Summertime means camping, vacations and spending more time outside. With that comes the threat of mosquitos and bugs all up in your business.
Many of the popular conventional bug repellents that contain DEET. DEET is a chemical that smells unpleasant to mosquitos so mosquitos avoid it. It works very well. DEET also melts plastic. Let’s think about that. We are putting a chemical on our skin that melts plastic.
There are a lot of conflicting studies about DEET. This study showed that prolonged use of DEET led to impaired cell function in your brain with prolonged use! My opinion is, use the option with no potential bad side effects.
I always look at our overall exposure to chemicals. This is only one product but everyday we are exposed to many chemicals and this burden can add up and cause issues.
Avoid:
Off, Deet, Total Home, Care Plus
Look for bug repellents made without DEET or fragrance, listed as “parfum, fragrance” on ingredient labels:
Badger Bug Spray is another better option but it has soybean oil but I generally like to avoid.
Did you know…what you eat can repel or attract mosquitos!
Foods to help repel mosquitos are garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, lemongrass, chili, tomatoes, grapefruit. They all contain properties that either mask your natural smell or are unpleasant to mosquitos.
Food that attract mosquitos are salty foods and beer.
DIY
If you are a DIY person and use essential oils, you can easily make your own bug repellent. Mama Natural has created an effective spray and one that’s safe for pregnancy and children too.
I’d love to hear from you, what do you use for bug repellent?