Summer is here and what does that bring, Mosquitos! 🦟
When it comes to protecting ourselves from pesky bugs, many of us turn to commercial bug sprays. However, these sprays often contain chemicals that can be harmful to both our health and the environment. Fortunately, there's an alternative - natural handmade bug spray. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of opting for a chemical-free approach and share a simple DIY recipe for creating your own natural bug spray.
1. Gentle on the Skin: One of the major advantages of using natural bug sprays is that they are gentle on your skin. Traditional bug sprays often contain harsh chemicals like DEET, which can cause skin irritations, rashes, or allergic reactions in some individuals. With natural alternatives, you can protect yourself without worrying about the potential side effects. Ingredients like essential oils and plant extracts are commonly used in handmade bug sprays, providing a milder and more skin-friendly alternative.
2. Effective Bug Repellent: Contrary to what some may think, natural bug sprays can be just as effective s their chemical counterparts. Many essential oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender, have natural bug-repelling properties. When combined in the right proportions, these ingredients can create a powerful bug spray that keeps mosquitos, flies, and other pests at bay. While the protection may not last as long as commercial sprays, it can still offer significant relief from bug bites.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Here at Valley Scents we are all about helping the environment and finding different ways to help. Chemical-based bug sprays not only pose risks to our health but also to the environment. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm beneficial insects, and disrupt ecosystems. By choosing natural bug sprays, we can minimize our impact on the environment. Homemade bug sprays made with plant-based ingredients are biodegradable and do not contribute to pollution or ecological imbalance.
4. Customizable and Personalized: One of the benefits of making your own bug spray is the ability to customize the scent and effectiveness. Different essential oils have varying levels of bug-repelling properties, so you can experiment with different combinations to find the one that works best for you. Additionally, you can add other ingredients like aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to soothe and nourish your skin.
Conclusion: Protecting ourselves from bugs doesn't have to come at the expense of our health or the environment. By opting for natural handmade bug spray without chemicals, we can effectively repel bugs while embracing a more sustainable and skin-friendly approach. Give the DIY recipe a try and enjoy bug-free outdoor adventures without the worries!
Remember, natural bug sprays may not offer the same longevity as chemical-based options, so reapplication may be necessary. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, test the spray on a small area of your skin before applying it to a larger area.
DIY Natural Bug Spray Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
-30 drops of essential oils (choose from citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, or a combination)
Instructions:
In a small spray bottle, combine witch hazel and apple cider vinegar
Add the essential oils to the mixture, ensuring a good blend.
Shake well before each use.
Apply the bug spray to the exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or excessive sweating
We hope this blog post inspires you to give natural bug sprays a try. Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments below. You can also check out our shop for our natural bug relief items, from soap, spray, roller blends, and coming soon lotion.
Happy bug-free and eco-friendly adventures!
From your Valley Scents Team