Bug Season

It is wonderful to be outdoors except when the mosquitos, black flies, deerflies, no-seeums etc. strike! Deet products without a doubt work well against these flying critters but they also work against our bodies. Deet is a very toxic chemical and it is best to be avoided at all costs. (At worst spray them on your hats, shoes and clothing taking care not to inhale the vapours) For direct application to skin, make use of cleaner sprays. Using and reapplying natural sprays for the outdoors made from essential oils and neem oil is a lot healthier approach. Here are a couple of recipes for outdoor sprays: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2-3 tablespoons organic vanilla (stuff you bake with) 15 drops of lavender essential oil 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil or Into a spray bottle pour witch hazel and add the following essential oils: Citronella Oil (must) 15 drops Lemongrass Oil (must) 15 Optionally you can add a few drops of the following: Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Geranium essential oils. Have a safe and fun summer outdoors! Pop into The Ninety Ninth Monkey for more info.