Insect Repellent

​​It is the time of the year when the insects are everywhere we go; while some are very beneficial, some of them we do not want around.   
Some over-the-counter insect repellents/coils may contain harmful chemicals/insecticides, such as DEET and Pyrethrins, which, depending on the product, can also be deadly to other insects (i.e. pollinators, which we need), and toxic to children (higher doses) and pets.   For this reason, many of us would prefer to find an alternative to using these types of products to avoid any potential adverse reactions (i.e. allergies, skin reactions, neurological issues (with severe exposure), death of bees/pollinators, etc.).
 
Here are some ideas of what you can use in place of chemical/insecticide products:
1. Natural repellents (i.e. CitroBug, BuzzPatch) can be found at health food stores, etc.  

2. You can also make your own; here is a simple recipe:
* 4 oz. Distilled water                         * SAFE for kids & pets too *
* 4 oz. Witch Hazel
* 30 drops of essential oils (combo. of Citronella, lavender, clove peppermint, basil, black pepper,     
         lemongrass, eucalyptus, & geranium)
 * Mix in a spray bottle.

3. A diffuser in your outside space (patio/deck, etc.).  If you do not have one, you can also make your own with Himalayan salts (ensure no pet access to the salts), bamboo reeds, etc.  
My favourite combination of oils to deter mosquitoes and wasps: Clove, Citronella, and Geranium (the mosquitoes hate the Citronella and the wasps hate the clove and geranium).

4. Anti-Mosquito devices: These can be found online and in almost any store that carries outdoor stuff.
 
We wish you a Summer full of fun without the bites ;)  
Remember that the honey & turmeric/curcumin salve (we featured in May) works wonders, in case you get bitten/stung.

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