If you know me and my history with Lyme disease, you’ll know why this is important for me to share with you! Lyme disease is a rapidly growing epidemic in this country, and educating and informing others on how to prevent it is of the upmost importance. Getting caught off guard when you see a tick on yourself or a family member is never a place you want to be. While I will dive into what Lyme disease is at another time, I wanted to get this information out as summer goes into full swing and we are hiking and outdoors so much more.  I’m going to tackle two things in this post.

1. DIY Tick Kit Info
2. A great DIY bug repellant that we’ve found incredibly effective for our family 

I personally don’t believe that we need to be in pants and covered up at all times, but when you are in areas that can be high risk for tick exposure, there are precautions that are common sense and wise!

• Cover up and where light clothing that covers legs, arms, and head for hiking
• Use a safe but effective bug and tick repellant
• Check thoroughly for ticks upon returning home and while showering or bathing

Here is what your DIY Tick Kit will have in it!

• Pair of tick removal tweezers
• Small roll of tape
• Ziplock bag
• 1-2 cotton balls
• 6×9 envelope
• Bay Area Lyme Foundation info

If you should find that little bugger anywhere even after using precautions, I don’t think it’s over the top to get it tested to be sure what you’re dealing with.  The Bay Area Lyme Foundation has fabulous info on testing and resources, so I’ll let you poke around for more info should you need that.

Now let’s tackle the DIY bug spray that we love – yes, even with someone with my history!

I get asked a lot for the bug spray that we use for our family, and I’m happy to say I have great info as to why we use this DIY concoction that is really easy to put together.  Here is the recipe and ingredients and then I’ll go a little more into detail about why I choose this combination below.

DIY BUG SPRAY RECIPE

4 oz spray bottle, essential oils & a pinch of sea salt or witch hazel

Add 10 drops of each oil to the bottle, add a pinch of sea salt (helps disperse the oils) then slowly fill with water.  Be sure to shake well before application!  The other awesome part of this is when you grab my DIY BUG SPRAY BUNDLE, you’ll also get a diffuser that can be used at your BBQ table or evenings on the patio to keep those pesky bugs away.  You just add the essential oils and water into the diffuser and watch the magic happen!  And to boot, you have some great tools for digestion support, healthy sinuses, some good sleep and so much more!  

As the warm summer breeze invites us outdoors, so do the unwelcome visitors—bugs. We’re not just talking ticks…I know that all kinds of bugs can make us miserable over the summer months.  Whether it’s mosquitoes, flies, or gnats, these pests can quickly turn a delightful evening into an itchy and uncomfortable affair. While commercial bug sprays are readily available, many people are seeking natural alternatives that are devoid of harsh chemicals. This is where essential oils come to the rescue.  They fit the bill for being the very strong and offensive thing that bugs hate!

1. Citronella Oil: Citronella oil is widely recognized for its potent insect-repelling properties. Extracted from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon plants, the strong, citrusy scent of citronella masks the attractive human odors that usually lure insects. Additionally, it disrupts their nervous systems, making it difficult for them to locate their prey.
2. Lemongrass Oil: Lemongrass oil, derived from the Cymbopogon citratus plant, is another effective essential oil to include in your bug spray recipe. With its refreshing, lemony aroma, this oil serves as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and flies. The presence of citral, a compound found in lemongrass oil, has been shown to repel insects effectively.
3. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil, well-known for its invigorating scent, is a powerful insect repellent. The high concentration of menthol in peppermint oil creates an environment that bugs find inhospitable. This oil is particularly effective against spiders, ants, and ticks. Its cooling effect provides relief from itching caused by insect bites, making it an excellent addition to your bug spray formula.
4. Eucalyptus Oil: Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus oil is renowned for its ability to repel mosquitoes and ticks. The primary compound responsible for its insect-repelling qualities is citronellal. This oil’s strong, camphoraceous scent acts as a natural deterrent, keeping those pesky bugs at bay.
5. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a versatile essential oil with numerous benefits, including being a scent that the bugs find very upsetting. Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree has a powerful scent that repels mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects.
6. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil, celebrated for its calming aroma, serves as a gentle yet effective bug repellent. While lavender’s scent is pleasing to humans, it repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. . Its soothing nature makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

Once you grab your DIY Bug Spray Bundle, you’ll get a welcome email from me along with a free educational book and an invite to our incredible community with practitioner led education on essential oils!