The weather is warming and we can not wait to enjoy all that the Spring and Summer seasons have in store for us. We’re already dreaming of backyard BBQs, beach days and long after dinner walks. Aren’t you?
And while the warmer weather does bring longer days of sunshine, beautiful flowers and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, it also means BUGS!
Specifically, mosquitos.
Depending on the area you live in, mosquitos can easily ruin your outdoor fun. Not only are their bites itchy and uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous. Many diseases are spread by mosquito bites such as West Nile Virus, Zika, Malaria, and Dengue. Thankfully, most of these require travel to other countries to contract. That said if someone was bitten on vacation, the disease can spread when they are home. To combat bites altogether, stores line their shelves with heavy duty, chemical-filled repellants for consumers to lather on their skin.
By now we know that commercial skin products typically contain harmful toxins that enter our bodies through our largest organ… OUR SKIN!
That’s the bad news.
The good news is we also now know that many essential oils provide the same bug-deterring benefits without the dangerous pesticides found inside store-bought sprays. Citronella, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, and lavender ALL work either together or in various combinations to keep mosquitoes at bay. In fact, many of these essential oils also work to deter ticks, lice, and fleas, as well.
Not only does this spray smell fantastic while working to keep you bite-free, but you’ll also benefit from healthier, softer skin. Use our recipe to start making your own natural spray at home, too!
Our natural bug spray is a great start to enjoying bug-free nights but there are other things you can do to help avoid bites.
- Be sure to check for standing water in buckets, pots, and ponds. If you do have a water feature in your yard, try to incorporate moving water to keep mosquitos from laying eggs.
- Add plants to your landscaping design that repel. Need a hint? Plant everything we just used in the bug spray recipe; they’re just as beautiful as they are effective.
- Cover your feet when outside.
- Set out citronella candles.
- Sit in tented areas.
- And, of course, use your new spray… don’t forget to share!
Recent Comments