Herbal Treatments For Insects - A Safe Way To Keep Critters Away

Bug repellents are popular in the western world, because they can prevent intrusive insects from invading our personal space, and they can keep us safe from the disease or complications that come with insects. But most chemical bug repellents are a poison of sorts. So what can a person use to protect from bugs and insects, but isn't a chemically developed poison?

Well, insect sprays and bug poisons are available at many stores, but they can be dangerous toxins to family and pets. Albeit, they are used by millions of people with few ill effects, but does anyone want something so toxic on their skin, or in their home?

Well, there are organic and natural ways that you can take advantage of to stop the invasion of bugs and insects! Most of all, these are not neurotoxins, they are just herbs and plants that will keep insects far away. When you consider the other option is to spray your family with a poison, or put dangerous chemicals around the house, natural bug repellents are great alternatives that can work.

Fleas - A cedar oil based spray can help deter these insects, and as long as the proper amount is applied it is harmless to pets. You can put it on carpets, floors, and be sure to put some on the pet beds and pet blankets that they use to sleep on or play with. You can get some powdered pyrethrum as well, and gently sprinkle a clean pet bedding and carpeting with it. There are several herbs that repel fleas as well, including wormwood, pennyroyal, and citronella. However, talk to a vet before you use any treatment for your animals health, as they can be harmful to your fuzzy family memeber.

Ants - Ants can't build trails with mint tea and cloves, because it is believed to prevent their trails from being detected by other ants. So place some mint tea or cloves around any spot they are coming from. Also, a bottle of soapy water can be sprayed on the ant trail. Another remedy can be to draw a line of chalk around the area where ants are coming in your home. Believe it or not, the chalk line is enough to prevent them coming in.

Mosquitoes - These are the worlds deadliest animals, considering how many people get sick and die from the diseases they carry. So there are a few steps you can take to naturally keep them away. Sweating, eating salty foods, and breathing can attract them. So avoid excessive exercise and potato chips if you want them to stay away from you... you can't stop your breathing, but you can burn a fire near by, that will let off enough CO2 to throw them off your trail.

When it comes to herbs, marigolds can keep them away. Also, citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils can keep bugs away from the skin.

Flies - The best herb for most insects to use is Citronella. You can it in creams that contain Citronella, it is usually added with cinnamon or peppermint, or both. Citronella can also be diluted in another oil and it can then be gently applied to the skin. Only problem is, Citronella evaporates quick, so reapplication every 30-60 minutes may be necessary. However, Citronella is approved by the FDA as a save, effective bug repellent. Flies also dislike pennyroyal essential oil.

You can also mix water with a white wine vinegar, and use that as a base solution. Then, citronella, peppermint, or even eucalyptus can be added. Then, just put a bit of an organic liquid cleanser to the solution and mix it up well. This can be sprayed to keep insects, particularly flies, away.

These natural insect repellents are all effective against some insects. Of course, some herbal approaches may be more effective than others, so you should try a few before using the chemical neurotoxins and poisons sold in chemical bug sprays and repellents.

Be sure to consult a doctor before using these, as allergic reactions are always possible. Do not use any of these remedies on children under 3 years of age, simply out of an abundance of precaution.