Do you worry about using bug spray in your home?
Exposing your family, your pets and your food to chemicals doesn’t seem like a good idea, does it?
Traditional Bug Spray
A common ingredient in many bug sprays is DEET (used in Bug Off, Buzz Off, Cutter, Off!, Repel, and Ultrathon). The fact that DEET, which has been linked to side effects such as dizziness, disorientation, seizures, and even death, is on the list of approved ingredients by the EPA may be a surprise.
The CDC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintain that when used properly, and for short periods of time on the skin, DEET is relatively safe at doses found in sprays, lotions, and liquids.
Just to be safe, however, those agencies recommend using only products with less than 30% DEET.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has these further recommendations.
-Spray over clothing, rather than directly onto the skin.
-Never apply bug sprays over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
-Do not apply on hands or near the eyes and mouth, especially of young children.
-Do not allow young children to apply DEET products themselves.
-After returning indoors, wash bug spray-treated skin with soap and water.
-Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection, so apply it sparingly.
-Do not spray in enclosed areas.
-Some bug spray products cannot be used on children under three years old, so always check the label to make sure.
-Other chemicals that are effective and approved for bug control are Picaridin and IR3535. Independent studies by the EPA are underway.
In a report by the EWG (Environmental Working Group), you can reduce your risk of inhaling an excess of potentially harmful chemicals, by avoiding outdoor “fogger” insecticides, candles, and aerosol sprays that release fine particles of bug repellant that can lead to respiratory problems.
You’re Wasting Your Money on These
As far as ineffective repellents, it turns out that while it may be satisfying to hear bug zappers knocking out flying pests, they are ineffective in preventing bug bites. Same goes for the wrist bands loaded with bug-repellent.
Mother Nature’s Solution: DIY
If all of that makes your skin crawl, here’s a recipe for a natural pest control spray.
In a small glass spray bottle, mix up:
-10 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
-10 drops of Peppermint oil
-7 drops of a blend of oils (Lemon, Lime, Pine, Citronella, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), and Cilantro essential oils)
-Fill the rest with at least 8 ounces of water
Simply spray on corners, baseboards, pantry, and even directly on fruit to ward off ants, spiders, etc. Because it uses Peppermint essential oil and the citrus oils, it will smell nice too!
Submitted by Joli Tripp @ www.simplechangeshealthyresults.com
Blogging about practical ideas for abundant health.