If you are uncomfortable with using insect repellents laden with man-made chemicals, there are natural options available to purchase and to make.
Herbal repellents are usually kinder to your skin but make sure your skin isn’t sensitive to them before you spray them all over you or someone else. Even though you may not react to individual oils, a combination of oils may affect you differently. I found that out after spraying a “natural” repellent all over my arms. It took days to figure out what the cause of my rash was, and it took a couple of weeks for the rash to disappear.
Citronella is an insect repellent commonly used in patio candles, but citronella oil can be used in topical repellents, too.
Some plants are natural repellents. The French Mulberry/American Beautyberry is one. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin. That knowledge can come in handy when doing yard work or hiking in the woods.
Here’s a tried-and-true homemade insect repellent which should take care of mosquitoes and flies.
INSECT REPELLENT
3 ounces distilled water
1 ounce almond oil or fractionated coconut oil
10 drops peppermint oil
10 drops lavender oil
Shake before spraying on skin. Best stored in a dark colored bottle in the dark.
