Natural Bug Reppelents Review

As a devout camper and real nature lover I don't want to be constantly in fear of ticks or other bites which can transmitdiseases like the West Nile virus(who wants to be really)? We all just want to enjoy late-summer and fall outdoor gatherings, camping, hiking, and hunting without biting bugs.

At the time when I was done with those annoying insects that ruined my every year's holidays I tried all kinds of methods how to get rid of bug bites. Since then I discovered a bunch of effective natural ways and a few storage bought repellents that really worked out for me and which at the end saved my vacations. If you're at your wits end with this nuisance pest, take a few minutes to read these tips for getting rid of bug bites.

Natural bug repellents:

Homemade bug repellents are very effective and can be made inexpensively and naturally at home. I have been using these self-made alternatives constantly for many years and I have tested them in lots of different countries. Below are the few natural repellents that I found worked best for me:

1) Essential oil

You will need 10 to 25 drops of essential oil, witch hazel and distilled or boiled water.

1) Fill a jar ½ full with distilled or boiled water
2) Add few drops of witch hazel oil
3) Add 10-25 drops of essential oil of your choice (the more oil you use the stronger the spray will be). I prefer rosemary oil, lavender oil, citronella, clove and peppermint oil. It works efficient and also smells good!
4) After that, you will need to add one tablespoon of aloe Vera and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Blend the ingredients and pour the mixture into an open glass.
5) Apply a few drops of the content to your pulse points to deter insects when outdoors. Reapply as needed.

This preparation is suitable for adults and you should be aware of the contra-indications for each essential oil. It worked very efficient for me against ticks, mosquitos and biting flies.

2) Fresh or dried herbs

Again you will need distilled or boiled water, witch hazel and herbs (lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, lemongrass)

1) Fill a jar with distilled or boiled water
2) Add 3-5 TBSP of fresh or dried herbs in any combination. I usually use lavender, citronella and some mint herb.
3) Stir the mixture well, cover it and let it cool
4) Add 5 TBSP of witch hazel oil
5) Remove the herbs and apply the mixture on your skin as needed.
It is working very efficient and it is also refreshing for your skin. It has a very delicious smell! It used to worked on ticks and mosquitos for me.

3) Vinegar

The vinegar mixture is a super strong and effective bug repellent. It works incredibly well though, and this is the one I use when I'm going to be camping in the woods or in tick infested areas.
You will need apple cider vinegar, 5 TBSP each of rosemary, lavender, thyme and mint and a glass jar with airtight lid.
1) Put the vinegar and the dried herbs in a glass jar with airtight lid
2) Mix or shake the mixture every day for at least 2-weeks
3) Remove the herbs and store the mixture preferably in fridge
4) Before using it dilute it by half with water
5) Use it only if you need radical bug control.
Warning: This mixture has a strong smell when it is wet but it is making wonders. After being applied it loses the strong odor. It worked out for me on any insects!

Store bought repellents

If you don't have the appropriate resources for homemade repellents or if you prefer to purchase bug repellent in the store, then you should make sure that you purchase one of the most effective ones. Below are my favorite repellents that I tried on different camping trips around the world:

3M Ultrathon

This type of repellent is recommended by many experts. It is especially good for repelling insects in very wet and wooded areas. It is also very effective for long-term use and has been shown to repel insects for up to 12 hours. One of the reasons that 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent is so effective is because it contains DEET. DEET is a type of yellow oil that is found in most of the store-brought bug repellents. Some people claim that the asset is dangerous and that it would cause skin damages and rashes. Since I am not an expertin this field I just want to share my experience with this product. Ultrathon was working very good in wet andmoist conditions in Indonesia and Taiwan. It didn't smell so bad as other products and I just apply it twice a day( in the morning and before going to bet). I haven't got bitten once!

Bite Blocker Organic Extreme
As an good alternative to 3M Ultrathon which don't contains DEET I was totally impressed of Bite Blocker Extreme. I was using it during my camping holidays and I didn't get any mosquito or tick bites (mostly in the woods and by the sea). This repellent is not only very effective, but it is safe because it only contains plant-based ingredients. It can repel insects for up to 3.5 hours. You will have to reapply the spray frequently. To my taste it smells a little bit.

How to Apply Insect Repellent:
Insect repellent is any type of substance that is designed to repel insects. All you have to do is apply it directly to the exposed skin and clothing. Avoid putting any repellent on cuts or skin abrasions. You should make sure that you wash the skin as soon as you come back indoors All the same, if you haven't already used essential oil products on your skin, do a skin patch test before using and it is recommended to talk to your health care professional before using it as a bug repellent. If you are already suffering a bug bite you can use some of my 10 ways how to get rid of bug bites.

Safety Concerns!

Pregnant women can use repellent because there has been no evidence to suggest that it can harm the mother or baby. The safest types of repellent for pregnant women to use are the natural ones and the repellents that contain DEET. Children can use insect repellent, but parents should avoid putting it on a child's hands because children often put their hands in their mouth. The repellent should also not be used around the mouth or the hands.

10 ways how to get rid of bug bites

I am pretty sure that everyone has ever experienced the annoying itchiness of a bug bite which can ruin your perfect summer holidays. There are a lot of different bug bites, but the symptoms are mostly the same: itchiness, skin rashes, swelling and infections.

As a devout summer camper I have already experienced all kinds of different bug bites starting with mosquitoes and biting flies and ending up with bed bugs and spiders. In all the years I have trieda myriad of different home remedies and of those who have worked best for me I made a TOP 10 list of how to get rid of bug bites:

1. Aspirin mix

Aspirin can be used on more than just a summer headache. Crushing the aspirin and mixing with water to form a paste will coat the bug bites with the anti-inflammatory properties of the aspirin and apply it right into the bug bite. Cover the bite overnight with a band aid and in the morning the bug bite should be reduced and pain free. Try to avoid scratching after you put on the paste. Itching is a sign of healing and it is a normal part of the healing process.You can also snap the aspirin tablets in the middle, moisten them with a little of water and rub them over the spots. It worked for me on mosquito and fly bites.

2. Salt water

Salt water is a reliable home remedy for all kind of bug bites. I tried it on bed bug and mosquito bites and it worked very effective.First you have to create a paste of water and tab salt. You can also use garlic, seasoning salt and Epson or kosher salt. I used to take 3-4 Tbsp. of salt and few drops of cold water. Then take a clean cloth, water it with the mixture and apply it on to the affected area. You can also rub the salt directly over the bites or soak it into the mixture. Initially it will cause a strong burning for few moments but then you will feel a great relief from itchiness and swelling.

3. Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant works wonder for any kind of insect bites and skin irritation. It is a natural antiseptic and it is working anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and it encourage your body to heal faster.

Just snap off a piece of the stem and cut it to take out the juice. Keep the juice in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes till it gets a cold sense. Now rub the fresh Aloe Vera gel over the affected area and it will shortly reduce the swell, pain and itching. You can reapply as often as needed. If you do not have an aloe vera plant at hand you can also use the gelavailable at departmental stores. Aloe vera is one of my favorite home remedies, because it is working very fast and it provides a very soothing touch.

4. Banana peels

Peel the banana and apply the inside of the peel into the bump. After 90 seconds remove the peel and wash the area and then apply hand sanitizer. Banana peels can make take away the itch, but it won't accelerate the healing process. I tried it on a mosquito bites and it worked very well for me.

5. Saliva

A common belief is that saliva contained in the mouth has natural disinfectants why it should be beneficial to "lick your wounds". I tried saliva on mosquito bites and bee stings. In my experience saliva does not heal the inflammation but it stops the itching very fast. I spread the bites with saliva every time it started to itch (2-3 times). I know it is hard, but it is important to keep the scratching after you put on saliva. It should start working after 3-5 minutes. I often use it when I am camping outside.

6. Baking soda paste

Another option is to make a paste out of baking soda mixed with water. Mix the two ingredients in a ratio 2:1 so that you get a tick paste. Cover all your bug bites with the paste for about 5 minutes. Wash of the past with cold water.

This concept can be used on a larger scale if the person is covered with a lot of bites. Just add some paste to a warm bath. Its working for all kinds of bites and skin irritations.

7. Ice

Cold ice is a good method to control the swelling. Cold temperatures accelerate the spread of anti-inflammatory substances to the affected area and inhibit the swelling.You can take an icepack or put some crashed ice into a clean towel and hold it over the affected area for about 5-10 minutes. This will give you quick relief from the swelling as well as itchiness.

I always use ice before applying another method. Just ice wont take away the swell and itching.

8. Soap

One of the most affective and easiest ways to get rid of bug bites is to rub the affected area with a dry soap bar. The relief from this method is super-fast and works faster than you can mix up other household remedies. It is recommended to use a high quality organic and mild soap. After covering the bites with soap, clean it with cold water and apply some antiseptic cream. It hasn't worked for me on bug bites and stings!

9. Toothpaste

A very simple way to get rid of a bug bite is to cover the bite with tooth paste. You have to apply toothpaste right on the bite and spread it around the bite till the toothpaste dries. The paste will start to fall of piece by piece and you will soon feel a great relief. When the bite is gone you can wash the remaining toothpaste.

10. Onion

The last but not the least home remedy of how to get rid of bug bites is onion. Onions contain a powerful healing enzyme that can relieve thediscomfortandpromote healing. Rub the juice from a piece of cut onion on your mosquito bite. It will stop itching immediately and if you apply the onion juice two or three times a day the bite will disappear within a few days. I have tried this method many times and I highly recommend it for mosquito bites and stings.

Special TIP for campers!

If you are out camping in the wilderness and don't have access to the household methods there is something for you as well. Mud is the most natural way of everything to get rid of bug bites. If you apply wet mud to the affected area and let it completely dry it will release the pain of the bites. This concept has been used for as long as documented history. Making a mask of mud will also prevent bugs from stinging in the first place.