By Kat Gal
“Go away!” I screamed at a mosquito on my recent trip to Thailand. The mosquito didn’t listen, of course, but didn’t bite me either, thanks to my natural repellant spray.
Summer has arrived. This also means there being an increased number of bugs and insects around, leading to unwanted bites on your skin.
As a nomadic traveler who loves trotting around the globe and being in nature, I know all about insect bites.
I wasn’t always so knowledgeable. Early on in my nomad life, about 7 years ago, my main goal was to prevent bites, so while working in rural areas of Kenya, I carefully covered myself with potent, but highly toxic chemical repellants with high percentages of DEET.
Since then, I’ve learned about the dangers of DEET and other chemicals used in repellants and decided to turn to natural methods instead. Today you will not catch me with commercial products. Trust me though, natural methods are just as effective without the harm to your health.
Learn more about insect bites and follow the steps to prevent and help insect bites naturally.
There is a wide variety of bug bites with various signs, symptoms and side effects you may have to deal with this season.
When an insect bites you, it releases its saliva in the process, causing inflammation, blisters and irritations. Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the insect and your personal sensitivity levels.
Fortunately, in the Unites States, Canada and Northern Europe, it is rare to catch serious diseases from insect bites, but closer to the equator you may have to worry about malaria, dengue fever, the West Nile virus, yellow fever, sleeping sickness and encephalitis. If you are traveling abroad, especially to tropical areas, make sure to check common diseases and take appropriate precautions.
Living in the U.S., chances are you won’t be catching anything serious from a mosquito or a spider, but you have to be careful with ticks. Certain types of ticks carry lyme disease.
Early-lyme symptoms include flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and joint pain) and possibly a rash or Bell’s palsy (facial drooping). If lyme is not diagnosed early enough, it can turn chronic.
Chronic-lyme symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, cognitive impairment, joint pain, poor sleep, depression, other mood problems, muscle pain and neurological issues. Because these symptoms are so similar to many chronic illnesses, like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, MS and so on, lyme often gets misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Hence, if you are going on a hike or to spend time in nature, especially in forest areas, wear closed shoes, tuck your pants into your socks, check for ticks once home and pay attention to potential early symptoms of lyme.
Mosquitos and other insects are the most active during dusk and dawn, therefore, it is wise to stay indoors during those times. However, if you do go out, wear light-colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants, hats and socks.
Skin chemicals like lactic acid and body temperature also attract critters, creating a higher chance of being bitten if you are out for a run or performing other exercise.
Banana oil seems to attract female sugar-loving insects, so you may want to lay off the bananas.
Supplementing with an extra 100 mg of B1 or B complex vitamin may make you less attractive to mosquitos, so are garlic and garlic supplements.
The Dangers Of DEET
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is used in over 230 products made to prevent insect bites. DEET may prevent these bites somewhat successfully, however, it is incredibly toxic to your body and dangerous to your health.
Potential side effects of DEET exposure include:
Don’t worry. You can keep critters away naturally, DEET-free.
You can find highly effective and high quality natural and organic products at natural food stores, herbal stores, organic farmer’s markets and online. Always check the label for hidden chemicals.
You may also make your own repellent using:
Besides being harmless and effective, another pro of natural repellents is their flavorful smell, instead of the sticky and smelly chemicals on the market.
Helping Bug And Insect Bites Naturally
No matter what you do, you will experience bites here and there. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with annoying symptoms for too long, you can help your bites naturally instead.
Use any of these powerful methods for natural help:
Enjoy Your Summer And The Outdoors
With some preparation, using the 3 D’s and natural preventative and remedying methods, you can enjoy being outdoors in nature without being covered in bites or using toxic chemicals.
What are your summer plans? How will you protect yourself against insect bites? Share in the comments below. As always, we would love to hear and learn from you.
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Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.
-Tragedy Turns to Opportunity, Weightloss and Holistic Health
Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.
-Tragedy Turns to Opportunity, Weightloss and Holistic Health
