The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com

Natural Ways to Repel Insects

Bugs are the bane of my existence. And, I’m going to vent about it now. They go nuts over my blood for some reason, and once outside, give it five seconds and I’ll have swollen, itchy bumps flaring up all over.

There are tons of bug repellent products out there, but if you don’t want to coat your skin with DEET and other toxic chemicals, what are the all-natural options? Luckily, Mother Nature is way ahead of us in the bug repellent game. Here are 6 natural remedies to blast biters for good.

Catnip
This powerful herb isn’t just for getting cats kooky, as some studies point to catnip being more affective than DEET when it comes to banishing bugs. Urban dwellers—it also works against cockroaches (gag). Just crush the leaves and rub over skin or add some to your garden.

Citronella
The king of bug repellents, citronella is a prime ingredient in many anti-bug balms, sprays and candles. Many plant nurseries sell them, making a nice, affordable addition to any outdoor patio. The lemon-y smell is delicious and this plant can grow up to six feet tall! Opt for Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus varieties, because other types won’t have the same potent affect against insects.

Peppermint
Not only do bugs shy away from the sharp scent of this potent herb, but the zesty oil of its leaves are perfect for soothing itchy bug bites. Crush up the leaves and rub on skin for a fresh scent. This is also another great garden addition to keep the bugs at bay.

Rosemary
Planning a good ol’ outdoors summer BBQ? Add rosemary to the mix to keep those vicious little six legged critters from attacking you and your guests. Throw a small bushel on the grill or in a campfire and let the wafting aroma and smoke clear out the pests while adding some delicious flavoring to your food!

Bring in the Bats
Did you know that bats consume around 1,000 mosquitos per night? That’s a good enough reason to keep them on your side. Build a bat house to attract the creatures of the night and to clear the air of buggies. Or, you could catch a cute lil guy and chain yourself to it whenever you venture outdoors. Just kidding, but some of them are kinda cute, right?

Mosquito Traps
Get crafty to crush those hungry insects by constructing your own mosquito trap. Mosquitos are attracted to the CO2 we exhale, and this nifty contraption uses just that along with a plastic bottle to capture mosquitos and keep them hostage.

No comments:

Post a Comment