Summer is fast approaching if not already arrived in most areas. This means that all those pesky flying critters are going to be taunting us. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can be bothersome and even deadly when it comes to enjoying outside. How can we and our pets enjoy the outside and still protect ourselves?
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Maybe you aren’t a magnet for receiving bites, but it is important to understand some of the reasons we should protect ourselves and those around us. Depending on where you live will determine which pest is the most common. Humidity and heat may increase the risk of finding any of these pests.
Reasons we need to protection from bites:
- Fleas – transmit the plague and other illnesses
- Fleas – causes allergic reactions, constant itching
- Ticks – transmit Lyme disease and serious illnesses
- Ticks – can cause minor irritation or allergic reaction
- Mosquitoes – transmit zika virus and other illness (cause of heartworm in dogs)
- Mosquitoes – cause allergic reactions and constant itching
This is just a quick list of the reasons we want to avoid bites from these pests. I am one of the unfortunate ones that has an allergic reaction to mosquitoes and other bugs. When I am bit by a mosquito it usually swells and causes almost a bullseye red mark the size of a softball.
Finding Protection
Even though I have studied aromatherapy and know the proper way to use essential oils, they are not my first choice. When it comes to protection with natural substances you will need to reapply product every hour or two. If you are using an essential oil this constant application can cause sensitization.
It is important to remember that each of us (human and animal) have a different make up so a formula that may work for me won’t for you. You can create a spray using liquid type ingredients, or a lotion bar out of body butters. Here is a list of ingredients to explore.
Botanical base products
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Witch Hazel
- Hydrosols (refer to essential oil list)
Essential Oils that have insecticidal properties
- Catnip Nepeta cataria
- Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica
- Citronella Cymbopogon nardus
- Geranium Pelargonium x asperum
- Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Lemon Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
Please remember that many of these do have safety precautions, such as lemongrass is a dermal sensitizer. Do not put essential oils on an animal’s collar. Rather than an essential oil another option would be an herbal tincture. I have also read several articles of people using amber collars with some success. You can pick up many of these products here.
As hard as it is wearing long sleeves and pants in light colors can help keep these critters away. Make sure to do a tick check of yourself and animals after any extended period outside. Taking the necessary steps to protect yourself will help you and your family avoid an itchy uncomfortable summer.
*Contact a qualified aromatherapist to help you stay safe when working with essential oils.
