Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites
Megan Hirt
July/August 2007
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Don't swat it: You can fend off bugs without chemicals.
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It's hard to resist the lure of the outdoors during these summer
months. But whether it's a chore, a meal or a simple frolic that
beckons you into the open air, you're likely to be stung, feasted
on or just irritated by bugs.
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Prevention
Rather than reaching for manufactured insect repellents that use
powerful chemicals to keep bugs at bay, try these tips to naturally
prevent bug bites.
Wearlight-colored, loose-fitting
clothing when outside. You'll lower your chances of
popping up on a mosquito's radar, as these bugs are attracted to
dark colors and easily bite through tight clothing. Also avoid
wearing bright or floral patterns, as resembling a scrumptious
flower can make you attractive to bees and wasps.
Even if you don't have a pool or pond, you still need to
eliminate standing water around your home, which
is an invitation for mosquitoes to lay eggs near your abode. Drill
holes in the bottoms of things like trash bins to drain water that
may collect in them. Change birdbaths and pets' water dishes at
least once a week and as often as possible in the summertime to
wipe out any breeding grounds mosquitoes may have created. Check
for other standing water sources, such as gutters, flower pots and
children's toys.
Rosemary, basil, catnip,
lemon balm and rose geraniums are a few of the plants
you can grow that have insect-repelling qualities. Lemon
balm and catnip are especially good for warding off mosquitoes:
Researchers at Iowa State University found the essential oil in
catnip to be about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes
than DEET, the widely used synthetic repellent. Simply crush the
leaves of any of these plants to release their scents and rub them
on your exposed skin.
Make your own catch-all insect repellent from a
concoction of essential oils:
- 2 ? teaspoons total of any of the following essential oils:
basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose
geranium or rosemary (available at health food stores)
- 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available at liquor stores)
- Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake
vigorously. Transfer to a small bottle for storage. To use, rub a
small amount on exposed skin, though test first to make sure skin
doesn't react negatively.
