quick tips

keep bugs away!

DEET has been the go-to insect repellent ingredient for more than half a century. It’s effective against ticks and mosquitoes, but it can sometimes cause unwanted side effects including skin rashes, eye irritation, and headaches. Kids can easily get insect repellent on their hands and into their mouths, which can lead to stomach upset.

Natural protection

Although repellents made with herbs and essential oils tend to work for shorter periods of time, they’re a natural alternative to DEET and can be effective for staving off insects. Citronella, cedar, lemongrass, lemoneucalyptus, and rosemary oils work well, with higher concentrations offering better protection.

Natural insect repellents are widely available. You can also make your own by adding a few drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of vegetable oil. (Test it on a small area of skin first.)

Try these essential oils for DEET-free bug protection:

Tea tree is a natural insect repellent. And it can help reduce itching if a bite occurs.

Citronella keeps ticks, houseflies, and mosquitoes at bay. It’s often found in repellent candles for outdoor use.

Lemon-eucalyptus is effective against mosquitoes. It also deters sandflies, ticks, and midges. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age.

Patchouli will help keep mosquitoes away.

Basil and thyme are among many other herbal oils that appear to work well.

Lavender may help to repel ticks. ●

SELECTED SOURCES Aromatherapy by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green ($19.95, Crossing Press, 2009) • “DEET,” National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University, www.npic.orst.edu • Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes

for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects

by Stephanie L. Tourles ($10.95, Storey Publishing, 2016) • “Researchers compare ‘natural’ mosquito repellents to DEET,” Entomological Society of America, www.EntymologyToday.org

BE SMART, KEEP YOUR EYES SAFE *