Wax and Bubbles

The big issue with summer time enjoyment is flying and crawling insects, and most of us reach for the conventional spray and lather it up on our skin, but what exactly are we putting on our bodies? Have you ever taken the time and looked at the ingredients in some of those “conventional” sprays sold at many supermarkets? If you have and even if you haven’t, most contain ingredients that most don’t even know what they are. To get away from the “what is that” thinking, why not try some natural bug sprays and even how about making your own.

• California Baby: California Baby’s sprays are designed to soothe existing bites while repelling fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies — all with pleasant smelling (and sustain ably harvested) essential plant oils.

• Aubrey Organics: Natural products pioneer Aubrey Organics offers an herbal, DEET-free bug spray that also includes SPF protection.

• Badger Balm: Not all bug protection must come in the form of sprays. Available in tins and a push-up stick, Badger Balm’s Anti-Bug formula is soothing to dry skin, and repels pests with oils of citronella, rosemary, cedar and geranium.

• Kiss My Face: The playfully named Swy Flotter insect repellent from natural products company Kiss My Face offers DEET-free protection from mosquitoes, ticks and other pests.

• Burt’s Bees: Our 100% natural blend of bug-fighting oils repels even the most stubborn of pests. Rosemary, Lemongrass, and Citronella oils mix with 5 other oils that bugs hate, creating an all natural solution for keeping them away. Since there’s no DEET in this formula, it’s safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets.

Or make your own blend of bug-repelling ingredients.

What you need:

1/2 teaspoon citronella essential oil
1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol (you can find natural alcohols at health food stores)
1/2 teaspoon vodka
1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil
4 ounces distilled witch hazel
4 oz spray bottle (aluminum or glass because essential oils will eat through plastic.)

Mix all ingredients and pour into an aluminum or glass bottle with a spray top. Use as needed. This mixture can even be sprayed on clothing and tents and sleeping bags in low amounts.