10 Natural Solutions to Keep Bugs at Bay
Spending time in nature can heal the soul, but pesky bugs can often vex the mood. While chemical repellents are effective, there are more natural and holistic approaches to warding off insects. Keep reading for accessible and affordable remedies to try on your next hike, float trip or other outdoor adventure.

Herbs & Essential Oils
Herbs and essential oils are well known for their therapeutic properties, but they can also deter pesky insects (and they smell great too)! Here are some bug repelling, common oils and herbs that you may already have at home:
1.Citronella
Citronella contains compounds, like citronellal and geraniol, that disrupt an insect's ability to detect carbon dioxide, heat, lactic acid, and other chemical signals that help them find their hosts. This confusion makes it difficult for them to bite humans or animals. Dab a few drops on your skin or dilute in a carrier oil like coconut oil to create a repellent for mosquitoes, gnats, roaches, and other bugs.
2. Lavender
Not only does lavender smell delightful, but it also contains linalool and camphor compounds that are known to repel mosquitoes, wasps, ants, moths, and flies. In fact, linalool has been shown to have the same effects on a mosquitoe's sense of smell as DEET. This essential oil is also best and safest for babies and toddlers. Carry a small vial of lavender essential oil or tie fresh lavender sprigs to your travel sack for bug protection.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is probably one of the most effective herbal repellents, due to its high concentration of menthol and menthone. It is known to repel mosquitoes, gnats, spiders, ants, bed bugs, fruit flies, roaches, lice, wasps and ticks. Take fresh peppermint from the garden or mix a few drops of peppermint oil diluted in water to create a refreshing spray that insects dislike. Both methods are safe for skin contact and leave a cooling sensation, making it a great solution for warmer days.
4. Neem
Derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), neem oil contains several compounds, such as azadirachtin, that make it a powerful natural insecticide against mosquitoes, mites, gnats, sand flies and ticks. Insects that come into contact with neem oil or ingest it while feeding may experience adverse effects, further discouraging them from settling on treated surfaces. Mix neem oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin or clothing for effective bug protection.
5. Sage
One of my favorite, natural methods to avoid mosquito bites is gathering fresh sage and rubbing it directly on my skin. Sage contains essential oils, such as cineole, camphor, and thujone, which have strong odors that are unpleasant to many insects, including mosquitoes and flies. Burning fresh or dried sage in a fire can also keep pesky bugs at bay.
*Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have been diagnosed with any medical conditions, please consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils. Always perform a patch test for at least 24 hours, to check for any adverse reactions before applying an essential oil all over. Also, be sure to use only high-quality essential oils.

Other Methods
Listed below are a few more insect repelling suggestions:
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spritz it on your skin to deter insects. Bonus: it can also soothe itchy bug bites.
7. Clothing Choices
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants. Tightly woven fabrics are less inviting to insects and provide a physical barrier.
8. Garlic
It is said that, consuming garlic can make your skin less attractive to insects due to the compounds released through your sweat. Garlic oil can also be applied topically to repel mosquitoes. Create a simple garlic spray by crushing garlic cloves and mixing with water. Strain the mixture and spray it on your clothes and exposed skin.
9. Natural Camouflage
Avoid wearing perfumes, scented lotions, or hair products with strong fragrances. These can attract insects, rather than repel them. Instead, opt for unscented or natural products when hiking.
10. DIY Bug Spray Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 40 drops citronella essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray on exposed skin and clothing as needed.

What do you think?
Have you already tried some of these bug-free remedies? If so, share your experience with us! If not, do you think you would give them a shot?
Where can I find this stuff?
You don't have to search far and wide for any of the products listed here. Find essential oils and bottling supplies at the following retailers:
African Naturals - Two convenient St. Louis, MO locations on S. Kingshighway & N. Lindbergh
Sincerely, The Craft - QPOC Owned & located in St. Louis, MO
Sacred Vibes Apothecary - Black-Owned & located in Brooklyn, NY
Nappily Naturals & Apothecary - Located in Los Angeles, CA https://www.nappilynaturals.com/
Holistic Habitat
Specialty Bottle

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