It’s no secret that Mother Nature knows best. Yet, nowadays, opting for harsh chemicals seems to be the norm. Unfortunately, when it comes to both our health and the health of our kids, these substances can often end up doing more harm than good.
So, as parents, we want to try more natural solutions. After all, they are more gentle and are generally much safer than the alternative.
Many parents have run into this issue while searching for insect repellents. Many products come loaded with heaps of chemicals. So, what’s a family supposed to do? We definitely don’t want those itchy red bumps all over our bodies driving us crazy.
Luckily, there is an abundance of Picardian-Free, DEET-free natural insect repellents. These are much gentler on both adults and kids alike, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality.
Let’s discuss.
1. BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent Patches
When you and your family are armed with BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent Patches, bugs will stay so far away that you’ll start to take it personally.
The Natural Patch Co. knows how important it is to offer high-quality, natural alternatives to families. These patches are formulated with Citronella and other essential oils that keep mosquitoes away.
Kids can’t get enough of the adorable faces on these stickers, and parents love that there will not be constant scratching all over the house for the next week. The ingredients in these patches are natural, powerful, and oh-so-pleasant.
To get the most out of these patches, place them with love and care:
Kids under two will just need one sticker put on a central area of the body. Kids between three and five should have one sticker on their legs and one on their abdomen. For kids and kids at heart (that’s a nice way of saying “adults”) over six, anywhere from two to four stickers should do.
No sticky lotions, no cumbersome spray bottle, no bug bites.
What If You Already Have Mosquito Bites?
If you only just found out about Mosquito Patches or didn’t have them handy at the right time, you might have mosquito bites to deal with. If this is true for you, don’t fret. The Natural Patch Co.’s MagicPatch Itch Relief Patches have you covered… literally.
Just stick a patch onto any and all of your mosquito bites, and enjoy sailing into a sea of comfort. These stickers utilize Grid-Relief Technology to help your lymphatic system get to work. With one of these on, you will be feeling itch-free in no time.
2. Citronella Candles
Remember when we mentioned Citronella? This all-natural bug repellent ingredient is so nice; we are mentioning it twice! If you are looking for a product that will cover an area rather than a person, citronella candles are an option.
Many kinds of mosquitoes are much more active at dusk and dawn. If they were out more during the day, the sun could easily dehydrate and kill them. If you are hoping to stargaze with your family but do not want to deal with the itchy fallout, you can combine BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent Patches with a citronella candle.
Love the candle? Try citronella oil too. Both mosquitoes and gnats hate this pleasant smell (their loss!).
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Admittedly, apple cider vinegar is a less-pleasant smelling option than some of the other suggestions on this list. In fact, one of the few things that we might have in common with bugs is a general distaste for an overwhelming vinegar smell. It’s no lavender oil, that’s for sure.
But, by mixing apple cider vinegar and water together, you create an effective bug repellent spray that is safe for both people and pets. Speaking of pets, catnip is great for shooing off bugs, and your cat will be a big fan.
4. Peppermint Oil
Getting back to smells we enjoy, peppermint oil can be part of an effective natural bug spray.
Like vinegar, a mixture that is part water and part peppermint oil will work wonders around your house. Unlike vinegar, the smell will not give you a headache. Actually, peppermint has been used for years to treat headaches and migraines.
Just spray some of the water-peppermint oil combo onto various surfaces to keep bugs bites away while also keeping you minty fresh. Speaking of water and pest control, make sure to get rid of standing water.
5. Soybean Oil
The power of essential oils should never be underestimated. There is a reason people have used them for centuries, and it’s because they work. Soybean oil works similarly to the other entries on this list. It is a totally natural ingredient, but bugs just can’t stand it.
Soybean oil, soybean oil mixtures, and products containing soybean are all effective tools in the seemingly never-ending fight against insects.
6. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a tremendously effective bug repellent. This ingredient is proof that all-natural is all you need. The efficacy of lemon eucalyptus has fascinated scientists, prompting them to comprehensively study the oil. One of these studies discovered that, by utilizing lemon eucalyptus oil, mosquitoes were 95% repelled for three hours.
In order to make use of this ingredient for you and your kids, you can combine water and lemon eucalyptus. For even more bug-fighting power, a mixture of lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, and witch hazel is particularly effective. As a bonus, if you have any of the DIY mix leftover, it can be used as a handy-dandy house cleaner.
7. Lavender
Is there anything that this flower can’t do? It has been used for generations to ease stress, ease headaches, lift moods, and so much more. A lesser-known benefit of this powerfully popular plant is that it can also repel insects.
When you picture your idea of total relaxation, you might see yourself in a lavender-infused bubble bath. For even more luxury, you might envision receiving a massage with lavender essential oils setting a serene aura all around you. Even though these situations might seem idyllic to you, they would be a nightmare to bugs.
Honestly, lavender being a nightmare to bugs makes it even more calming. What’s the only thing better than getting a massage? Getting a massage and knowing that there are no bugs in a mile radius, that’s what.
To repel insects from your home, you can hang dried lavender in various rooms and closets. Anything from fleas, flies, moths, and even mosquitoes will fly the other way when this fragrant plant comes into play.
Bugs can’t stand the smell of lavender because of something called linalool. Linalool is naturally occurring in plants such as lavender and various types of citrus. While it might create a pleasant and fruity smell to humans, it is overpowering and awful to bugs.
8. Tea Tree Oil
We promise this is the last essential oil on this list. Hey, it isn’t our fault that they are so awesome. Tea tree oil has a strong but pleasant scent, so a watered-down version works great to keep bugs at bay.
Repel Mosquitoes, Smell Amazing
No one likes bugs, especially those that bite or sting. It would be like if a totally uninvited kid showed up at your child’s birthday party. Then, to top it all off, that uninvited kid proceeds to eat all of the cake and then bite your kid. It’s just rude!
Telling bugs to buzz off does not mean you have to use all sorts of chemicals or insecticides. With these natural options, your family will be bug-free.
Sources:
Lavender: Health Benefits and How To Use It | Cleveland Clinic
