THE MOSQUITO REPELLENT DEBATE

I was a little overwhelmed when I learned about the harmful ingredients in mosquito repellent. Trying to find the right repellent for my family seemed like a no-win situation with all the conflicting information. Half of the articles I read warned that DEET was dangerous for children. While the other half said it was perfectly safe. In addition to DEET, there are other ingredients being included that are a concern, such as perfumes, aerosol and parabens.

So, as a do-it-yourselfer, I decided to make my own bug spray, so that I would know exactly what’s in it. However, there is one minor drawback to making your own natural mosquito repellent – it has to be re-applied about every 20-30 minutes. Thankfully, the kids do not mind, because they like the scent and find the light spritz refreshing on summer nights.

OVER THE COUNTER OR DIY

If you prefer an over-the-counter repellent, I suggest getting one with a lower percentage of DEET or avoiding it all together. Additionally, I would find one that is made with natural ingredients and is in a spritz form vs. aerosol as an aerosol can easily get into the lungs when applying.

Slightly shake your DIY spray before each use. Don’t use this mixture on the elderly or infants, especially if they have a sensitivity to essential oils.

If you do get bit by those pesky mosquitos, try this handy Mosquito Bite Relief Roller!

If you love making your own products, check out Beyond Beauty and learn how to make your own beauty products!