Bugging Off

          So now  the weather is nicer.  (Or so everyone keeps telling me.   I thought it was nice when it snowed but you people are all  fickle.)  But since it is warmer and Feisty Pants is dying to be out on her bike or, at least rolling around touching bugs and whatnot, I thought I would post some all natural diy bug repellant recipes.   For some reason, bugs like me.  Or at least, they like to bite on me.   Hippie Pants too.  I think Feisty Pants and the bugs have an understanding, but with her asthma I'm not going to push my luck.  And since she does have asthma, I don't want bomb her with chemicals, either.   We've tried Avon's skin so soft, which smells yummy, but while it worked for FP it did not work on Hippie Pants or me.   And so we stick to these recipes.

             

           1) Easy Peasy- no work involved.   It sometimes works, sometimes does not. (My guess it doesn't work after dusk when all the bugs seem to be at their hungriest)  Simply stick a few bounce dryer sheets (new, not used) in your belt loops.  Bounce uses oleander to scent their products.  Oleander is a natural bug repellant.  It's not perfect but its quick and easy, and will help in a pinch.  You can even rub your dogs (not cats) with one to try help them too.

 

          2) All natural bug repellant oil- these smell yummy and are good for the skin. Basically you will need a carrier oil and essential oils. 

 Take 3-4 ounces carrier oil (sweet almond or jojoba work best as they are not too greasy and absorb quickly into the skin)

Add the essential oils and mix well.  Apply to bare skin when needed.

For the essntial oils-  try the following combos:

25 drops rosemary

15 drops cinnamon

6 drops cedarwood.

 

or: 25 drops lemongrass

      12 drop eucalyptus

      5 drops citronells

 

or:25 drops lavender

      25 drops lemongrass

 

or even:25 drops geranium

 

You can play around with these a bit and see which combinations work best ( and smell best).  Go easy on the cinnamon oil though. It can burn skin if too high a concentration (like pepper spray).  You can always add mint to any of these too.

 

 

3) Bug Spray- You will need water, witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol) and essential oils.  Fill an eight ounce spray bottle half full with water.  Add witch hazel until almost full.  Add 30-50 drops of essential oils (try the combinations above) and mix well.

 

Hopefully, these will work well for you without making you smell awful or poisoning you with chemicals.

Happy bike riding and bug hunting!