Natural Bug Repellents: Enjoying the Outdoors Without Harmful Chemicals

As the warm weather of summer beckons us to spend more time in nature, pesky bugs can sometimes spoil our outdoor adventures. You don’t have to resort to chemical-laden repellents to ward off insects. Nature provides us with a range of effective natural bug repellents that allow us to enjoy the outdoors without exposing ourselves to harmful substances. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of natural bug repellents and discover effective alternatives that keep bugs at bay while keeping our bodies and the environment safe.

Irish Spring: A Surprising Natural Bug Repellent for Outdoor Adventures

Known for its refreshing scent and cleansing properties, Irish Spring has been found to have a surprising ability to repel certain insects. Irish Spring contains several ingredients that may contribute to its insect-repelling abilities. One of the key ingredients is the fragrance, which combines essential oils like lavender, geranium, and citrus. These scents deter insects such as mosquitoes and flies due to their strong odor. Furthermore, Irish Spring contains ingredients like sodium tallowate and sodium palmate derived from animal fats and vegetable oils. While the exact mechanisms behind their insect-repelling properties are not fully understood, it is believed that the unique combination of fragrance and soap composition creates an environment that insects find unfavorable. Irish Spring offers a natural, inexpensive, and accessible option that can be incorporated into your outdoor adventures. This is something I discovered this summer. My husband is a magnet to mosquitos. I read earlier this year about Irish Spring’s natural repellent properties. I took the bar of soap and shaved it using a vegetable peeler. I walked the perimeter of the space and then left the bar on the table we were sitting at. Success! Not a one. This lasted about a week. I will try the method of hanging the soap next. I am going to use some netting that limes and lemons come in and hang it in the tree above our outdoor living space to see if that is as effective. 

• Use in the Shower – widely used men’s scent
• Hang the bar soap in your outside living space (Be sure to put it in a sealed container while not in use)
• Shave the soap with a vegetable peeler and sprinkle it around the parameter of your space (behind furniture, pillows, etc)

Essential Oils:
Various essential oils possess insect bug repellent properties. Some popular options include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. Create a natural bug spray by diluting these essential oils in water or carrier oil. Not only will they repel insects, but they also put pleasant aromas into your space.

Herbal Repellent Plants:
Many plants naturally repel insects due to their strong scents or chemical compounds. Consider planting repellent plants such as marigolds, catnip, rosemary, basil, and mint in your garden or keeping potted versions near outdoor seating areas. These plants not only beautify your space but also deter bugs.

It is important to note that Neem Oil is another natural bug repellant, however, the smell is not something I can recommend.

Spending time outdoors should not be hindered by bothersome bugs, nor should it require exposure to harmful chemicals. By embracing natural bug repellents, you can ward off insects effectively while keeping yourself and the environment safe.

Embrace the power of nature and savor the beauty of the outdoors without the worry of pesky insects.

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