Mosquito Away- Natural Bug Repellant
On the Road to Sedona, AZ
We just got back from our first camping trip with the baby. I chose a campground in Oak Creek Canyon because it was a less than 2 hour drive from phoenix and had the beautiful Oak Creek River running through it. I figured it was more to explore. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go with naps and sleeping but it went better than I had expected.
I think the fresh air and free reign in wide-open fields lent themselves to deep restful sleep.
Not surprisingly the longer we were out there the more relaxed Bralio became. I think this is mostly because children love routine and by day three he knew what to expect of our days.
We had sunny days, rainy nights, thunder, lightening, and a few raindrops in between.
Munching on blackberries!
Our first campsite was surrounded by perfectly ripe blackberry brambles. I couldn’t believe our luck as we snacked on those while setting up camp.
We had our share of flies and mosquitos being so close to the river. I get bit from time to time but my husband gets munched on big time. I tell him that this is because I’m salty and he’s sweet…that always gets a smile out of him.
I made sure we had a supply of natural bug repellent. I prefer to not slather my family in chemicals if I can avoid it. The natural bug repellent mostly has strong smelling essential oils the bugs don’t like.
Smoke from a campfire is a natural bug repellent but we decided against having a campfire for safety. We have a lightening fast toddler and I had a gut feeling that he was going to be like a moth to a flame with a campfire. I just didn’t want to risk it.
So I used candles in glass jars that we set up at our picnic table, citronella sticks, and sage smudge sticks. We applied the bug repellent, burned all of these and that kept the bugs away.
I have heard that putting sage in a campfire works but only as long as the sage is there once it burns then the smell is gone with it.
I recently heard of a recipe of how to make your own bug repellent. I haven’t tried it but I plan to based on the sheer fact that mosquitoes consider my husband to be dinner at the Four Seasons.
Here’s the DIY Bug Repellent recipe I found from Simply Cadence on Pinterest:
1/3 cup Witch hazel
1/3 cup Listerine
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
50 drops Essential oil (eucalyptus would be my choice)
Mix it all in a bottle shake it up and transfer it to a 2 oz. spray bottle.
Avoid getting it in your eyes.
I also brought along some natural aids to help with bites and stings. For the basic mosquito bite I 
brought sssting stop. It is a combination homeopathic gel that alleviates the itching.
For more intense bites and stings from bees or spiders I use the single homeopathic remedies:
Ledum – This is the most common remedy after a spider bite or sting. The area often feels cold and is worse with heat.
Apis – This is for a bite with a lot of swelling, redness, and pain. All worse when touched and better with cold.
Arnica – if a bite or sting causes bruising or soreness
Hypericum – this is for a bite that is in an area rich in nerves such as fingers, ears, or toes. It is specifically for a shooting nerve pain.
When having fun in the great outdoors it is important to have a first aid kit.
Mine is a combination of natural remedies and over the counter conventional ones. You never know when you need to reach for it so make sure it is part of your camping gear.
Be Healthy, Happy and Holistic
Dr. Purcell
