Natural bug repellents often work as effectively as chemicals, without harming your kids' health.
Exploring wooded areas or just playing in the backyard makes kids a target for mosquitoes and other biting insects. Many products available in stores are highly effective in repelling these insects, but not all are safe for children to use. To repel bugs away from kids, there are several natural alternatives to chemical sprays and creams. Does this Spark an idea?
Citronella Oil
Citronella is a natural insect repellent that is extracted from dried grasses. Its distinctive odor masks carbon dioxide released by the body, to which mosquitoes and other biting insects are attracted. Citronella oil is often sold as insect repelling candles or coils, but is also used on the skin. Citronella is to be re-applied every 30 minutes to be most effective, as it has short-term effectiveness when applied to the skin. In some individuals citronella oil irritates the skin, so it's best to test a small area before using on large patches of skin or on clothing.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is plant oil that is safe to use as an insect repellent on children. Dilute 2 oz. of tea tree oil in a spray bottle of water, and spray the hair and body. Rub into the skin gently and reapply when needed. Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils that is used undiluted as well. It works to repel biting insects such as mosquitoes, lice and ants. Tea tree oil is also used to soothe bites and stings.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a natural bug repellent that provides more than an hour of protection against many types of insect bites. Natural sprays and creams containing soybean oil are found where other insect repellents are sold.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree that is found in many DEET-free insect repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it as an effective and safe insect repellent. It has a strong aroma, which some find overpowering. DEET has not been proven to protect against ticks, but it offers more than two hours of protection against many other biting insects such as mosquitoes. The CDC advises that oil of lemon eucalyptus is not to be used on children under the age of 3.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil was originally used to repel moths from clothing. It is considered a safe food additive by the FDA and, according to the EPA, it is an effective and safe insect repellent.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is typically used to treat oily skin and hair because of its astringent properties. As a cream or diluted in a spray, it is also a safe and natural insect repellent that is effective against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.
Tags: insect repellent, biting insects, lemon eucalyptus, other biting, other biting insects, repellent that, safe insect