No one likes having
to deal with mosquito bites. But instead
of grabbing a pesticide and chemical laden commercial bug spray, there are
natural ways you can avoid the annoyance of bug bites.
The worst time for
mosquitoes is at dusk and dawn, so if you can, avoid being outside during those
times. If you must, wearing long sleeves
and pants provides them less skin surface to land on. When that isn't possible, you can use natural
based bug sprays. There are now several
available for purchase in stores. But
why buy what you can make yourself at home?
And it's easier than you may think!
Read on for the recipe:
Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Distilled Water
- Vegetable Glycerine (optional)
- Essential Oils of Choice: Good ones to use (in order of potency) are Neem Oil, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Clove, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Cedar, Catnip, and Lavender (If you want your spray to be especially effective, you won't want to skip the Neem Oil. It is truly nature's superstar when it comes to repelling bugs!)
Directions:
- Fill 8 oz. spray bottle half full with distilled water.
- Add witch hazel to near full.
- Add 1/2 tsp. vegetable glycerine, if desired.
- Add 30-50 drops of essential oils in any combination. The stronger the scent, the better it will work in warding off the bugs!
If you're asking why
you should bother, then here is just a condensed list of some of the toxic -
and sometimes fatal - side effects of using DEET, the most common active
chemical used in bug repellants. If you are interested, you may visit the links
below for more extensive research information.
Case reports of
toxicity from DEET exposure have been widely documented in medical literature,
and range in severity from mild skin irritation, damaging effects on brain
cells, psychological effects, muscle control, strength and coordination, memory
loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, tremors and shortness of breath to even
death. Some of these symptoms may not be evident until months or even years
after exposure.
Children are more
susceptible to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment
because their skin more readily absorbs them. Also, their still-developing
nervous systems are more potently affected. For the same reasons, you should
NEVER EVER use insect repellant containing DEET on infants.
Wouldn't you agree
it just isn't worth risking your or your children's health? Go natural instead. You'll be glad you did!
Sources:
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