Ah, the joys of summer: sunny days, warm evenings, and… mosquitoes. Lots and lots of mosquitoes. Not sure where you are but here in Melbourne, we've had a ton of rain too, so the mozzies have just been out of control this year! If you’re anything like me, you’ve had those nights where you wake up scratching furiously, cursing that one tiny buzz you heard before you fell asleep. It’s enough to make you want to grab the nearest can of bug spray and declare war.
But wait - before you douse yourself in a toxic cloud of chemicals, let’s talk about what’s actually in those conventional insect repellents.
The Role of Chemical Repellents
First, let’s be fair - chemical repellents like those containing DEET have their place. In regions where mosquitoes and other airborne insects can spread serious diseases, these heavy-duty repellents are a critical tool for protection. However, for everyday use - like keeping the mosquitoes away at a barbecue or a peaceful evening in your garden - these repellents might be overkill.
The Problem with Conventional Repellents
Most mainstream insect repellents rely on synthetic chemicals like DEET. While effective, DEET isn’t exactly a picnic for your health - or the environment. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation, headaches, breathing difficulties and even nausea in some people. And they leave that sticky, chemical smell that lingers long after you’ve sprayed yourself down.
For those of us who prefer to keep it natural and avoid harsh chemicals, there are alternatives that work (and also smell a whole lot better).
How Do Natural Ingredients Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Natural repellents use plant-based ingredients with powerful scents that mask our human scent, and keep the mozzies away. Here are the key players:
- Lemongrass: This citrusy plant doesn’t just smell amazing; it’s packed with compounds that confuse and repel mosquitoes. Plus, it doubles as a refreshing aroma to keep your surroundings pleasant.
- Citronella: Arguably the poster child of natural insect repellents, citronella is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping bugs at bay. Its strong scent masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that mosquitoes are drawn to, making you less of a target.
- Geranium: This sweet-smelling flower is more than just a pretty face. Geranium essential oil contains citronellol and geraniol, two compounds that mosquitoes detest.
- Eucalyptus: With its fresh, clean scent, eucalyptus essential oil is a natural bug-repelling champion. It’s particularly effective against those pesky mosquitoes that seem to love biting ankles.
How to Use Natural Repellents
These ingredients are versatile and can be used in several ways:
- Essential Oil Diffusers: Add a few drops of our Bug Off oil blend to a diffuser, and you’ll create a bug-free zone in your living space. Perfect for outdoor dining or relaxing on the porch.
- Topical Applications: Use all these oils combined with Chickweed in our Bug Balm (grab yours FREE until we run out - click here), and you can apply them directly to your skin to soothe itchy bites!
Enter the Bug Balm: A Natural Hero
Our Bug Balm combines all the goodness of lemongrass, citronella, geranium, and eucalyptus in one handy little jar. But that’s not all—it also includes Chickweed, which is a bit of a secret weapon. Chickweed is famous for its soothing properties, helping to calm irritated, itchy bites and reduce redness. So it rescues your skin if a sneaky mosquito does manage to get you.
Why Go Natural?
Switching to a natural repellent isn’t just about avoiding chemicals; it’s about choosing something that’s effective and gentle on your skin. Plus, it feels good knowing you’re not contributing to the chemical overload in your home or the environment.
So next time you’re preparing for a relaxing evening outdoors, reach for a natural insect repellent. Your skin (and your sanity) will thank you. And if you want to level up your bite-busting game, grab FREE jar of Bug Balm now (but only until we run out).
Here’s to a blissful, itch-free Summer!
Xx Charelle
