The Best Insect Repellent is Efficient AND Safe
As the heat arrives, so do the bugs and insects.
They can be annoying, so you want the best insect repellent. But the question is, is the one you’re using, safe?
Approximately one-third of Americans use some form of insect repellent.
Most repellents that you buy – in spray or cream form, heated pads or burning coils – all contain DEET.
Because it works.
However, it’s not a nice chemical.
The Problem with DEET Insect Repellents
DEET is a chemical which is a known eye irritant, can cause skin blisters and rashes, and even neurological disorders and brain cell problems in some cases.
But if you don’t use it constantly, it probably isn’t a problem.
For you.
Sadly, DEET is toxic to many aquatic creatures and birds.
It causes problems for wildlife and water sources.
So, to protect yourself AND wildlife AND the planet, we need insect repellents that are safe.
The Best Insect Repellents Are Simple and Your Own
One way to make sure that what you’re spraying on your body is safe for you and everything around you, is to buy single-ingredient natural repellent, or make it yourself.
And luckily, I’ve got a couple of quick and easy ways to help you do just that!
Here are some easy tips and ideas that will keep those pesky insects at bay, while still keeping you – and the planet – safe and healthy.
The Best Insect Repellent is Easy!
You can’t get much easier than this, and it’s something I use all the time. (Living on a tropical island is great, but there are a lot of bugs!).
Neem oil is a natural and safe insect repellent – simply apply the oil to your skin. You can buy it in spray form too. Be sure to buy pure neem oil with nothing else added. (Just be aware that you’ll probably need to apply it more often than a DEET-based repellent).
Other Easy Best Insect Repellent Ideas
- Take a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and set them alight. The smell will discourage mosquitoes. This is very useful for barbeques or eating outdoors.
- Outdoors at night? Light up with yellow light bulbs (eco friendly ones of course!) instead of white. They won’t attract insects but will still provide illumination.
- Turn on a fan. Mosquitoes find it more difficult to land on you when there’s air movement.
- And of course, be sure to remove any standing or stagnant water from your garden or yard. This means water collecting in unused flower pots, open buckets, trash can lids etc. If you have a bird bath, keep the water fresh. Keep pond or pool water clean.
- Plant citronella, neem, catnip, basil and other mosquito-repelling plants in your garden.
- Encourage bats and dragonflies into your garden as they eat mosquitoes.
- Rather than using repellents on young children, place netting over playpens and strollers. Dress them in long sleeve and long trousers so they won’t get bitten.
Best Insect Repellent Recipe
Finally, if you have time, here is a great recipe for a homemade insect repellent:
Ingredients:
- 1 x 32-ounce (1 litre) bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons each of dried thyme, sage, rosemary, mint and lavender.
- Glass jar – at least 1 quart or 1 litre, with an airtight lid.
Method:
- Place the ingredients into the jar and seal tightly.
- Place it where you will see it (don’t hide it away somewhere, or you’ll forget about it!).
- Shake the mixture well every day for 2 weeks.
- Then strain out the herbs and put the liquid into a spray bottle.
Spray on yourself or in a buggy area.
This takes a while to make (because of needing to shake it every day) but you’ll find it works really well.
Stay Safe
It’s easy to avoid mosquitoes and bugs – and still avoid DEET-based repellents.
With these tips, as well as neem oil and the homemade recipe above, you’ll stay bug free this summer – and keep the planet safe too!
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What do you use? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your FREE green living resource guide here.
Related: 3 green cooling tips for Summer.
Related: Summer food safety tips
Thanks for the reminder on neem oil. I’ve been using no-odor garlic capsules after learning fishermen use this to avoid being bitten. It works like a charm but you need to give it a few weeks to build up in your body so it’s not something you can use at the last minute.
Great idea Lois, and thanks also for the tip on starting in advance. Garlic is good for so many things beside insect repelling, it’s a great idea!