Ep. 073 Ingredients to avoid in insect repellent & what to use instead
If you’re spending lots of time outdoors this summer, bug spray is an essential. This blog post explains what 2 ingredients to avoid and has a couple DIY bug spray.
Deet: This is a very common and strong insect repellent. It’s great at keeping bugs away, but it’s also harmful for humans and unsafe to apply directly to skin. Side effects of deet can be as minor as a skin reaction and feeling fatigued and in extreme cases can be as serious as seizures or can lead to respiratory problems and even cancer.
Camphor: Camphor used to be made from the bark of a tree, however now it is usually made from turpentine oil. And is a common ingredient in an after bug bite anti itch cream. In very low doses, camphor is typically safe for adults to use but may cause a skin reaction and long term use can be hard on the liver.
It is not recommended for children to use at all, because of skin sensitivities. However, camphor should never be applied to broken skin or ingested by anyone. Consuming this ingredient, on purpose or by accident, has the possible risk of seizures and poison control would need to be called immediately.
Both of these ingredients are unnecessary and have unpleasant side effects, but thankfully making your own bug spray and anti-itch roller is very simple! Try these 2 solutions for a completely natural insect repellent:
DIY Bug Spray - Buy your kit here.
30 mL Spray bottle
10 drops of Citronella essential oil
10 drops of Lavender oil
Top the rest with Witch Hazel
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. Shake before using, store in a dark place.
After Bug Bite Roller:
10 mL roller bottle
10 drops of Lavender oil
5 drops of Tea Tree oil
Fractionated carrier oil like coconut oil
Combine all ingredients in the roller bottle. Rub onto bug bites as needed to reduce itching. Store in a dark place.