Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs!

The bugs are out in full force here in northern Minnesota which poses a problem. After a very long and very cold winter all I want to do is be outside when the sun is shining and this bug thing is making it very difficult.  Bug spray is what I need, and lots of it! But what kinds of bug sprays are effective, natural, safe?

Most of us are used to DEET-laden bug sprays, we know them to be very effective against those nasty bugs. But are they safe? DEET is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, but it is also noted, by this same agency, to have caused 18 different cases of neurological damage in children and 2 adult deaths. It is also a known to cause eye irritation, rashes, and blistering. Research has shown brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats and it is toxic to the environment. DEET is now in 75% of all US water sources and incredibly dangerous for all aquatic and bird life.

So I'm not going to be using DEET.  This summer I am trying out several different types of natural bug

sprays. The one I turn to most often is Badger's Anti-Bug Spray. Badger products come from Vermont where they know bugs and they are very effective and very safe. They contains citronella, geranium and cedar essential oils all in a water and soybean oil base. In addition to the spray they have some Anti-Bug Balms containing the same set of  essential oils in an organic olive oil and beeswax base.

I have also started making my own bug spray this year. I start with a 4 ounce mist bottle and add two ounces of water and two ounces of witch hazel. I then mix and match different essential oils that are known to have active constituents that help repel bugs. My favorite essential oil right now is Lemon Eucalyptus. This isn't just lemon essential oil and eucalyptus essential mixed together, it is an actual variety of eucalyptus tree that originates in Brazil. I mix it with other essential oils in that water/witch hazel base, shake and spray before heading outside. I like making my own because I can make it as strong or as light as I wish. Other essential oils that are great at repelling bugs are: citronella, cedarwood, geranium, rosemary, grapefruit and tea tree.

We have a couple new bug sprays at the Co-op that are actually made here in Minnesota: Purple Prairie and Simply B Natural.  I am going to try them out and compare them to my homemade one and Badger to see which is the most effective, so keep your eyes out for that!

If you live here in Cook County, join me for my Make-Your-Own Bug Spray Class Friday, July 11 at 5pm.