to repel bugs
You’ve heard of aromatherapy, but have you considered using it to ward off the bugs? If not, you should. Whether the bugs are flying around inside your home or you’re just trying to relax on the porch, using certain oils in a diffuser will keep those bugs away. For instance, rosemary, lemongrass, and clove essential oils will repel bugs and are common enough to purchase at your local pharmacy or drug store.
2. Use a natural bug repellant for your body
If you’re sensitive to bug sprays or just want to go as natural as possible, you’re in luck. Many companies are producing natural bug repellants using essential oils that bugs hate. Those oils include eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, geraniol, clove, and citronella.
Each natural bug spray uses these essential oils in different combinations, so you’ve got a few options in terms of scent. For instance, Maggie’s Farm makes a DEET-free, natural, plant-oil-based spray that repels mosquitos, ticks, and other flying insects. Other brands use eucalyptus and lemon instead of citronella and lemongrass.
Get your bug spray online or, if you’re scent-sensitive, browse the camping section at your local department store to smell all of your options before buying.
3. Use plants that naturally repel bugs
Certain plants naturally repel bugs. It’s the whole reason essential oils work – essential oils that deter bugs come from those plants.
While it’s not easy to keep insects out of your garden, you can use these plants inside your home and on your porch in the areas where you spend your time.
Basil
Basil is an excellent mosquito and house fly repellant. Basil is a little on the expensive side, but it’s edible (and tasty). Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitos and is one of the most pleasant scents that acts as a repellant. If you’re struggling with mosquitos landing on your arms, reach out and grab some lavender and rub the flowers over your skin.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass plants are a bit stronger in scent, but are highly effective at repelling mosquitos. In fact, citronella (the most popular oil repellant) is a form of lemongrass. Lemongrass does well in a pot or planted directly in the ground.
Other herbs that repel insects include mint, catnip, sage, and rosemary.
4. Make your own bug spray to use inside the house
About 30 drops of peppermint essential oil, 16oz of water, and a drop of dish soap makes an excellent spider repellant. Spiders hate peppermint and will usually turn away from an area that smells like peppermint.
Get a cheap spray bottle ($2 or less) and mix your peppermint, water, and soap for protection against spiders. Spray your doorways and all around your bed if you find yourself getting bitten during the night. Turn the sprayer to a solid stream if you want to catch the spiders from a distance when you see them moving along the wall.
5. Eat garlic (or take garlic capsules)
When garlic comes out of your pores, bugs and mosquitos don’t want your blood. If you can’t eat a lot of garlic, take some capsules instead.
6. Use certain essential oils to keep pets flea-and-tick free
With the previous tips, you’re covered but what about your pets? How can you keep your pets flea-and-tick free? The good news is, you can use essential oils on your dogs.
There are pet shampoos and conditioners on the market that utilize bug-repelling essential oils in diluted amounts that will leave your dog smelling good to you and bad to the bugs.
You can also dilute your own oils in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) to apply to your dog or your dog’s collar. However, you need to take extra precaution when using essential oils on cats.
Felines are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, and you should only use extremely diluted oils on cats. Some oils should be avoided completely. For instance, citrus oils have been known to interfere with a cat’s liver function.
Enjoy your bug-free summer
Following these tips will help you spend less time swatting away bugs and more time enjoying yourself. Summer is short, you deserve to enjoy it!
Article Submitted By Community Writer