DIY Insect Repellant + Bug Bite Remedies

DIY mosquito repellent

Natural DIY Mosquito Repellent

Synergy natureshield

Most bug repellents on the market contain DEET (diethyl toluamide), a pesticide with known toxic effects. Children are more susceptible because their skin readily absorbs bug sprays that contain DEET. 
 
Nature Shield essential oil is a blend of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, May Chang, Tea Nature shield essential oilTree, Patchouli, and Catnip. This oil can be diffused indoors, applied to clothing, made into a spray, or used in an oil burner around a picnic area. If using directly on the skin, it's advised to dilute with a carrier oil
 
Spray recipe: Using a 4 oz. spray bottle ------------------------>
  • Fill with 2 oz. distilled or tap water.
  • 2 oz. alcohol (vodka is best but you can also use rubbing alcohol).  
  • 72 drops of nature shield essential oil
  • Optional: add pure vanilla extract (bugs don't like vanilla) and it smells nice.
*Shake well before spraying. Always test first on a small patch of skin. Since there are no preservatives, this spray must be used in a few days or stored in the fridge.
  
Don't feel like making your own? Try LifeStings Natural Bug Repellent
Powered by organic catnip oil, proven to be 10x more effective than DEET, LifeStings prevents bug bites without all the dangerous chemical toxins typically found in commercial bug repellents.
 
 
Five Natural Bug Bite Remedies
 
While we make great efforts to prevent mosquito bites, it's inevitable. We have some effective ways to help ease the itch:
 
1. Peppermint essential oil: The mint causes a cooling sensation, and this "gets to the brain faster than the itching," says dermatologist Neal B. Schultz. A few drops of peppermint essential oil (mixed with a carrier oil) is a great way to cool the itch. 
 
2. Tea Tree essential oil: Tea Tree oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it can combat itching, swelling and pain, and it also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help prevent infection at the site of the bite. Lavender essential oil can also help to reduce swelling, stop the itching and prevent infection.
 
3. Aloe: We all know aloe is a "go-to" for sunburn relief, but it also works well on insect bites. Aloe helps with swelling and soothes irritated skin. 
 
4. Witch Hazel with Aloe:  Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Original Formula Astringent is a soothing, natural treatment that cleanses and heals your skin. 
 
5. Ice pack: We recommend this reusable, non-toxic, sweat-free ice pack that is made from 100% recycled BPA-free plastic bottles.
ice pack with sweat free cover

We'd love to hear from you. What are your methods for preventing insect bites or soothing them?