Natural Bug Repellents for a Safe and Happy Summer
Keep the Bugs at Bay This Summer with Natural Bug Repellents for Parents
Summer is a wonderful time filled with outdoor adventures, picnics, and playing in the yard. However, it’s also the season when pesky bugs decide to join the fun, making it not-so-fun. While store-bought bug repellents can keep these unwanted guests away, they often contain chemicals and poisons that are harmful to us and our kids. This summer, why not try making your own natural bug repellents at home? In this blog, I want to explore with you some effective and easy-to-make recipes for natural bug repellents that are safe for the whole family. Recipes at the end for a sweet treat!
Why Choose Natural Bug Repellents?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why natural bug repellents are a great choice:
- Safe for All Ages: Natural ingredients are gentle on the skin and safe for everyone, including young children.
- Environmentally Friendly: Unlike chemical repellents, natural options are biodegradable and won’t harm the environment.
- Cost-Effective: Most natural repellents can be made with ingredients you probably already have at home, saving you money.
- Interested in more natural remedies? Check out my natural health guide! Click Here!
Essential Oils: Nature’s Bug Fighters
Many essential oils have insect-repelling properties. Here are a few of the most effective ones:
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: Known for its ability to repel mosquitoes.
- Lavender Oil: Not only does it smell great, but it also repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Peppermint Oil: Effective against spiders, ants, and mosquitoes.
- Tea Tree Oil: Repels a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and ticks.
- Citronella Oil: One of the most common natural ingredients in commercial repellents, effective against mosquitoes.
DIY Natural Bug Repellent Recipes
Here are some easy-to-make recipes that you can whip up at home to keep those bugs at bay.
Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the lemon eucalyptus oil with the witch hazel.
2. Add the coconut oil and stir until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a small spray bottle.
4. Shake well before each use and apply to exposed skin.
Interested in more natural remedies? Check out my natural health guide! Click Here!
Lavender and Vanilla Insect Repellent
Ingredients:
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- 2 tablespoons distilled water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the lavender oil and vanilla extract.
2. Add the vegetable glycerin and distilled water, stirring to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Shake well before each use and spray onto skin and clothes.
Peppermint and Tea Tree Ant Repellent
Ingredients:
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a spray bottle, combine the peppermint and tea tree oils.
2. Add the water and shake well.
3. Spray around windows, doors, and other entry points to keep ants out of your home.
Summertime Hacks: Freeze Your Repellents
For added convenience, especially for sports moms constantly on the go, you can make these repellents in larger batches and freeze them in ice cube trays. When you need them, just pop a cube out, let it thaw, and transfer it to a spray bottle. This method is perfect for camping trips, beach days, or anytime you’ll be outside for extended periods.
Interested in more natural remedies? Check out my natural health guide! Click Here!
Time For a Sweet Treat: Homemade Puppy Chow Candy
While you’re prepping for a bug-free summer, why not make a tasty treat to enjoy with your family too? Here’s a simple recipe for homemade puppy chow candy.
Ingredients:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.
4. Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until well coated.
5. Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool. Store in an airtight container.
Did you know that our skin is our largest organ? That is why we advocate so much for you to take into consideration what you put on your skin!
Natural bug repellents are a fantastic alternative to chemical-laden store-bought options, providing a safe and effective way to keep your family bug-free this summer. With simple ingredients and easy recipes, you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about harmful chemicals. Plus, a batch of homemade puppy chow candy makes any summer day even sweeter.
If you enjoyed this, please leave a comment on what you thought! I love hearing new ideas! Thank you so much for reading!
For more advice on easy dinner ideas, daily recipes, meal plans, and learning about the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, follow me, Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking for themselves and their family! After all, home is where the best things are made!
Interested in more natural remedies? Check out my natural health guide! Click Here!
