Natural Bug Repellents

Spring is in the air, finally! That means it’s time to start moving into the outdoors and soak up the fresh air after being cooped up all winter. However, that brings us face-to-face with outdoor fun’s enemy: BUGS. So it’s time to stock up on bug spray, right? Wrong! There are so many natural bug repellents that you’ll wonder why you even bothered with those stinky, chemical-ridden sprays.

Here are some great natural bug repellents:

Citronella – We’ve all heard of citronella candles but did you know it’s actually a plant that you can easily find in most home improvement stores and nurseries? The leaves release an oil when crushed that can be placed directly onto the skin to repel mosquitoes.

Basil – Basil can play multiple roles in your garden. It can be used in cooking and is an effective bug repellent. You can have them planted near your outdoor entertainment area or use it to make an all-natural spray.

Clove – You can also plant clove around your garden and backyard to repel bugs or you can simply use the oil, which is found in most drugstores for tooth pain and other ailments (yes. another with multiple uses!) Because it is so strong, it’s best to mix the oil with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, etc) before placing directly onto the skin.

Lavender – This may be the best smelling natural bug repellent! As with most of the other plants on this list, you can either place lavender in your garden or rub the oil onto your skin for a delightfully fragrant mosquito deterrent.

Lemon Balm – Crush a handful of the leaves to release the oil and rub directly onto your skin. Alternately, you can dry the leaves and use to flavor a delicious herbal tea!

These are just a small sample of the numerous bug repelling plants that you can easily find and grow. As you can see, they provide much more than just a way to enjoy the outdoors without using harsh and potent chemicals. Get out there and exercise your green thumb – bug free!