With summer season on its way,  nasty little blood sucking critters are on their way back. Not only do we hate these bugs because of their itchy stings, but some of them can also carry all sorts of life-threatening diseases like malaria, West Nile, Dengue, and encephalitis.

Most over-the-counter insect repellents contain DEET (N, 2N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin, two chemicals labeled to be safe for children and adults when you respect the instruction on their labels.

Are they as safe as we think? Not only do they have a bad odor, but studies also link the use of both chemicals to allergic reactions, brain cell damage, infertility, and genetic mutations. Studies found that more than 15% is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream causing damage to body tissues and DNA.

And another thing… I remember using tropical mosquito repellent for the first time a few years back, and the label said that you couldn’t touch your sunglasses or other materials after applying the repellent. You first needed to wash your hands because it dissolves plastics…. sounds scary isn’t it?

So tell me… after reading this do you still think commercially available repellents are a safe option for your family?

Does this mean we have to let these flying, pesky bugs ruin our outdoor time, barbecue parties, lake swims, or hikes? Not at all! There are plenty of all-natural alternatives that work as good, or even better than DEET to keep bugs at a safe distance.

Homemade Bug Spray Recipes That Work

#1 Essential Oil Bug Spray

Ingredients

• Distilled or boiled water
• Natural Witch Hazel
• Vegetable glycerin (optional)
• Essential oil known to repel bugs are Citronella, Clove, Lemon balm Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint.

I found an excellent bug repellent essential oil mix that I’m using now: Bug Off Synergy Essential Oil Blend. It’s a blend of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Litsea, Tea Tree, Patchouli & Catnip. But you could make your own blend if you have lots of essential oils at home.

Directions

• Fill a spray bottle half with distilled or boiled water. I used a 4 oz spray bottle.
• Add ¼ teaspoon glycerin (optional)
• Add 25-30 drops essential oil(s) or use the ready-made blend. The more oils you use, the stronger you spray will be
• Fill up with witch hazel.
• Store in a cool dark place. Fridge is best
• Use as needed. Shake before use.

#2 Herb Infused Bug Spray

Ingredients

• Distilled or boiled water
• Natural Witch Hazel
• Following dried or fresh herbs peppermint, spearmint, catnip, and lavender (you could also use eucalyptus, citronella or lemongrass, but make sure to use at least one herb of the mint family when composing your blend)
• Cloves

Directions

• Boil 1 cup of water with 1 tbsps. each of peppermint, spearmint, catnip, and lavender. Add a few cloves as well.
• Mix well, cover, and let cool. Make sure to cover the mixture until cooled the keep the volatile oils in.
• Strain the mixture and pour into an empty, clean spray bottle.
• Store in a cool dark place. The fridge is best.
• Use as needed. Shake before use.

#3 Strong Bug Repellent Spray

This one works great when planning a trip in the woods or tick and bug-infested areas. It stinks but is a super reliable and efficient repellent.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle apple cider vinegar (32 ounces)
• 2 tbsps. of each dried sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme, and mint.
• Quart size jars with lid

Directions

• Add all ingredients to the jar.
• Seal and store for 2 to 3 weeks. Shake well every day.
• Strain the herbs after 2 to 3 weeks and dilute half with distilled water before use.

Scroll down for more bug-fighting tips and tricks.