Natural Insect Repellents - Natural Herbs That Are Effective At Stopping Bugs Fast
Monday, March 19, 2018
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Well, there are insect repellents at most grocery stores, but these are nothing more than poisons, insecticides, and neurotoxins. Albeit, they are used by millions of people with few ill effects, but does anyone want something so toxic on their skin, or in their home?
Well, there are natural herbs and organic approaches that you can use to stop bugs in their tracks! Most important, they are not poisons at all, just plants and herbs that bugs and insects will stay far away from. When you consider the alternative is spraying your family with a neurotoxin, or put lethal poisons in and around your house, natural insect repellent is a great alternative that works.
Fleas - A cedar oil spray will act as a deterrent, and when used properly is harmless to your pets. You can apply it on floors, carpeting, and of course your pets bedding and any blankets they typically use to rest on. You can also use powdered pyrethrum to sprinkle on pet bedding and all carpets. There are several herbs that repel fleas as well, including wormwood, pennyroyal, and citronella. However, consult a vet before you apply these treatments directly to your animal, as direct application can cause health problems for your furry friend.
Ants - Ants hate mint tea and cloves, it throws off their trails, so you can crush cloves or get some mint tea and place it around any spot that ants are coming from. Also, get a small bottle of soapy water and spray the trail. Last but not least, draw a thick link of chalk where the ants are entering your house. Believe it or not, the chalk line is enough to prevent them coming in.
Mosquitoes - These are the worlds deadliest animals, considering how many people get sick and die from the diseases they carry. So there are a few steps you can take to naturally keep them away. Sweating, eating salty foods, and breathing can attract them. So avoid excessive exercise and potato chips if you want them to stay away from you... you can't stop your breathing, but you can burn a fire near by, that will let off enough CO2 to throw them off your trail.
As far as herbs go, marigolds around anywhere you relax outside will keep them away, and you can apply citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils to the skin and they will stay away.
Flies - The best herb for most insects to use is Citronella. You can find it in Citronella based topical creams, often combined with peppermint or cinnamon. You can also dilute citronella in another oil and rub into the skin. Only problem is, Citronella evaporates quick, so reapplication every 30-60 minutes may be necessary. However, Citronella is approved by the FDA as a save, effective bug repellent. Flies also dislike pennyroyal essential oil.
You can also make a spray using white wine vinegar and water as a base. Then, add citronella, lavender, peppermint, and even eucalyptus. Then, add a small amount of a mild, organic liquid soap to the base and shake it all up. This can be used as a spray to repel flys and other insects.
These natural insect repellents are all effective against some insects. Of course, some herbal approaches may be more effective than others, so you should try a few before using the chemical neurotoxins and poisons sold in chemical bug sprays and repellents.
Be sure to consult a doctor before using these, as allergic reactions are always possible. Do not use any of these remedies on children under 3 years of age, simply out of an abundance of precaution.