Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!

After all of the rain we’ve had, I have noticed we are dealing with a lot of bugs. What do you do to guard yourself from the hungry mosquitoes outside? I have been doing some research on how to protect our bodies from the bugs and debating on what methods work best.

Some people are all about their home remedies for pesky insects while others trust the name brands to keep them from getting bitten. I think it is important to guard yourself from overexposure to bug bites because you never know what insect could be caring a virus that could make you sick. Here is a list of some of the diseases bugs can spread: 

•    West Nile Virus- Mosquito
•      Lyme Disease- Ticks
•     Malaria- Mosquito
•     Myiasis- Fly Larvae
•     Typhus- Fleas, Mites, Ticks, Lice

Though most of these illnesses are rare in the United States, we must always be cautious about overexposure to insects during the summer months, especially around bodies of water and wooded areas. 

I have created a list of products you can purchase over-the-counter and a couple of home remedies you may also want to try when venturing outdoors. If you have any remedies you would like to share with us, please leave a comment below. 

Insect Repellants:

•      OFF! Insect repellant- several varieties to suite your needs
•       AVON Skin So Soft/Insect repellant
•       CUTTER Skinsations
•       Burt’s Bees Insect Repellant

Home Remedies:

•       Lavender Oil- Mix 30 drops in water and place in spray bottle. Spray and repeat when needed
•       Citronella Oil- Mix 30 drops in water and place in spray bottle. Spray and repeat when needed
•      Parsley or Basil leaves- boil into a tea and either rub on skin once cooled or add to spray bottle and  spray as often as needed
•      ½ teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, distilled water and witch hazel, and eucalyptus oil- mix in a water bottle and spray as often as needed. The stronger the oil the better it works.