Summer weather has arrived, and with it, the season for outdoor activities, sunburns, and, of course bug bites! With all the rain that many parts of the country are experiencing this spring, mosquitoes are particularly pesky.
Personally, I seem to have grown more sensitive to mosquito bites as I have gotten older, although I suspect it is a particular type of mosquito that leaves the worst bites. The bad ones cause huge red welts that last for an entire week of itching and burning misery. Due to my sensitivity, I admit I have resorted to DEET products a few times over the past few years (notably on our visit to Minnesota last summer, where the mosquito is - only half-jokingly - referred to as "the state bird").
However, I am always on the lookout for natural products with safer ingredients that actually work. The recipe below is easy to make with just a few simple and natural ingredients, and you can customize it to your preferences, or experiment to find out which oils are most effective. I love the smell of citronella, but there are a number of other essential oils which have bug-repelling properties, which are listed below.
Personally, I seem to have grown more sensitive to mosquito bites as I have gotten older, although I suspect it is a particular type of mosquito that leaves the worst bites. The bad ones cause huge red welts that last for an entire week of itching and burning misery. Due to my sensitivity, I admit I have resorted to DEET products a few times over the past few years (notably on our visit to Minnesota last summer, where the mosquito is - only half-jokingly - referred to as "the state bird").
However, I am always on the lookout for natural products with safer ingredients that actually work. The recipe below is easy to make with just a few simple and natural ingredients, and you can customize it to your preferences, or experiment to find out which oils are most effective. I love the smell of citronella, but there are a number of other essential oils which have bug-repelling properties, which are listed below.
First of all, before we get to the recipe, I am required to tell you that I am not a doctor, certified herbalist, or medical professional. The statements and recipe in this post are for informational purposes only, and have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be considered as any kind of treatment.
Secondly, keep in mind that just because a substance is naturally occurring does not mean that it is safe for everyone. Essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people, and some should not be used on children or during exposure to sunlight. For a helpful essential oil safety guide, check out this free resource.
The recipe below can help to repel deer flies, mosquitoes, and other pesky bugs, while also nourishing your skin with natural oils. If you choose to vary the essential oils, be sure you are not sensitive to them first, and that they don't cause photo-sensitivity if you are going to be out in the sun.
Natural Bug Repellent Bar Recipe*
(Yields: 3 bars of 3 oz. each.)
Ingredients:
3 1/2 oz Beeswax
3 oz Shea Butter
3 oz Coconut Oil
0.6 oz Citronella Essential Oil (or choose from list below)
Instructions:
1. Place beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in double boiler.
2. Melt and stir with a wooden skewer.
3. Remove from heat, wait a few minutes to allow to cool slightly, then add essential oil(s).
4. Stir with wooden skewer and pour into molds.
5. Pop out and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Not a fan of citronella? Want to try another option? These oils are also helpful for repelling mosquitoes and other bugs:
You can use any essential oil brand that you like, but we particularly like Plant Therapy essential oils for their potency, purity, and the fact that they provide a "KidSafe" label to make it easy to tell which oils are safe for use with kids. (Use this link for FREE Shipping on your order.)
Best wishes for a fun and bug-free summer!
Rose.
* Recipe Source: MelissaKNorris.com
Secondly, keep in mind that just because a substance is naturally occurring does not mean that it is safe for everyone. Essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people, and some should not be used on children or during exposure to sunlight. For a helpful essential oil safety guide, check out this free resource.
The recipe below can help to repel deer flies, mosquitoes, and other pesky bugs, while also nourishing your skin with natural oils. If you choose to vary the essential oils, be sure you are not sensitive to them first, and that they don't cause photo-sensitivity if you are going to be out in the sun.
Natural Bug Repellent Bar Recipe*
(Yields: 3 bars of 3 oz. each.)
Ingredients:
3 1/2 oz Beeswax
3 oz Shea Butter
3 oz Coconut Oil
0.6 oz Citronella Essential Oil (or choose from list below)
Instructions:
1. Place beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in double boiler.
2. Melt and stir with a wooden skewer.
3. Remove from heat, wait a few minutes to allow to cool slightly, then add essential oil(s).
4. Stir with wooden skewer and pour into molds.
5. Pop out and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Not a fan of citronella? Want to try another option? These oils are also helpful for repelling mosquitoes and other bugs:
- Lemon Eucalyptus (use with caution in children under 3)
- Lavender
- Clove
- Peppermint (use with caution in children under 3)
- Cedarwood
- Rosemary
- Neem
- Lemongrass (can attract bees)
You can use any essential oil brand that you like, but we particularly like Plant Therapy essential oils for their potency, purity, and the fact that they provide a "KidSafe" label to make it easy to tell which oils are safe for use with kids. (Use this link for FREE Shipping on your order.)
Best wishes for a fun and bug-free summer!
Rose.
* Recipe Source: MelissaKNorris.com
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