Tricks I have learned for getting rid of bugs

Being in the great outdoors is worth any amount of bugs. That doesn't mean most of us would prefer to have the outdoor experience with a few less bugs. Thousands of years ago they invented nifty tricks that could get rid of this kind of stuff. Did you know that flies hate the smell of bay leaves? They also don’t like the smell of lavender, mint, and rosemary. The next time you head outside to fish, work, or hunt, you need to bring along some essential oils. Whatever preconceived notions you might have about essential oils, they are quickly being proven as effective tools for many purposes in life. Skip the trip to the drug stores for chemical sprays to keep bugs away, essential oils are what you need. Here’s how they work.

1. Bug Bites Be Gone

Many people love spending time in the country. There is something spectacular about the fresh air and tranquil feeling it provides. However, there is more than just tranquility that comes along with these experiences. A day in the woods will usually bring home a good catch and plenty of bug bites. Who wants to wear long pants in the summer? Many people find themselves, leaving no skin exposed to reduce the injury caused by Mother Nature's friends. So, spending a day in the outdoors has some precautions that must be considered.

2. Essential Oils Are All Natural

Have you ever looked at a can of chemical bug repellent? The ingredient list goes something like this: ethanol, butane, propane, isobutene, and fragrance. Do you want to spray butane and ethanol on your skin? While it may keep the bugs away, what other problems can it cause? No wonder the bottle says to test in a small area first. No need to test first with oils. The all-natural oils provide the coverage you need with no harmful chemicals. They are nature’s way of helping us to achieve healing or keep pests at bay. Even the Center for Disease Control has warnings about using bug spray on their website. With so many warnings, who wants to take a chance?

3. A Couple Drops of Oil Is All You Need

If you are fearful of spider bites - you should be - then you can use purification oil. Spiders and most insects hate the smell of peppermint. Putting a few drops of this on your body is one way to keep them away. Mosquitos are also finicky about smells. The citronella candles that are popularly burnt are full of essential oils. They also despise lemongrass and lavender, so having them close at hand is advised. For snakes, clove oil and cinnamon is always a good choice. There are so many things you can do to protect yourself without ever using a chemical.

4. What To Do After A Bite?

If you experience a bite or sting that you didn't have protection for, then you can use an essential oil to calm the skin. Did you know thieves works well to soothe and calm chaffed skin? If you find a tick on your skin, you can rub some sage or thyme on the area to get the tick to naturally release. Once the tick is gone, these oils will reduce the inflammation and offer a barrier of protection. Having a nice selection of oils is always advisable.

5. Other Considerations Outside

While bugs seem like a big concern, they are not the only concern you have outside. Poison ivy, sumac, and oak can also be in your way. Did you know that there are oils to treat your skin when they have come in contact with these plants? An application of chamomile, cypress, geranium, lavender, or peppermint can do the trick. Throw out the calamine lotions, these work much better.

There are so many oils that can be used to increase your outdoor experience. Why not stock your cabinets with nature's way to cure what ails you? Even things like bone broth powder is so good for the body.