Happy Friday!

Bugs can be beautiful. If we just took the time to inspect some of the creepy crawlers, they would not seem so creepy. Look at that gorgeous creature in the photo. However, bugs and other insects can also be annoying, especially if they bite or sting your flesh. I have a foot full of scars from fire ants to prove it.

While I prefer to peacefully relocate rather than ‘off’ many creatures who have come into my home – cucarachas, tiny snakes, ants and even baby frogs the size of my fingernail, I also take natural, preventative measures to convince these littles ones to find another humble abode besides my house or my body.

the deets on deet

DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many insect sprays. It is no secret that DEET is linked to all kinds of ailments including neurological issues in children. While a little bit of DEET in a low-concentration form (less than 30%) is considered safe per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over time – especially if you live in a place known for having lots of bugs like Florida – that stuff on your skin, your largest organ, is simply NOT GOOD. There are more natural, delicious-smelling alternatives with essential oils like the homemade recipe I include with this post. There are also some decent, natural sprays on the market that you can purchase.

oil of lemon eucalyptus

If you have children, you have to be extra careful as they are even more susceptible to toxins from products like those containing DEET. The EPA includes oil of lemon eucalyptus (specifically, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)) as a recommended, registered pesticide. Click here for a helpful factsheet regarding PMD (the part of lemon eucalyptus that helps deter insects). Dr. Mercola also has good things to say about oil of lemon eucalyptus and provides a homemade recipe in his article, “Jump Start Your Health with Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.”

In addition to ditching the DEET for essential oils, take some simple steps to live a more bug-free existence.

COVER UP

One of the best ways to deter the insects from feeding on your flesh is to cover up. I learned the hard way during my first hike in the Everglades. Any tiny patch of exposed skin was a bullseye for the mosquitos. The photo to the left is me on the Camino in Spain covering up partly from the sun but mostly for the bugs. I swallowed more bugs than anyone should in a lifetime before I donned that get up.

If you plan to be somewhere swarming with mosquitos or other creatures and need extra protection, click here for bug protection clothing from REI, my favorite go-to sporting store. I could probably use a new shirt come to think of it…

dim the lights

Mosquitos and other bugs are drawn to bright lights so dim the lights near the entrances to your home to ensure less of these little monsters get inside.

EASY & SAFE DO IT YOURSELF BUG SPRAY

I was planning to provide my own recipe of a mixture of essential oils of lavender, rosemary and peppermint for this post but then found a kid-safe recipe which is also good for adults on mommypotamus. It’s made with Citronella, Grapefruit, Geranium Bourbon, Rosalina and Patchouli. It is just as important that our pets are not exposed to harsh chemicals. Just ask Ella, my chihuahua mix pictured right.

• 4 tablespoons spring water
• 4 tablespoons raw, organic apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka (I like to use ACV for everything)
• 40 drops of Kid Safe Shield Me Essential Oil Blend
• 4 ounce glass spray bottle

Pour the vinegar, witch hazel or vodka into your spray bottle then add the essential oils and shake. Top off with the water. Store in the refrigerator and shake before each use. Mommypotamus states it should last 2-3 months but I reckon it could last much longer if kept in the refrigerator. If you want to try a recipe with the oil of lemon eucalyptus, give Dr. Mercola’s recipe a go.

DO IT YOURSELF ANT REPELLENT

Peppermint oil is a good deterrent for ants which have set up shop in my kitchen recently. I have been using a small spray bottle filled with spring water, a tablespoon of distilled vinegar and about 15 drops of peppermint essential oil around the door frames and so far so good. The true test will be when it rains heavily and the ants try to come marching in. Fingers and toes crossed. You can also try a solution of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castille Soap and water. You should notice a difference in a few days and you will feel better knowing your kids and pets are not being exposed to nasty, harmful chemicals. Plus, bonus! it’s like a natural air freshener for your home. While it is not a kind solution for the ants (I don’t think they make it according to the research), it is a better alternative to calling the Truly Nolan guy and putting your family and pets at risk.

essential oil precautions

Even though essential oils are considered natural, never use them undiluted. If applying to the skin, do a small patch test first to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction. Do not ingest and check with your doctor before using if you have a compromised immunity or if you are pregnant. Also, check with your pediatrician before using on children under the age of 3.

Not a do-it-yourselfer?

Here are two good options on the market- Coleman’s Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Repel recommended by Consumer Reports.