Natural bug repellent comes in many forms. This article explains natural ways to defend yourself and your home against annoying little insects.
Natural bug repellent prevents people from consuming, absorbing, or inhaling harmful chemicals meant to detract insects. Bug spray, while effective, usually isn't something you want near your body. This article explains several natural ways to effectively deter, and in some instances kill, mosquitoes, ants, and spiders.
Mosquito Repellent
There are many different products that naturally repel mosquitoes. Many of these products include food or consumable goods. Vanilla or garlic, for example, deter these little buggers. Simply fill a spray bottle with vanilla and spray your body before venturing outdoors. For a bit more kick, crack open a garlic clove and rub it over your body. It may not smell as nice as the vanilla, but if it's all you have, it does keep the bugs away.
I also swear by taking B-1 tablets. From what I've heard (and it does work for me), the mosquitoes don't like the smell the tablet emits from your skin throughout the day. Humans, however, cannot detect it. Also, try making a tea of rosemary and mint and put it in a spray bottle to use as spray.
Ant and Spider Repellent
Without using chemical sprays, there isn't a whole lot you can do to repel ants. You can, however, line your doorways or windowsills with baby powder. They hate crossing the powder and usually won't enter. If they do get into your home, however, vinegar represents an effective way to kill the little critters.
Lavendar represents a natural bug repellent for spiders. Either find lavender oil, or buy a sachet of dried lavender petals and place them around your home or in your drawers. Also, spiders detest the smell of cedar. Cedar chests help minimize the population. In fact, cedar works to repel many things, including moths.
Bug No-Nos
When you want to venture outdoors, there are certain things you should not do. For example, don't wear extra scented shampoo or hair products. Eliminate the fragrance soap, lotion, and deodorant. Bugs love their smells and will flock to you no matter which natural method of repellent you use. Also, if you want to keep ants and spiders out of your house, keep food cleaned off of the floors, tables, and counters, and minimize clutter.
Natural bug repellent techniques are safe for children and the sick. Leave the harmful chemicals at home and try one of the safer methods of detering insects the next time you venture outside. These methods also work for deterring and eliminating spiders and ants from inside your home.
Information in this article is taken from my own experiences and experimentation with bug repellents.
