Ticks and mosquitos are the pests of summer. They cause illnesses and irritations that can make you and your family sick. However, which is worse, these pests or the harsh, unfriendly chemicals found on store shelves that get rid of these pests? Here are some natural solutions to keep you and your family, your pets, and your yard pest-free.
From Lyme disease to West Nile virus, ticks and mosquitos have posed a problem for many who want to enjoy the great outdoors. The CDC deemed DEET safe, if the user followed the directions on the container. DEET is a harsh synthetic alternative to natural repellents. However, the CDC provides a guideline for the proper use of products that use this chemical.
For more information about Vector-Borne Diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile, visit this CDC website.
There are steps you can take to live a naturally pest-free summer.
STEP 1 – Un-invite the little pests to your yard.
– Eliminate their breeding grounds. Ticks and mosquitos like damp warm places. Make sure there is no opportunity for water to pool in your yards. Examples of this are the inside of tire-swings, buckets, plastic benches, and chairs, anywhere that water can pool during a rain. They also find tall grass extremely inviting. Lifehacker.com has more tips.
– Treat your lawn and plants. Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made of ground up fossilized type of algae. Its microscopic sharp edges break the exoskeleton of bugs, exposing their vulnerable innards. Sprinkle this on your lawn to kill existing pests, however, it does not work as well when it gets wet. When the ground dries, Diatomaceous earth will dry, too. It will work just as well as before, but some may have run off, so you may need to re-apply. Diatomaceous earth is safe for you and your pets. There is even a food-grade version available. For more information about Diatomaceous earth, visit richsoil.com.
– Repel the roaming pests. Many beautiful plants are naturally insect repellent. Incorporate these perennials and annuals into your landscaping. Plant them in pot for easy mobility. One of the best parts about these plants, you can use them to make your own spray repellent. For a list of plants and their uses, visit bestplants.com.
There is an interesting news story from WECT channel 6 out of Wilmington, NC. In June of 2005, they reported on a man who sprayed a unique homemade mixture on his lawn and garden. He used equal parts Epson Salt, beer, and Listerine. It seems to have worked wonders.
STEP 2 – Protect yourself and your loved ones
Your yard is only one place to enjoy the great outdoors, so you need to prepare your personal space. There are many ways to do thing, from commercial over-the-counter sprays and lotions, to all natural versions, which can be expensive. The only way to guarantee what you are putting on your skin is to make it yourself, and even this can be costly. Here are a few that you can make at home, some cheaper, some still expensive.
From WiseBread – Cheap and Easy Homemade Mosquito Repellents
Garlic Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients:
A few cloves of garlic, mineral oil, water, and lemons
Directions:
To prepare the oil – mince garlic and cover with mineral oil. Let this sit for 24 hours.
To make the spray – take 1 tsp. of the garlic oil, mix with 2 cups water and 1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice, strain through cheesecloth (a coffee filter will also work), and pour into spray bottle. Shake before each use.
WiseBread also advises rubbing fresh lavender flowers or vanilla extract on your pulse points will ward off mosquitos.
From Inhabitat – DIY: Homemade Insect Repellent Sprays and Lotions
Repellent Spray #1 (Kids and Pets)
Ingredients:
8 oz. or 10 oz. spray bottle
water
witch hazel
15 drops essential oil (peppermint, clove, lavender or lemongrass for small children – lemon, eucalyptus or tea tree for older kids and pets)
Directions:
Make a 50/50 mix of witch hazel and water in the desired bottle, add 15 drops of chosen essential oil. Shake before each use.
Repellent Spray #2 (Adults)
Ingredients:
8 oz. or 10 oz. spray bottle
water
witch hazel
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
30 drops essential oil (lemon, citronella, tea tree, rosemary, or eucalyptus)
Directions:
Make a 80/20 mix of witch hazel and water in the desired bottle, add 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin add 30 drops of chosen essential oil. Shake before each use.
Repellent Lotion #1 (Child-friendly)
Ingredients:
1/3-cup coconut oil
15 drops essential oil (lavender or clove)
Directions:
Mix and apply liberally.
Repellent Lotion #2 (Older children & Adults)
Ingredients:
1/3-cup liquid castile soap
30 drops essential oil (any choice)
Directions:
Mix and apply liberally.
From Survival At Home – Homemade Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito and Tick Repellent
Ingredients:
6 oz. witch hazel
2 oz. castor oil
5 drops cinnamon oil
15 drops eucalyptus oil
15 drops citronella oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
There is a recipe called Four Thieves Vinegar that has an interesting story. It was used to ward off the Black Plague. It also has great bug repellent properties. Wellness Mama has a copy of the recipe and a brief history.
Fun in the great outdoors does not have to be dangerous as long as you know how to protect the people, places, and pets you love.
Additional Information (resources, tips, cautions)
Essential oils can be expensive and hard to find. Here are some links on how to make essential oils at home.
Essential oils can cause skin irritation and caution must be used when applying it to your skin. For more safety information, visit National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
