Summer days are definitely here. The sun stays out longer, watermelons and blueberries are in season and the weather is warm enough to play outside every day (sometimes too warm!). My daughter, Anna, loves to play outside no matter how hot it is. Like many toddlers, she is oblivious to the heat, and so are the bugs. She comes inside with at least one new bite that swells up like an allergic reaction, just like her dad.
After reading about DEET contained in most commercial bug sprays (there’s a helpful, easy-to
-read article here and a direct link to a Duke University study of DEET here), I have avoided using any kind of bug spray. Although I knew natural alternatives existed, I was somewhat skeptical that a natural bug spray that would be perfectly safe for a two-year-old would be any use at all in preventing bug bites. I’m happy to say I was wrong!
The Care-2 article here lists several brands of natural bug sprays as well as two different options for bug repelling wrist bands. In addition to the bug sprays mentioned in that article, you may also choose to try Beat It! by Jade and Pearl or Bite Blocker, the favorite choices
of two members of the BeCentsAble team. My personal choice is EcoSMART insect repellent. It’s the first natural product we tried, and I’ve been really pleased with the results. Not only does it work, it also smells much more pleasant than a typical bug spray. With so many great natural options, I doubt we’ll go back to using a DEET-infused product. It’s been so easy to make the switch to a product that is better for our bodies and better for the planet. If you have tried a natural bug spray, I’d love to hear how it works for you.
To learn more about saving money and time take a workshop! Click here to learn more.
