Daily Fit Tip: Bug-proof naturally

by Rigel Celeste (Subscribe to Rigel Celeste's posts)
Jun 20th 2008 6:00AM

Sometimes I don't know which one is worse: dealing with the bugs or dealing with the greasy, smelly, full-of-toxic-chemicals bug repellent! Thankfully there are natural ways to cope.

Natural Health has compiled handy list of tips for keeping bugs at bay without using unhealthy (and stinky!) bug sprays:

Fight summer bugs naturally(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Apply natural repellents containing geraniol, soybean oil, or lemon eucalyptus

Wear loose, light-colored clothes (so they can't bite through and you can see them to swat them)
Eliminate standing water, even the smallest puddle can breed hundreds of mosquitos
Avoid sugar and caffeine (they rev up your metabolism, which attracts mosquitos)
Apply natural repellents containing geraniol, soybean oil, or lemon eucalyptus
Rub fresh mint on your skin to repel bugs (make sure you're not allergic or sensitive to the plant's oils first!)
Light a Linalool or geraniol candle (and stay within 3 feet) or if you've got a fire going, try burning dried mugwort or lavender (an old Chinese method)
Turn on a fan and keep them at bay with the breeze (mosquitos can only fly about 8 mph)
Install screens on all windows and doors and make sure they stay in good repair -- sleep under a mosquito net if you often get bitten during the night
Take care of the bites so you don't itch: apply the essential oils of lavender (anti-inflammatory) and peppermint (anti-itch) OR mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water (neutralizes the insect poison and balances the skin's pH.
Install a bat house in your yard -- although they often get a bad rap, bats aren't interested in people and a single bat can eat hundreds of insects in a single night.
Get involved with your local Mosquito Control Agency to reduce the number of mosquitos in your entire area.