With summer comes camping. With camping come the bugs. But don’t let these tiny pests ruin your fun! There are many great ways to naturally repel them from biting or coming near, without the use of deet or other harmful chemicals! If you’re ready to go camping and the great outdoors are calling… Be sure to ward off the bugs with these easy natural remedies!
1. Citronella
Citronella is known for being “the original” natural bug repellent, with memorable and powerful lemon-like scent. It’s used in many commercial bug repellents and candles. It can be a skin irritant, so you want to make sure you’re only spraying it in rooms and doorways.
2. Marigold // Calendula
In addition to mosquitoes, marigolds, also known as calendula, repel garden pests, as well! One option is that you can plant your own and take advantage of the delicious edible flowers, adding color and flavor to salads or can be a gorgeous garnish when you want to dress up a dish. Another more concentrated option is to get an essential oil and apply it to your skin with a carrier oil to create a natural bug repellent.
3. Lavender
Grow it around the house and garden to keep bugs away in general; they just don’t like the smell. The nice thing, is it’ll grow inside too, if you keep it next to a sunny window. Lavender has a lovely scent, pretty purple flowers and calming properties as well, so it’s a charming addition to your garden or home for several reasons! Lavender is also an affordable essential oil to simply bring along on your trip and place at a various spots on your body and even along your tent, to repel bugs from getting too close.
4. Peppermint