Quit Bugging! Safe bug repellent alternatives

We didn't really expect our mild winter would be without consequences did we? Well, yes- I guess I did! So imagine my dismay to hear that experts are warning that West Nile Virus is expected to be of an all time high this summer. Before you lather your child in over-the-counter, department store bought bug repellent, or bomb your yard with harmful fertilizers and pesticides, check out Safe Start Baby's list of natural, inexpensive (and even free!) safe mosquito control alternatives.

What NOT to do

If you have children or pets, ditch the bug bombs, fertilizers and pesticides. The CDC studied indoor pest bombs and found that exposure to the chemicals in adults can lead to health problems: nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and other severe symptoms that may lead to  hospitalization. And we know that exposure to chemicals in childhood has much greater consequences than those exposures later in life. With children in the back yard, chemicals are not something to be avoided.

Your child may get a kick out of the sounds and sights of an electric mosquito zapper, but they actually kill more useful insects, such as moths, bees and other beneficial bugs, than mosquitoes! Ironically, the probability of being bitten by mosquitoes increases in the vicinity of electric bug zappers increases. Additionally, the bugs zappers emit UV light and mosquitoes could care less about light, UV or other! There are newer models, such as the Mosquito Magnet, that release carbon dioxide, which does excite and attract mosquitoes. They work, but  be prepared to spend a pretty penny as they cost hundreds of dollars.

What TO do

I know it seems hopeless, but don't panic! There are natural, inexpensive and free alternatives to help keep your family safe this summer.

Grow your own
You’ve heard of citronella in candles - but did you know you can grow it? It is a pretty perennial ‘clumping’ grass, that enjoys full sun. Look for the true varieties, Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus. Other plants may be sold as ‘citronella scented’, but these do not have the mosquito repelling qualities of true citronella.

Unwelcome biters hate the smell of marigolds which makes a wonderful border plant around the patio and play areas. They are safe for children - the flowers are edible and healthy - and they contain carotene. Use potted marigolds near any common mosquito entry point to the home, such as open windows and doors, to help deter mosquitoes from buzzing past. Bonus: Marigolds also repel insects and underground bugs which prey on crops and roots - so a few in the veggie bed serve as added protection! 

Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent which grows like a minty weed in our DC Metro area. It is ten times more effective than DEET and will repel any mosquitoe in close proximity to the plant. Use crushed catnip leaves to scatter around play areas and even rub on the body for added protection, but beware if you have a furry feline, as catnip can cause some strange behavior!

Flossflowers (ageratum) emits a smell which mosquitos find particularly offensive. Ageratum secretes coumarin, which is widely used in commercial mosquito repellents.

Other effective plants and herbs include: basil (yum!), beebalm (horsemint), cedarwood, eucalyptus, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, onions, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme. Grow these herbs around your porch and deck to significantly reduce mosquito infestation. Throw some cuttings on the grill while you cook to send a smoke signal to the biting bugs to stay away.

Beware of standing water
Mosquitoes breed in even a tiny bit of water. Walk around and tip over any containers that may gather dew or rain - check the shed area for that old can. If you have a rain barrel, put a screen on it. Clean out your gutters, fix dripping faucets, and if you have a pond, stock it with “mosquito fish.”

Remove standing water from the trays under flowerpots, or on car or boat tarps. If you have a drainage ditch that habitually fills with water, do what you can to clear it out so it drains quickly, before mosquitoes begin to spawn in the standing water. Refresh the birdbath every 2 or 3 days.

Essential oils are essential!
Common store-bought bug repellents contain the toxin DEET - which according to BeyondPesticides, kills brain cells in the cerebral cortex. Ditch the DEET and opt for essential oils such as, cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary. Simply dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and rub on exposed areas of skin, and add to burners or candles. Keep plenty on hand as you will need to apply often.

DIY indoor mosquito repellent
If you have a plug-in, refillable mosquito killer, you don’t have to keep buying the toxic inserts to kill the mosquitoes. Instead, make your own using an orange peel! Simply cut an orange peel to the exact size of the inserts, and plug it in.

Bring bugs to a grinding halt
Used coffee grounds can help keep mosquitos at bay - sprinkle the grounds around your deck or patio, or put them in bowls and place near sitting areas.

Best bug remedy you can use...common sense!
If you lather yourself with lotions and head outside at dusk, you are only asking for trouble. Wear light colored, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts before heading outside, to help minimize bug bites. Avoid perfumes and sweet scents like lotions and try to avoid sitting outside during peak times of mosquito activity (dusk).

Safe Start Eco-Baby
Would you like more information on green and toxic-free living? Safe Start Baby is now offering safer & greener products and services to help you Green Your Scene!