Bugs are part of the outdoor experience, but that doesn’t mean you have to be their constant prey. Regular bug sprays are often pungent, sticky, expensive and filled with suspect ingredients. There are many natural ways to get bugs to back off, and all of them involve a visit to your pantry. That’s right, common household foods can compel bugs to fly in the opposite direction. |
Onions As soon as you notice a bite, slice a raw onion and press over the bitten area, releasing the juices. This reduces the itch and pulls the fluids out. Rubbing onion over your skin also repels the bugs to start with. This trick works best with fresh slices. Rub a new raw slice on a bite several times a day to make it disappear completely. This works well for wasps, bees, ants and spiders too Milk Dairy can sooth burns, which is especially useful if you have overexposed your skin to the sun without protection. Milk also soothes the itch bug bites cause. Stop yourself from going crazy by applying a little milk paste. All you need to do is mix one part powdered milk with two parts water and a pinch or two of salt. Dab this mixture onto the burn or bite. The enzymes present in the milk help neutralize the insect venom and also provide relief to the pain caused by sunburn. Similarly applying fuller fat yoghurts can also offer some relief. Salt Salt is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and can provide great relief to mosquito or chigger bites. Soaking the affected area in salt water offers much relief. Apply a layer of lard or vegetable oil after. You will feel a burning sensation initially but after this the sting subsides. If you live on the coast, taking a swim in the sea helps too as the seawater has a natural salt presence. Plus swimming has vast health benefits. Garlic Not only does this fragrant bulb inject your food with flavor, but it can scare away the bugs. This solution requires a bit of forethought and is a great way to repel bugs in the wild, perfect for camping trips and a hiking trip. Begin by ingesting garlic cloves for several days. You will sweat out the garlic, releasing a garlic odor that will make sure the insects stay away. Keeping some gum or mouthwash on hand helps keep your breath garlic free. Orange and Lemon Peels Some people might be put off by the idea of rubbing onions over their skin. For a more pleasant odor but equally effective bug repellant, you can also try using orange or lemon peels. While this scent is aromatic to people, mosquitos and gnats are completely repulsed by the scent and will leave you alone for the evening. Vegetable Oil Any still body of water can be a mosquito breeding grounds. This doesn’t mean you have to empty your garden’s bird bath. Adding a few drops of vegetable oil to the water surface keeps the mosquitos from turning your bath into a mosquito baby factory. Just in case I recommend changing the water twice a week to prevent any larvae from having time to hatch.
|
Apple Cider Vinegar There’s an old army trick whereby consuming one tablespoon three times a day keep ticks and mosquitos at bay. Not so mad about the taste? You can also just apply the vinegar directly to any bites with a cotton ball swab. The acidity removes the urge to scratch, restoring the skin to a natural pH balance. Regular white vinegar also helps but the apple cider variety is less acidic. Vanilla Another pleasant smell that bugs really can’t stand is vanilla. This sweet-smelling flower repels mosquitos, blackflies, and ticks. Apply a mixture of one tablespoon vanilla extract diluted with one cup of water directly over your skin and enjoy a bite-free time. |
h/t: www.rd.com
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
You Won't Need a Prescription for These Natural Antibiotics!
5 natural antibiotic treatments you can prepare at home to help prevent acid reflux and indigestion from occurring.
If Your Nails are Weak and Brittle, Here's How to Fix Them
Got weak or brittle nails? Here are 10 natural remedies to make them stronger.
Got Dark Knees and Elbows? 8 Remedies That'll Help
Put an end to dark knees and elbows with these 8 natural remedies.
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
5 Non-Toxic Ways to Rid Your Home of Mold and Mildew
Mildew and mold are pesky household invaders. Discover 5 easy ways to get rid of them using natural ingredients.
Woah! Who Knew the Humble Fork Had This Many Uses?
Have a look at these unique but very useful fork hacks - they'll make your life a whole lot easier!
These Uses For Yogurt Will Leave You Very Surprised
Yogurt can do a whole lot more than just taste nice. In fact, it has many different uses. Here are 10 alternative uses for yogurt.
7 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Maintaining Your Car
Seven mistakes we make with the car that cost us money.
10 Essential Sewing Tips You Cannot Do Without
Whether you are experienced at sewing, or a complete novice, here are 15 simple sewing tricks you won't be able to live without.
I Bet You Never Realized How Useful Coffee Grounds Can Be!
Hold it! Don't throw away those old coffee grounds of yours - they have more uses than you can imagine. Read this post for 19 ways to use old coffee grounds.
5 Foods You Should NEVER Wash, and 5 You Absolutely MUST!
Washing some foods can lead to the spreading of bacteria and other negative consequences. In this article you'll find 5 foods that you should never wash and 5 foods that you should always wash.
12 Foods We Bet You Didn't Know Could be Microwaved
Do you think that your microwave is only good for heating frozen dinners? If so, you’re sorely mistaken! Use the following microwave hacks to soften sugar, froth milk, whip up some French toast, and more!
9 Tips to Ensure You Drink Enough Healthy Water Every Day!
Water is so important for our health it's hard to overstate. But most people find it rather dull. So, here are some tips to make sure you get enough.
The BEST Craft Idea For the Little Princesses in Your Life
Make this cute princess charm you can hang on a bag, and it's both easy and fun!
WARNING: Why We Shouldn't Lie on Our Stomachs!
Lying on your stomach for long stretches of time or every day can have some negative consequences...
Do You Know When to Go to Bed? Just Follow Our Tips
A great way to boost your health is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are 10 bedtime rituals that are sure to get you in the mood to sleep.
10 Natural Home Remedies EVERYONE Should Know!
Not Feeling well? We recommend that you think outside the box, or in this case outside the medicine cabinet with the following 10 effective natural medicines!
Waking Up at Odd Hours? Here's What Your Body is Saying
This guide will help you understand how your body systems work and identify any mental challenges you may face.
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
6 Stress-Relieving Cuddly Companions for Your Home
You must have these stress-relieving companions for your home.
Can't Stop Overthinking? This Insightful Guide Is For You
Do you overthink? This guide will help you manage your thoughts better.
Maximise Your Kitchen Space with These Clever Hacks
Use these clever ideas to turn your kitchen into a room that works for you, with easier access to everyday items and better utilization of space.
Calculate How Much Food & Drinks to Serve Your Guests
Planning out the perfect quantity of food for a party can seem like a tough task, but this guide makes it as easy as pie!
I’ve Found a Natural Remedy for Those Red Bumps on the Skin
A natural remedy to erasing those red bumps that appear on your arms without visiting the dermatologist. You only need to ingredients, which are easily found at the grocery store.
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with MEN?
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with Men?
I've Discovered Conditioner Has Many Other Talents...
Hair conditioner can do a lot more than just make your hair shiny...
5 Different Christmas Plants and How to Care for Them
In this guide, you'll find some tips on how to keep it alive throughout the season, and how to maintain it for next year.
9 Ingredients It's Best to Avoid When Grocery Shopping
Stay healthy by making sure that these 9 ingredients are not part of the food you buy.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
Here’s How Men Can Preserve Their Muscle Mass As They Age
Don't feel powerless against the loss of muscle mass that comes with aging - there are steps you can take to counteract it.
These Are The Financial Secrets of This Billionaire
When it comes to making money, you have to listen to men like Warren Buffet - they really know what they are talking about.
Tea Is Much More Than a Drink. It Has MANY Other Uses!
Tea isn't just for drinking, it's one of the most helpful materials in the house!
Baking is Now a Breeze Thanks to These Terrific Tips!
Never flop a cake again. These handy charts can help you with any baking problem you might find yourself facing.
Do You Know All 22 Unique Ways to Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is amazing - Baking soda can help clean grease off floors, freshen your breath, and even relieve insect bites!
8 Everyday Activities That are Damaging Your Spine
Here's a list of everyday activities that harm your spine.
Read This to Deal With That Terrible Smell In Your Fridge!
If there's a bad odor in your refrigerator, then this guide will show you exactly how to get rid of it quickly and easily.
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
7 AARP Benefits Every Senior Should Take Advantage Of
Have an AAARP membership? You may not know of these little-known benefits.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Out Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever thrown away these bags of silica gel? Of course you have. But here are some reasons why you SHOULD keep hold of them...
Here's How You Should be Washing Your Dark Clothes
When it comes to washing dark clothes, you've got to be careful. Here's how to wash your dark clothes without ruining them!
These Common Mistakes Can Ruin Your Floors and Carpets!
In this article, we tackle 12 common floor and carpet cleaning mistakes most of us are guilty of and explain what to do instead.
Beware! NEVER Put These Things on Your Credit Card
Credit cards might be convenient but there are some cases where you should avoid using them.
Shop Smart! How to Recognize Good or Poor Quality Clothes
This informative guide will explain the 5 major ways of spotting a poor and high quality garments
This DIY Food Dispenser Will Transform Your Pet's Life!
A great way to ensure your pet is getting the right amount of food.
10 Tips to Make the iPhone User-Friendly for Seniors
Use these tips to make the iPhone easier for the seniors in your life.