“Mosquitoes are like family: they’re annoying, but they carry your blood.”Anonymous
Bugs can be a problem. Mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, buffalo gnats, and more, will attack you outdoors at every opportunity. Commercial bug repellent can also be a problem. Anything that you put on your skin is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, so toxic chemicals in bug sprays can work their way into your body causing disease. I think they also make your ear hair grow.
Spending time outdoors this summer, and year-round, I have been considering this problem. Bugs like me. Maybe I have sweet blood. I am bald, so that doesn’t help. There are probably few things more attractive to insects in the wild than a big-headed bald man trapsing through their territory. This year alone, I have lost count of the ticks extracted from my body (often plucked from my sensitive nether regions).
So, what is a person to do? If you are unable to function outdoors without biting bugs making your life miserable, and applying toxic chemical repellent on your delicate skin is potentially dangerous, are there any other options? Yes, there is – homemade natural bug spray. For us flea bitten, tick infested, mosquito attracting, health- conscious humans there is help. You really can make your own safe, effective, and economical bug spray at home.
Perhaps the simplest recipe for homemade bug spray is made using pure vanilla. For this to work, you must use pure vanilla extract. Do not use imitation vanilla flavoring. You can use vanilla to fight bugs two ways. The first option is to apply vanilla directly to your skin, undiluted. Full-strength vanilla applied to your hide will last longer, so this may be your best option if you will be romping outdoors for an extended period of time. Simply apply with a cotton ball or smear on with your bare hands. The second option is to mix with water in a spray bottle, making your concoction easier to apply. This vanilla water spray will dissipate quickly, so you will need to re-apply every 30 minutes or so, but it does really work. Some folks mix in small easily carried spray bottles for convenience. You can also mix vanilla with coconut oil or any other carrier oil, so spray lasts longer on your skin. Ballpark recipe for spray is approx. 25-30% vanilla to 70-75% water. The stronger you make it however, the better it works. Note – do not use vanilla bug spray on your dog – vanilla is toxic to dogs even in small doses because of its alcohol content.
Natural bug spray can also be made using essential oils. Here you can really experiment to find what you like best. Do some research. It seems there is no end to Canadian homeschool moms sharing their recipes online. Bugs must be really bad in Canada (thank you moms!).
Essential oils often used for their bug repellent properties are peppermint, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, cedar, bergamot, clove, citronella, and tea tree oil. Mix these oils with water, witch hazel, or rubbing alcohol. Some folks add almond, coconut, or olive oil along with glycerin and a splash of vodka. Use what you like. All of these oils seem to repel bugs.
Here’s another tip. If you would like a natural and safe bug spray for your yard, try this recipe (it is safe for your plants and garden). Ingredients needed are beer (use cheap beer and make it stale – open cans, pour into a bowl and let sit for 24 hours), blue mint flavored mouthwash (needs to be blue – use the cheapest Dollar Store mouthwash you can find), and Epsom salt. Mix 3 cans beer, 16 oz. blue mouthwash, and 3 cups Epsom salt and apply with a small sprayer. Spray the perimeter of your yard to keep bugs at bay. Reapply as needed.
If you are not a do-it-yourself person and would prefer to purchase your healthy bug defense products over the counter, there are many on the market now. One that I have used and would recommend is Wondercide (wondercide.com). They sell a pre-mixed and ready to use non-toxic spray (good on your body, your pets, and in the yard) that kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, roaches, spiders, and flies. I have used this when out on the ranch, spraying it on my head and in my beard and all over my body. It will keep the ticks out of your shorts (I just keep forgetting to spray it there). The primary ingredient in Wondercide is cedar oil. Bugs of every stripe hate this stuff. And it is non-toxic. You can even pour it on your cereal in the morning.
Hope this helps you fight off the bugs. Now go outside and have some fun…bug free! © 2024 Jody Dyer
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