YUP, I know it’s August, and this blog post should have come out back in June, but so be it. I try not to live my life with regret :) Plus, for some reason, it’s not until now that the insects of summer actually really start to bug me (pun intended). I have spent the summer teaching stand up paddling at the bay, and as gorgeous and serene as it is, as much as I love it more than anything, the biting flies and the mosquitoes and ‘no-see-ums’ at dusk truly suck . Yes they do..

What also sucks is super toxic and basically poisonous insect repellant.

Most conventional insect repellents contain DEET (also listed on labels as N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide or N, N-Diethyl-3-Methyl benzamide). DEET might be effective at repelling mosquitoes, but is also an eye irritant and can cause blisters and rashes on some users. More rarely, DEET has been associated with lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and mood swings. These concerns have resulted in Canada’s banning DEET in concentrations higher than 30 percent. and it has also been suggested to never use DEET on children under two years of age, and do not apply bug repellent containing DEET to hands or faces, or to cut or sunburned skin.

DEET is also a persistent environmental contaminant that breaks down slowly in soil. A recent U.S. Geological Survey report on water contaminants listed DEET as one of the compounds most frequently found in the nation’s streams. The U.S. EPA regards DEET as “slightly toxic” to birds, fish, and aquatic invertebrates — which, given its frequent appearance in waterways, should give one pause.

No thanks.

There are way better alternatives. One product that I use and love is doTERRA’s unique Outdoor Blend called TerraShield, which comes in both an oil version and a spray version and acts as a natural and effective barrier to protect against outdoor annoyances or threats thanks to the combination of natural repellants Cedarwood, Arborvitae, and Catnip oils. Other oils including Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Nootka, Tamanu, and Ylang Ylang make up the rest of this aromatic blend.

Or, make your own…. (see below!!)

DIY bug off spray

10 drops Lemon Eucalyptus
10 drops Peppermint
5 drops Lemongrass
5 drops Lavendar

Add to a 4oz spray bottle & top off with carrier oil of choice.

Spray ankles, behind knees, elbows and back of neck before heading outside. Reapply every 1-2 hours. Smells sooooo good!

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