Summer is about enjoying the great outdoors! Whether camping, chilling in the backyard or watching the kids play soccer, being outside in the fresh air is good for the soul but better when it’s bug free.  Unfortunately, little critters like mosquitoes, ticks, and flying insects can really put a damper on your outdoor adventures!

Also, conventional bug repellent can contain toxic ingredients for humans as well as bugs. Here are some ingredients of concern: N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), Cyfluthrin, Permethrin, and Pyrethroids. But did you know that some plant oils have a natural bug repellent? So, here are a few DIY recipes to keep you sane and bug free this summer.

Insect Stings and Bites*

10 drops Peppermint Mentha xpiperita essential oil
10 drops Tea tree Australia Melaleuca alternifolia

First, blend the oils together in a dark-colored glass roller bottle. Then, apply to bites as often as needed.

Insect-aside Bug Repellent*

5 drops of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
2 drops Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis essential oil
4 drops Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil
2 drops Lemon Citrus limonum essential oil 1 drop Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils
8 drops Cedarwood Virginia Juniperis virginiana essential oil
1 drop Peppermint M. xpiperita essential oil
1 drop Clove Bud Syzygium aromaticum essential oil
2 oz. of carrier oil like sweet almond oil
Mix in a 2 oz. dark-colored glass spray bottle to apply.

CAUTION: Please, avoid the eye area. Also, do not use essential oils on children under 6 years of age or on pets.

*We highly recommend a skin patch test to ensure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.