Herbal Based Insect Repellents

When the weather begins to turn nice and warm again, you want to go outside and working in the garden, or enjoy a good game of tag football. Unfortunately, mosquitoes, gnats and blackflies also want to venture out and about. A bite or two may not interrupt your outdoor activity, but when the insects are many, you need protection in the form of an insect repellent. Herbal insect repellents are safe enough to use on your skin, and contain no harmful chemicals.

Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent

Burt's Bees is an American company that prides itself on making all-natural products for consumers. One such product is an herbal insect repellent. Burt's Bees insect repellent contains such herbs as rosemary, citronella and lemongrass which are known for their ability to keep insects at bay. Apply Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent directly to your skin just before going outside. You may also use this product on children and pets as long as you avoid the mouth and eyes.

Herbal Armor Insect Repellent

Herbal Armor Insect Repellent is made by the company All Terrain. In addition to the herbs lemongrass and citronella, Herbal Armor also contains peppermint, cedar and geranium oils to repel bothersome insects. Shake the insect repellent each time you need to use it to combine the ingredients, and spray liberally over your body before any outdoor activities. It is suggested that you spray some of the repellent in your hands and then rub it over your face to ensure you don't get any in your eyes. Reapplication is required after two to three hours.

Bite Blocker Natural Mosquito Repellent

Bite Blocker lists their repellent as a natural mosquito repellent, but their product actually repels against gnats, fleas, blackflies and ticks also. In addition to using only organic ingredients, Bite Blocker's product is biodegradable. Soybean oil, castor oil and geranium oil are responsible for repelling the insects. One application lasts between two and eight hours, and it is one of the few herbal insect repellents that is water-proof.

Homemade Herbal Insect Repellent

There is always the option of creating your own herbal insect repellent at home. Homemade insect repellents work just as well as long as you use the herbs that have been proven to repel insects. Set 1/4 cup thyme, 1/4 cup pennyroyal, 1/8 cup neem leaves, 1/8 cup of tea tree leaves and 1/8 cup of basil in a crock pot. Pour 3 cups of olive oil in the crock pot and set the temperature to low heat. Wait three hours before tossing the ingredients and straining out the herbs. Add 50 drops of citronella essential oil to the herbal oil you created, and mix together. Rub over your skin before playing or working outside.

References:
Wild Roots: Herbal Insect Repellents