Wellness in the Woods: Safe Alternatives to Bug Sprays

Hello all!

It's officially Labor Day weekend & I'm jazzed out of my mind to have a day off with nothing on my to-do list. Ok let's be honest, the to-do list is never ending, but so far I have no plans made and I intend to keep it that way. 

But Labor Day is one of the busiest weekends of the year for camping and being outdoors, so I figured this would be a perfect time to talk about a product that a lot of us rely on outdoors: Bug Spray. 

The majority of common bug sprays, like "OFF" or "Cutter", contain a chemical called "DEET". DEET was created during the World War II for jungle warfare & was soon after declared a pesticide and made available to consumers. 

DEET is found in the majority of bug sprays on the market, but like many products, the fact that it's readily available doesn't mean it's totally safe. 

One of the most common side effects of DEET is allergic reaction, with symptoms such as redness, rashes and hives. Remember: Everything that goes on your skin is absorbed into your body almost immediately. If DEET can cause things like rashes & hives on the outside, just think what it's doing to you on the inside. 

Some studies have also found DEET to be carcinogenic when inhaled or applied to skin. Additionally, using DEET for a prolonged period of time, in higher percentages than 30%, or when mixed with other chemical agents can have serious impacts on the body, such as seizures and brain malfunction. Not to mention, DEET is toxic to both pets and the environment. Yikes!

If you're spending a weekend in the woods, there are plenty of natural and safe alternatives to try out!

1. Natural Bug Spray. There are a good amount of bug sprays that do not contain DEET, but rather use essential oils to deter insects. Here's a full list of DEET free options available at Target. 
2. Citronella. You've probably smelled citronella oil before, as it's found in many outdoor candles or torches to repel insects. Pick up a candle to light at your campsite or on your back patio!
3. Garlic. Remember in old movies & cartoons how vampires couldn't stand to be around garlic? It's kind of true! Try taking an Odorless Garlic Supplement to repel mosquitos. When I went to the Dominican Republic, I took garlic pills every day. I kid you not, I got ZERO bites while everyone else on our team averaged about 30 bites! While you won't be able to smell it, mosquitoes will & will steer clear! Plus, garlic has a whole host of other benefits!
4. DIY Insect Repellent. Want to know exactly what's in your bottle? Try making your own insect repellent like this one. 

Easy enough right? You don't have to lather on the chemicals to avoid bug bites during the Labor Day festivities. Instead of reaching for DEET, try out a natural alternative!

*If you are traveling to a country with jungle-like environment and prone to disease, using a bug spray with DEET in a low percentage is beneficial for short periods of time.