Most insect repellants out there are loaded with toxic chemicals, especially the pesticide DEET which is a potent neurotoxin. It is so poisonous that even the Environmental Protection Agency says you should wash it off your skin when you return indoors, avoid breathing it in and not spray it directly on your face. DEET has been associated with a variety of health problems ranging from dizziness to seizures, and children are especially susceptible. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using repellents containing more than 10% DEET on kids under 6. Thankfully, there are several effective natural options to keeping away mosquitoes and other insect pests.
Purchase Natural Bug Spray: You can find all-natural bug spray (usually only available in health food stores or online), yet always carefully read the label. There should be a 100% ingredient disclosure; examine it to make sure it's chemical-free.
Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent*: You can select and mix your essential oils based upon your specific needs**. Are you trying to keep away just mosquitoes or do you need to repel biting flies and ticks too? A list of which oils are good at deterring which insects are listed below as well as instructions for mixing.
Ingredients:
- 10-25 Drops (TOTAL) of Essential Oils
For Rubbing Application (Avoid contact with clothing as some material may stain.):
- 2 TBS of a carrier oil such as almond oil, grape-seed oil (extra-virgin olive oil or sunflower oil can be used as well, but this will result in a thicker oil)
For Spray Application: (Unless it's extremely delicate material such as fine silk, you do not have to be cautious about clothing contact.)
- 2 TBS vodka (Although I personally do not consume alcohol, 100% natural alcohol such as vodka is safe and effective for topical application for many bath and body purposes. In contrast, isopropyl “rubbing alcohol” is a petroleum product and is linked to several negative health effects when it comes into contact with the skin. As with NyQuil and any other consumable alcohol product, always keep it out of the reach of children.)
- Lavender Oil (Mosquitoes, Biting Flies and Lice)
- Lemon Eucalyptus or Regular Eucalyptus Oil (Mosquitoes, Ticks and Lice)
- Pennyroyal Oil (Mosquitoes, Biting Flies)
- Citronella Oil (Mosquitoes and Biting Flies)
- Clove Oil (Mosquitoes)
- Fennel Oil (Mosquitoes)
- Thyme (Mosquitoes)
- Castor Oil (Mosquitoes)
- Lemon Oil (Mosquitoes)
- Orange Oil (Fleas)
- Rose Geranium (Ticks and Lice)
Directions:
Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. Rub the oil solution or spray the alcohol insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight for at least six months. If you wish, you may combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency of the product.
*If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use any mosquito repellent, natural or otherwise, until after you have gotten it cleared by your physician.
**Although essential oils are natural, it is possible they could cause skin irritation. Therefore, if you have very sensitive skin, it would be wise to do a skin patch test before applying all over your body. To do a skin patch test, mix 1 drop of the essential oil you wish to test in 1 tsp of the carrier oil. Apply a small amount of this mixed oil to the inside of your wrist or elbow and leave uncovered for twenty four hours. This area must not be washed for this period of time. If no sign of itching, redness or swelling occurs after the 24 hour period, it should be safe for you to use the oil. If you have never used any form of carrier oil on your skin, it would be advisable to first do a skin patch test using only the carrier oil.
Electronic Repellents: These utilize one to two sound frequencies to simulate dragonflies, a natural predator of the mosquito. The devices come with Velcro bands for wearing on your wrist or ankle, or on your pocket or belt for a versatile, compact unit that you can take anywhere for protection.
Plants that Discourage: Some plants are naturally deterrent to mosquitoes. Select ones that will grow in your area and strategically plant them around the yard. To best release the natural oils, you will want to brush against the plants or occasionally crush some of the leaves and flowers. You can also cut some and display in vases. The following plants are proven to discourage mosquitoes: marigolds, rosemary, basil, catmint, pennyroyal, Thai lemongrass, mint, citronella, Horsemint, catnip, garlic, tansy and mosquito plants.
Citronella Candles: Citronella is the number one mosquito repellent. Burn natural citronella candles with pure essential oils (not cheap, artificial fragrances).
Fragrances to Avoid: Other ways to reduce mosquitoes’ attraction to you is to avoid some scents that actually attract the insects. Perfumes can do this, as well as bath and body products that have added fragrance such as deodorant, soaps, hair products, sunscreens and cosmetics. Beware of even lingering fragrances from fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Avoid Peak Hours: Stay indoors during the peak mosquito hours, from dusk until dawn.
The Right Clothing: Protect yourself with long sleeves, pants and socks – the more of your skin that is covered, the better. Also, try to avoid wearing dark clothing as mosquitoes have very poor vision and you will make yourself more of a target.
Bat Houses: Bats are a wonderful and natural, mosquito munching machine to have in your yard. Small brown bats (the kind in North America) can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour! Unlike the horror movies would like you to believe, bats are actually quite safe and having them in your yard is statistically much less dangerous than owning a dog. (Of course, children should be warned to leave bats alone, just as they learn to leave bees or strange dogs alone.) Building a bat house is as easy to make as a birdhouse and you can find free plans on-line or buy one pre-made. Make it a learning experience with your child by turning it into a science fair project or a home school study.
Foods to Avoid: Don’t eat bananas during mosquito season because there is something about how your body processes the banana oil that will turn you into a mosquito magnet.
Take Supplements: Some supplements cause your skin to taste bad to mosquitoes and thus keep them away. Vitamin B Complex and Garlic capsules when taken daily for about a month before mosquito season will be enough. Continue taking them throughout the season. These supplements will not only help support your immune system in case you get bitten, but they have a myriad of other health benefits as well.
NATURAL RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers
Garlic and Cayenne Seasoned Chicken Breast Strips that are baked instead of fried for a low-fat version of Buffalo Wings. Leftovers can be cut up to go atop salad or to fill spicy chicken tacos.
Ingredients:
- 4 Skinless, Boneless Chicken
- Breast Halves - cut into finger-sized pieces
- 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour, rice flour, oat flour, etc.)
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1& 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs (use bread crumbs with all-natural ingredients or just make your own from left over, all-natural bread)
- 2 Egg Whites, Beaten
- 1 TBS Water
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with all-natural nonstick spray (I prefer using extra-virgin olive oil in a stainless steel pump spray bottle that you fill yourself)
- In a bag, mix together flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. On a plate, mix the bread crumbs with the rest of the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Shake the chicken pieces with the seasoned flour. Beat egg whites with 1 TBS water, and place egg mixture in a shallow dish or bowl. Dip seasoned chicken in egg mixture, then roll in the seasoned bread crumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Use tongs to turn pieces over. Bake 8 minutes longer, or until chicken juices run clear.
