Evening, fluffy clouds float lazily across the sky, the soft rays of the sun illuminate everything around, giving a warm hue. Summer has finally arrived – it's time for crazy deeds, exciting travels and warm nights. But small and annoying insects always strive to spoil the summer idyll. Of course, you can easily get rid of the increased attention from the little villains with the help of products that are sold in stores. But being smeared from head to toe with chemistry is not particularly useful and pleasant, so you should think about alternative methods of protection against mosquitoes, midges, wasps and other annoying bloodsuckers.
Virtually all repellents available in stores contain DEET – relatively toxic substance. Doctors from the USA advise choosing those protective products where the concentration of DEET does not exceed 30%. Such drugs are best applied not to the surface of the skin, but to clothing. To protect yourself from both insect bites and the toxic chemicals found in store-bought insect repellents, try homemade natural remedies with essential oils and herbs.
Natural remedies for insect bites based on dry herbs and flowers
In order to prepare a natural repeller, you can use dried mint, lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme. The basis for such products can be alcohol or natural vinegar. In the first case, the liquid will have a rather pleasant aroma and it can be safely used at home. In the second case, the smell of the repeller will be quite specific, but this remedy will perfectly protect you from annoying insects in nature.
How to cook?
Alcohol based insect repellent
1. Make a decoction using 4-5 tablespoons of dried herbs and 1 cup of water.
2. Strain the broth, mix with 1 tbsp. alcohol.
3. Stir the mixture, cover and let cool. Store the mixture in a spray bottle in the refrigerator.
Apple Cider Vinegar Insect Repellent
1. Pour 2 tbsp. l. mixture of herbs 1 liter of vinegar.
2. Close the container tightly and infuse for 2-3 weeks, periodically shaking the mixture.
3. When the mixture is infused, it must be poured into the spray bottle and stored in the refrigerator.
Natural insect bite protection products based on essential oils
Insects can be repelled by: oils of mint, rosemary, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, camphor and various coniferous oils. Each of them can be used separately, for this you need to mix 2-3 drops of ether with 2 tbsp. l. any vegetable oil.
This product should be applied to the wrists, ankles, and behind the earlobes. Unfortunately, such repellers last no more than 30 minutes. However, more effective natural remedies can be prepared, based on several essential oils and fragrances that mask the natural body odor, so that a person does not attract the attention of bloodsuckers.
In order for the repellent to work for an hour or more, it should include citronella essential oil or witch hazel hydrolate.
How to cook?
1. Fill a spray bottle (250 ml) half with boiled water and half with witch hazel hydrosol.
2. Add approximately 30 drops of essential oils.
3. You can choose fragrances that repel insects to your taste. Shake the liquid well before using the spray.
Natural Soybean Oil Based Insect Bite Remedies
Soybean oil is especially effective when combined with spices, cinnamon or vanilla.
How to cook?
1. In 100 ml of soybean oil, add a vanilla pod or 2 pinches of cinnamon.
2. Let it brew for several days in a dark place.
3. Apply the product on the temples, neck, wrists and ankles. This repellent lasts for at least two hours.
Natural spray repellents can be sprayed onto skin and clothing, and can also be used to protect a room from insects by spraying window screens with the mixture. If you plan to be out in the sun, it is best to apply the product only on clothing to avoid skin irritation.
If it was not possible to avoid an insect bite, you can use natural remedies to relieve inflammation and eliminate discomfort: aloe juice, garlic, a mixture of vinegar with essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, camphor.
Thanks to the use of natural insect repellents, your summer will not be spoiled by the bites of annoying bloodsuckers and outdoor recreation will always be a joy.
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