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Research has found the Essential oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to be a safer alternative to DEET in repelling insects and bugs.
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There has been a new epidemic of the dangerous bugs known as kissing bugs migrating from warmer climates in Central and South America to the U.S. states. Kissing bugs are not as sweet as they sound. These bugs get their name because they are known to come out during the night and feed on their victims blood near their mouth while they are asleep. They bite their victims near the mouth because they are attracted to the exhaled carbon dioxide and the heat emitting from the body. These sneaky bugs are blood suckers just like ticks, but instead of passing on Lyme disease they can infect their victims with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Chagas disease has a very long incubation period and has many similarities to the AIDS/HIV virus. It has been coined as the new "AIDS/HIV of the Americas". The disease can cause major organs of the body like the heart, lungs, or spleen to become enlarged which can be very dangerous. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, rash, fatigue, aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be mistaken for the flu. The most recognized symptom is swelling of one eyelid. This marking has been named Romaña's sign. It is important to try and protect you and your family against these dangerous bugs. There are many bug repellents out on the market but unfortunately many of them contain toxic chemicals such as DEET. Here is a non-toxic bug repellent you can easily make at home.
Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Ingredients you wiil need:
1 bottle of Organic Essential oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
1 bottle of Organic Sunflower oil
1 Cobalt blue or Amber glass bottle with spraytop
Instructions
- Fill glass bottle with the organic sunflower oil. This is the carrier oil which dilutes the essential oil so that it is non-irritating to the skin.
- Then add 10-25 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil depending on the size of your bottle. For example, use 10 drops for every 8oz of sunflower carrier oil. If you choose to make a larger batch than more drops may be added. Ideally you want 1 part Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil for every 10 parts sunflower oil.
- Close bottle tightly and shake well to blend oils.
- The repellent can now be sprayed on clothing and skin to repel insects.
- Be sure to store the bottle in a cool and dark place because sunlight can denature the beneficial properties of the oils.
- Also it is important to use only under adult supervision and keep out of children's reach. Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is a strong menthol like oil that could cause irritation and a burning sensation if it comes into contact with eyes.
Disclaimer: I recommend that you test on a small patch of skin first to ensure that you do not have any adverse reactions. The information provided is intended to serve as a useful and healthier alternative to toxic insect repellents that you can make easily from home. In no way this is intended to be considered medical or professional advice. All recipes and content is based from my own personal experiences and recipes. Please use caution and follow directions.
Hello and Thank you very much for this post....I live in northern az, and we had our first adverse experience with these bugs this past summer...three times we found one in our bed between the pillows....i had hard time sleeping for the next two weeks, wondering what i could do besides seal cracks, etc....i was bit one night on my spine four times by a bug before husband killed it...he was bit also... but i had a scary reaction and thank goodness for benadryl....i had welts and red skin from back of neck to knees to feet....anyways, i read elsewhere that i west texas , people leave lavender bundles in rooms and the kissing bugs leave them alone, they say...so i ordered Lavender oil, lemon eucalyptus, and cedar and made home spray in solution mix of alcohol and water, or witch hazel and water if there isn't vodka or rubbing alcohol in house...thanks again for this post....i was putting on Avon bug lotion in profuse amounts and also on my kid....even though there's no deet in this lotion, i still felt wary, but i was determined not to get bit again......
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Maddy for your comment! I hope the essential oils have been working and those nasty little bugs are leaving you and your family alone! Sending many blessings and thanks your way:)!
DeleteCan i get this stuff at the store?
ReplyDeleteTry 15r drops of peppermint oil in about10+\- oz. water...Spray everywhere ... Will smell good, and you'll see all kinds of bugs fleeing immediately.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to find someone else who is not only passionate about spreading the word, but natural alternatives as well! Thank you. I also have an ever increasing in severity reaction to this nasty little bug and no one seems to of heard of it. The medical community looks at you like your crazy. I have been bitten several times over a 4 year sporadic time span and it gets worse every time. "Toxic reaction" is the most accurate that I have found for my symptoms. Thanks again. Definitely trying this!
ReplyDeleteBless you for caring enough to post this. I am very weary of these "kissing" insects. I will buy the appropriate ingredients, in addition to growing lavender around our home. I also dilute organic cedar oil (from Atlas Mountains or Lebanon only, as others sell juniper oil claiming it is cedar, but it is not) with warm water in a 2 gallon-outdoor sprayer, and this has helped. You can get this oil from a website called bulkapothecary.com. Stay safe!
ReplyDelete