- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Keep Bugs at Bay
The Natural Way to Stay Insect Free
By Andrea Candee
But why save all the good protection for your pets? Before gardening or hiking, scent yourself with "eau de eucalyptus." The oil/water combination can be sprayed on skin and/or clothing before an outdoor excursion, gardening or romp in the grass. Eucalyptus diluted in a vegetable oil (e.g. almond, sesame, sunflower) can safely be applied to the skin for longer lasting protection.
Black flies ruining a relaxing day in the park? Check out the surrounding area for aromatic evergreen trees, break off a branch, mash it with a rock and apply to arms and legs. The released essential oils will repel those bothersome bugs.
The easiest, most non-invasive way to remove embedded stingers or body parts of insects (splinters and thorns, too!) is to apply ripened, mashed banana covered with gauze or tape on a piece of overripe banana skin overnight (pulp side to skin). The enzymes in the banana will painlessly draw to the surface any foreign object.