How to Naturally Keep Bugs Away

How to Naturally Keep Bugs Away

Summertime is a wonderful season, but with the warm weather also comes those pesky mosquitos and other creepy crawly bugs. Below is a list of natural ways you can stay bug free!

• Essential Oil Bug Repellent

Most bug repellent sprays contain harsh chemicals such as deet, cyfluthrin and/or permethrin. If you are avoiding toxic exposure, you may want to consider using an essential oil blend that can naturally repel bugs. Lemongrass, lavender, lemon and eucalyptus essential oils can be safely applied topically to the skin to prevent bug bites. You can create your own bug spray with the following recipe.

Add ¼ water into spray bottle.

Add 10 drops lemongrass essential oil.

Add 5 drops lavender essential oil.

Add 5 drops lemon essential oil.

Add 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil.

Shake until blended. Spray to repel insects, careful to avoid getting into eyes and mouth.

Label the bottle and place in a safe, cool place away from kids and pets.  

If you dislike essential oils, an alternative is to create a homemade bug repellent made with herbs. Fresh herbs such as sage, catnip, peppermint, lemon balm and citronella can be crushed and added to boiling water.

To make a natural spray, crush the herbs into ½ cup of water and boil them. Once it boils, let it cool down and strain them, then mix this water with ¼ of organic witch hazel and add to a spray bottle.

• Organic Garden Insecticide

Bugs and pests can get into your garden and ruin your plants, flowers and vegetables. But using pesticides and harsh toxins around edible items may negatively impact your health. Using a natural pesticide is a great alternative instead.  Neem oil is a substance made from the azadirachta indica tree and can be used as an organic insecticide. To create your own natural garden spray, use the recipe below.

Mix the neem oil with 2 tablespoons per gallon of water.

Mix the solution thoroughly.

Spray all plant surfaces.

• Indoor Bug Repellent

Spiders, ants and other creepy crawly bugs aren’t welcome in our homes but using a pest control service to spray can expose you to unhealthy chemicals.  Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can keep your home bug free. To make a natural bug spray for your home, use the following recipe.

Add 2/3 Cup water into spray bottle.

Add 25 drops Clove essential oil.

Add 20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil.

Add 15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil.

Shake until blended.

Label the bottle and place in a safe, cool place away from kids and pets.

Spray around bug infested areas to repel insects.

Note: Do not get this mixture on skin or eyes. These essential oils are very strong and concentrated. These specific oil ratios are pest repellents and can cause irritation if improper use occurs. Use caution when using this mixture.

Using these natural remedies instead of toxic chemicals is the better option to keep bugs away!

Mary Tylor Naturals is proud to offer natural products. Better Ingredients for a Better Life!