Natural Insect Repellents

Natural Insect Repellents: Protecting Yourself Against Summer Pests

We all love spending time outside in the summer months, enjoying socialising and adventuring with our loved ones. However, an insect invasion can make it difficult to relax and trying to protect yourself against bites and stings can spoil a special occasion fast. Insect repellents are designed to keep you and your family bug-free, but many, unlike natural insect repellents, contain strong chemicals such as DEET, which is banned in many places due to the risks it poses to humans.

Strong chemical insecticides can cause skin problems and extended use of products containing DEET can cause seizures and other severe neurological symptoms. We believe that this is too high a price to pay for a bug-free summer! Luckily for us, there are many other ways to protect yourself against bug bites and stings and we have some top tips on using natural insect repellents to protect yourself against summer pests.

 

Natural insect repellents

Avoiding chemical insect repellents is a good idea for your overall health and well-being, and there are several natural alternatives you can try. We have seen good results with the following ideas:

  • Lemon eucalyptus oil. Lemon eucalyptus oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree that contains a compound known as citronellal, which can be used to repel mosquitos effectively. To use lemon eucalyptus oil, you can dilute it in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil and then apply it to your skin. Essential oils can be harmful if applied to the skin directly, so ensure that you dilute it appropriately, using only 3-5 drops in at least 30ml carrier oil.
  • Lavender oil. Lavender oil has many beneficial properties, including repelling insects, and it smells great! You can add it to an essential oil blend diluted in carrier oil and apply it to your skin, or you can mix it with water in a spray bottle so that you can use this to protect your skin and your environment. Remember to dilute all essential oils appropriately, using only 3-5 drops in at least 30 millilitres of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.
  • Citronella oil. Citronella oil is a popular insect repellent and citronella candles are a great way to make the most of it. You can also use citronella oil in a diffuser, to repel mosquitos and other insects, or dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. Outdoor citronella candles are an excellent option for the table when you are eating outside, adding to the atmosphere and keeping the air bug-free.
  • Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is another useful essential oil for repelling insects, and it also has antibacterial properties so can be used to treat insect bites and stings if they occur. It can be diluted and added to the skin, which can help to repel mosquitos, ticks and other bugs. If you are using more than one essential oil, reduce the amount of drops you use to ensure that your blend is not too strong.
  • Neem oil. Neem oil comes from the neem tree and is often used in commercial insecticides. You can look out for products containing neem oil, or make your formulation with a few drops diluted in a carrier oil or water to create a skin oil or a spray that will protect you from bugs.
  • Rosemary. Rosemary can be used to repel mosquitoes and other insects, either in essential oil form, just like lavender and tea tree oil, or as a fresh herb. To use rosemary in its fresh form, you can simply crush the leaves and rub them onto your skin or boil them in water and use them in a spray bottle.
  • Garlic. Garlic has a strong smell and it is believed that this may help to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Eating garlic regularly or taking garlic supplements can help to ensure that the bugs avoid you!
  • Catnip. Catnip is a herb that contains a compound known as nepetalactone, which has been studied for its ability to repel mosquitoes – and some studies have shown it to be more effective than DEET for this purpose. It can be used by crushing the leaves and rubbing them onto the skin or boiling them in water to create a spray.
  • Basil. Basil is another herb that has insect-repelling properties and can also be used to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs. Again, you can crush fresh basil leaves and rub them onto skin, or boil them in water if you wish to use them as a spray.
  • B vitamins. Many people believe that taking B vitamin supplements can help to make you less appealing to insects, especially mosquitoes, and taking these can also have many other health benefits. However, there is no conclusive evidence that this is an effective measure to repel insects so it may be considered anecdotal.

 

You should take care when trying any of the above suggestions as essential oils can irritate the skin and can cause allergic reactions for some people. Try a patch test before dousing yourself in a homemade oil or spray that contains essential oils, and take the time to experiment with recipes to find out what works best for you.

 

Avoid insect bites this summer

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we will be happy to talk with you about how to avoid insect bites and stings this summer, and we can suggest lifestyle changes and natural remedies for you to try. You may find the remedies above helpful, or you may wish to try an over-the-counter insect repellent. If you do so, it is very important to read the package insert carefully to ensure that you are using the product correctly, especially if it contains potentially harmful ingredients such as DEET.

You can protect yourself against bug bites and stings by covering your skin as much as possible, especially at the times when mosquitoes are most active, usually at dawn and dusk. Wearing long-sleeved tops, long trousers, socks and closed shoes will protect your skin effectively. Alternatively, you can stay indoors during these times and avoid areas where you know there will be a lot of insect activity, such as near-standing water or dense vegetation.

Ticks can also be a significant problem in many outdoor areas and ticks can carry Lyme’s Disease so it is vital to prevent bites wherever possible. Ticks are common in grassy or wooded areas, so it is especially important to cover your skin when you are in areas such as this, especially if deer are living locally. Get into the habit of checking yourself for ticks every day after you have spent time outdoors, and invest in a tick remover or visit a healthcare professional to ensure the tick is correctly removed. An infected tick bite or a bite in which a part of the tick has been left behind will usually look red and sore or show the bullseye rash that can be an early sign of Lyme Disease, which will need urgent antibiotic treatment.

If you are travelling to a malaria zone, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the options so that you can protect yourself and avoid being bitten. Sleeping under a mosquito net is a great idea, especially if you are sleeping outdoors or camping, and you can easily pack a mosquito net in your bag when you are travelling for extra peace of mind. Many types of accommodation will be fitted with screens to keep insects out, and this can help to prevent being bitten or stung at night.

Your environment can make a difference, and any sources of standing water or rubbish that are left around can attract mosquitoes and other insects. You should avoid wearing perfumes and other scented body and hair products if you are worried about insects as these can attract them to you and increase the risk of bites and stings. You should be aware of local conditions, such as whether you are in a higher-risk area for ticks or mosquitoes, and take extra precautions to protect yourself if so.

These measures will help to reduce your risk of insect bites and stings and help you to make the most of your outdoor activities throughout the summer.

 

Find all your First Aid Products at Gray’s Pharmacy

Our friendly team of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians will be happy to help you find products to support your health, whether you are travelling or at home. We stock healthcare and personal care products for babies, children and adults and we have a range of gift options you’ll love. Our mission is to help you care for your family all year round and we are always here to answer any health question you may have.

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we have a range of online and face-to-face services available to you, including diabetes management and smoking cessation clinics. Our products include haircare, dental care and skincare ranges to suit every skin type and budget, and we can help you find what you need. Shop online or pop in and meet us in our community pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick today.