Alex (Earthie Mama) Du Toit – Commercial insect repellents are so incredibly toxic with dangerous chemicals such as DEET (diethyltoluamide). As an Earthie Mama I want to make sure that my children only have the most natural ingredients on their skin. While living in Costa Rica, I had to figure out how to protect my family naturally from the overwhelming amounts of bugs.

Today I will share with you how simply you can make your own bug-away spray.

This recipe can be made very simply with your choice of essential oil/s and a ‘carrier’ oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You’ll need to re-apply after a few hours or when you feel like the bugs are biting. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. If you wish, you may combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency to more of a spreadable lotion.

Make Your Own Bug-Away Spray

The essential oils that work well against biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas) are: Continue reading →