Summer is all about carefree fun and outdoor adventures – but not just for us! The sun and all different kinds of bugs are out and about too! This means that your chances of bug bites and sunburn (don’t forget your sunscreen!!) are significantly higher, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for soothing and avoiding pesky summer skin irritation so you can keep enjoying your summer!

Bug Bites

Repellents

If you’re like me, bugs (looking at you, mosquitos) will find you anywhere. I mean ANYWHERE. I’m not even safe in my own home during the hot months! That being said, there are some natural ways in which you can try and deter pesky insects, and hopefully avoid having annoying itchy bug bites all summer.

Essential Oils: essential oils and plants are extremely helpful in repelling mosquitos, specifically eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, thyme, and citronella.

-Eucalyptus oil has been approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as an effective mosquito repellent. A recent study showed that the oil (mixed with a carrier) deterred mosquitos for up to 3 hours!

-Lavender has also been found to be effective in keeping those bugs away, and it is an analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic, which means it will help soothe the skin. Either crush some lavender flowers and apply to your skin, or use the essential oil mixed with a carrier.

-Tea Tree is a popular repellent from Australia. It is best known for being an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, but studies have shown that it is effective in keeping mosquitos, bush flies, and biting midges away.

-Thyme is one of the best oils for protecting against malarial mosquitos. You can spray a mixture of thyme and carrier oil onto your skin, or try throwing some thyme leaves into your campfire!

-Citronella essential oil is probably the most common natural mosquito repellent. It is made from a combination of different plants and can be as effective as DEET! However, if the oil isn’t formulated correctly, it can evaporate soon after application which will leave your skin unprotected, so be sure to buy citronella from a trusted source.

Garlic: I’m just gonna say it: mosquitos are real life vampires. They suck your blood and they hategarlic! You can eat it or take it in pill form – either way, the more garlic you consume and have around you, the more mosquitos will be deterred. Plus, garlic has many health benefits for you, so it’s a win-win!

Treatments

Spiders, mosquitos, and bees – oh my! Even with all the bug repellents in the world, some of us still manage to be eaten up by mosquitos in the summer. The bad news is you will be itchy. The good news is we can help soothe those annoying bumps!

Baking Soda

It cleans, de-odorizes and is especially wonderful for treating bug bites. It will soothe and help heal bites from mosquitos, spiders, and even bees! Mix 3 parts baking soda and one part water until it is the consistency of a thick paste, and then apply directly to the bite. Repeat several times a day as needed, and you’ll be bite free in no time!

Aloe Vera

We all know aloe is a wonderful treatment for sunburn, but did you know it can be used on bites as well? Aloe Vera gel can be purchased at pretty much any drug store, or if you have an aloe plant in your house you can cut a piece off and use the inside of the leaf for treatment. Just apply to the affected area to relieve itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar

I seriously swear by apple cider vinegar. Sick? Allergies? Infection? Mix ACV with water and drink it. Bug bites? Mix ACV with water and apply directly to the skin! It will soothe itchiness almost immediately.

Tea Tree Oil

In addition to being a mosquito repellent, tea tree is a potent burn and itch relief often associated with bee stings. Apple tea tree oil (mixed with a carrier as always!) directly to the sting for quick relief.

Aspirin

When crushed and mixed with water, aspirin will help ease bee sting pain almost instantly.

We hope you find some bug bite relief and continue to enjoy the great outdoors this summer! Interested in having an on-hand bug repellent? Try our Floral Water with bug deterring essential oils. You’ll never regret being prepared!