It’s that time of year again!

Kids are bouncing off the walls of their school rooms, anxiously anticipating the end of the school year so that they can begin their summer fun. We in North America have already dipped our toes into the first long summer weekend. Typically, long weekends are spent socializing outdoors on patios, family-based camping expeditions, gardening, delicious BBQ, and overall enjoying the “lazy days of summer.”

Unfortunately, as good as all the above-mentioned activities sound, there are some cons that coincide with each. One of the main being nasty, pesky, and unquestionably annoying BUGS! During the summer, it seems most people spend a considerable amount of time figuring out how to rid and avoid them. Nothing is more annoying than the buzzing of a mosquito in the air, a bee buzzing around your beverage, spiders crawling across your kitchen floor, and ladybugs basking in the sun on your windows.

Here are our tips on how to keep the annoying behaviour of bugs minimal:

1. Mosquitoes:

Mosquitoes love dark clothing, lactic acid (salty, high-potassium foods), floral and fruity fragrances, cooler temperatures, and moisture. Be sure to protect yourself while outdoors to avoid any bites from these tricky insects.

Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Castor Oil, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Cedar, Peppermint, Clove, and Geranium are natural repellents.
Possible other oils to use are Verbena, Penny Royal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybeans, and Garlic.

Things that lower repellent effectiveness:

Many sunscreens, dilution: rain, perspiration and swimming, absorption into the skin, evaporation from wind and high temperature.

Tips: When making essential oil insect repellents, remember that it is necessary to dilute them. Since essential oils do not mix with water, it is best to mix with alcohol or oils. The ratio should be approximately 5-10 drops of essential oils (10-25 drops of essential oils per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil or alcohol.)

2. Black Flies, Ticks, Fleas & Spiders:

Essential Oils of Cinnamon, Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus, Citronella, Orange, and Rose Geranium are all natural deterrents.

Other Notes:

• Safe carrier oils and alcohols to use are Olive, Sunflower, Witch Hazel, and Vodka.
• Be careful of using essential oils in sensitive areas and around the eyes.
• For optimal protection, it is best to apply a mixture after each hour or when perspiration occurs (exercise, etc.)
• It is best to store your natural insect repellent in a dark glass container.
• For something different, try adding essential oils to Aloe Vera gel for a change in consistency.

Home Remedies for Insect Bites:

• To reduce areas of swelling and itching from bee stings and other bites, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to areas where irritation has occurred. Be sure that you take note of any changes to health (i.e., problems with breathing, severe itchiness, and swelling.) Seek medical attention immediately if you believe an allergic reaction is taking place.

• To remove a stinger, use a credit card or pair of tweezers. If you are using a credit card, add slight pressure to the area of contact around the sting and drag it slowly in that it will push the stinger out. Apply tea tree essential oil as an antibacterial agent. The lavender essential oil will calm and soothe.

The use of the above-mentioned essential oils should help keep those pesky little insects of summer out of your way! Kick back, relax, and enjoy the summer months ahead.

HERBAL INSECT REPELLANT

1/2 teaspoon citronella essential oil
1/2 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil
4 ounces distilled witch hazel

Mix ingredients in a 4-ounce spray bottle.  Shake well.  Spray onto exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Reapply every 2 hours or as needed.