Bug-off naturally

Summertime means outdoor-fun time, but it also means dealing with pesky insects. Nobody likes getting chomped on by mosquitoes or ticks. If you’re looking for an alternative to bug repellents that contain such chemicals as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, or DEET, look no further.

About.com offers a simple recipe to make a natural insect repellent that can be tailored to focus on the type of insect you’re trying to keep from biting you, using essential oils and an oil or alcohol carrier-base, such as olive oil or witch hazel. For instance, if you’re targeting mosquitoes, use cinnamon, citronella or eucalyptus oil; for ticks and lice, rose geranium oil. Orange oil will repel fleas. Recipe is at http://tinyurl.com/goawaybug.