Bug Be Gone!

Embrace Natural Repellents
for a Healthier Home and Garden

PLEASE NOTE!  All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.  The information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and you should not solely rely on this information.  Always consult a professional in the area of your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical decisions.

Introduction

Since this is my "Soap Stories" blog, I will begin with how I got started with this product idea. 

Although I have ruminated over bug repelling products for nearly all of my adult life and have used various bug repelling products along the way (both natural and DEET containing...), what really pushed me to create a product of my own is a conversation I had last summer with Dr. Marv Paule - the professor at CSU who gave me my start in biochemical research back in the 90's.  He had read a research article that explored how scents used in personal care products either attract or deter bugs, such as mosquitoes.  He loves his time spent on his boat up in the mountains and is plagued with all of those pesky bugs.  Would I make a soap for him?  So, I went home and started doing some of my own research on the topic, and finally got a product on the shelves this spring.

Getting bit while playing or working outdoors can be more than just a nuisance.  These days, we are often reminded of the many dangers biting bugs pose to our health, and although we are fortunate to not be endemically exposed to such diseases as malaria, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, West Nile Virus is a commonly transmitted disease found here in the United States.  Other more worldly viruses can also be introduced and spread by people who have been traveling in affected areas.  Indeed, several tropical diseases do make occasional outbreaks in the U.S., most commonly in the warmer southern states.

West Nile is an RNA virus that is mainly hosted in birds, transmitted through a certain species of mosquito, and it has been found that both humans and horses may exhibit disease symptoms from exposure.  According to the CDC, West Nile Virus will generally be asymptomatic for most people.  However, some will develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.  Severe cases can lead to neuroinvasive disease which encompasses encephalitis or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or surrounding tissues, and can even cause polio-like paralysis.  Yikes!  That's scary stuff!

Looking at the reported incidences of Neuroinvasive Disease in the U.S. stemming from West Nile Virus since its discovery in 1999, they have ranged from 19 to about 2,900 individual cases per year, with an average of about 1,100 per year over the past 26 years.  With the U.S. population currently at 333 million, that gives you an approximately .00033% chance of having these sorts of complications from this virus.  And up to 10% of these complications may become fatal.  Furthermore, take into consideration your age and overall state of well-being, as those over 60 with other health issues are more likely to develop longer lasting, adverse side effects.

So, how scared should you be?  That is totally up to how you want to live your life.  I believe it is always good to be vigilant about exposing yourself to disease bearing pests, especially as we never truly know when something worse could come along.  We were in Costa Rica the year the Zika Virus made its appearance, and that was also frightening (although none of us were pregnant at the time...so we didn't feel we were at high risk).  But, it's not going to keep me locked inside my house, as my life is made more enjoyable through hiking, gardening, going to outdoor games, water time etc.

This year, I've seen mosquitos in my yard, and don't want to get bit.  So....how do you prevent it?

Personal Protective Actions

Chemical Repellents

Most people are taught to believe that you can't effectively repel mosquitos without the use of a DEET repellent.  You can also purchase clothing infused with pyrethrins, what is considered a "safer" insecticide.  However, both of these are known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and other health concerns.  They can also be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems.  In most situations, this is not my first line of defense, and putting any sort of insecticide in direct contact with my skin for long periods of time is out of the question - not to mention the manufacturing process of these items and the repercussions for our bee and fish populations.   No, thank you.

Natural Solutions

There are safe and effective alternative options available, including our All-Natural Bug Repel Spray and Bar Soap made with essential oils known for their insect-repelling properties. 

• Bug Repel Spray:  Easy application, non-greasy, and long-lasting protection.  The ingredient list is simple:  Witch Hazel, Distilled Water, a splash of alcohol and essential oils.  No synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals!
  
• Bug Repel Soap:  Many synthetic fragrances found in soaps and shampoos, mostly floral in nature, actually attract biting insects.  This All-Natural Soap is gentle enough for daily use, moisturizing, and adds an extra layer of protection when enjoying outdoor activities.

This spray formulation has been proven by our family to work in the garden, out on the lake and even in Jamaica!  We liked it so much, we made a bar soap to complement the overall effect.

Ingredients and Benefits

• Citronella Oil:  A well-known natural insect repellent that masks scents attractive to insects.
  
• Eucalyptus Oil:  Effective against mosquitoes, providing a refreshing scent and cooling sensation.
  
• Lavender Oil:  Not only repels insects but also has calming and soothing properties.
  
• Tea Tree Oil:  Offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits while keeping bugs away.
  

Other Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes and Bugs at Bay

Combine a lifestyle of repelling practices throughout your garden and home spaces.

Bug Repelling Garden Plants

• Marigolds:  Their scent deters mosquitoes and other pests.
  
• Basil:  Not only great for cooking but also repels flies and mosquitoes.
  
• Lemongrass:  Contains citronella, a natural mosquito repellent.
  
• Catnip:  Studies have shown it to be more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.  Be warned though, it may take over the garden!  Best to keep contained in pots :)  I've read suggestions to place in hanging planters and keep away from your good soil.  This will also help with any concerns of attracting neighbor cats to your yard.
  

Home Remedies

• Essential Oil Diffusers:  Use oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus to keep insects away.
  
• Candles:  Use in outdoor spaces to reduce annoying bugs
  
• Apple Cider Vinegar:  A natural deterrent when sprayed around your home or outdoor areas.
• Garlic:  Planting garlic in your garden or using a garlic spray can help repel mosquitoes.
  

Physical Barriers

• Mosquito Nets:  Use over beds and outdoor seating areas to create a bug-free zone.
  
• Screens:  Ensure that properly fitting screens are installed on windows and keep them well maintained without holes.
  

Environmental Control

• Eliminate Standing Water:  Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty any containers that collect water.  Think of old tires, buckets, gutters, swimming pools and other unused items hanging out in the yard.
• Keep Gutters Clean:  Ensure gutters are free from debris to prevent water accumulation
• Yard Maintenance:  Keep grass short and remove any piles of leaves or wood where bugs can breed.  Be careful though.  Removing mosquito habitat may also affect pollinator habitats.  And, especially here in Colorado with our hot, hot sun, we prefer our grass a bit longer.  It grows better that way and provides homes for lots of other backyard critters.
  
• Keep Spider-y Friends:  Think twice before killing off ALL the beneficial garden friends - they will help to keep the bug population down.
  

Patterns & Habits

• Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing:  This adds a layer of protection prior to the bite.
  
• Wear Light-Colored Clothing:  Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
  
• Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours:  Stay indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
• Be Aware of Sun/Shade Areas:  Mosquitos will frequent shady areas more often than sunny.  Be prepared and wear appropriate clothing and repellent if you need to do an activity in the shade.
• Use Fans:  Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so using fans can help keep them at bay.  Overhead fans on a porch are very effective!

Municipal and Community Mosquito Control Actions

These activities are widely used to varying extents in nearly all communities in these modern days.  They can includes:

• Draining Standing Water:  Your local community may do this proactively in common areas such as parks.
• Surveillance Systems in Birds:  This may happen on a national, state or county level to monitor the disease in this wildlife population, which feeds into the mosquito and therefore the human and horse populations.  Dead birds can be reported to local health departments to determine if West Nile Virus is on the rise in your area.
• Mosquito Trapping and Testing:  Many communities perform this type of monitoring in order to keep track of the Culex mosquito and whether it is infected with West Nile Virus.
• Chemical Spraying Operations:  If a harmful virus is found, it is a common practice today for cities to contract out spraying for mosquitoes.  In our city, I was not able to find "what" was being sprayed on the linked website, but I'm assuming it is some sort of pyrethroid.  This is sprayed down our street and the chemical fog settles on every surface, nook and cranny, in our yard.  Then, we, our children and our pets go outside and use these spaces.  Consider the widespread effect this has on the biomes of other insect species, including our bees and other pollinators.  Seen many butterflies this year???  Not compared to childhood experiences.  Exposed fish populations, who also help to maintain lower mosquito levels by eating the larvae, are also susceptible to pyrethrins.  Are we creating a resistance to these chemicals in our mosquito populations?  If so, we would need to use higher doses or find different chemicals over time.  So, are "public health initiatives" doing more harm than good???  I read somewhere recently that if the bees disappear, humans will have about a five year survival rate...certainly something to think about.
• Sterile Insect Technique (SIT):  This is an interesting approach, and I do wish it was more common than chemical spraying.  Sterile male mosquitoes are released into an area and will compete with their fertile counterparts for reproducing with the females, reducing the mosquito population.  This method is safe for everyone but the mosquito, as it is specific for this species, leaving other insect and fish (as well as human...) populations to thrive.  The drawbacks to this technique include: cost (sterile insects do not replicate themselves...), human error with possible releasing of fertile mosquitoes thought to be sterile, control area issues - if we did this here in Longmont, what's stopping the population from Boulder from spreading here and repopulating our town.  This would be a continually recurring process unless it was implemented in a larger area.  Still...so interesting!!!  No chemicals, no non-native species introduced.
• Bactericidal Larvicides:  Commercially available larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) can help to maintain lower pest populations.  I have successfully used this in our backyard keeping grasshoppers at bay for years, and I know there are some targeted toward mosquitoes as well that go into ponds and fountains.  Again, these are much more species specific and quite effective.
  

Conclusion

Although we have the constant reminder and fear of disease, from all sorts of sources, knocking on our doors, we do have ways to reduce our risks for certain varieties and mosquito borne disease is in that category - at least for us here in the United States.  Be vigilant and conscientious about the steps you take on a daily basis, create healthy habits in your garden and home, share your knowledge with your neighbors and friends.  All of these practices will help you to steer clear of anything more than swatting away a few buzzing nuisance bugs.  If you'd like to purchase any of our All Natural Bug Repel Spray or Soap, CLICK HERE. 

Stay safe out there!!!

References

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https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/data-maps/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html

Ranson H, N'guessan R, Lines J, Moiroux N, Nkuni Z, Corbel V. Pyrethroid resistance in African anopheline mosquitoes: what are the implications for malaria control? Trends Parasitol. 2011 Feb;27(2):91-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.08.004. Epub 2010 Sep 16. PMID: 20843745.

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Costanzo SD, Watkinson AJ, Murby EJ, Kolpin DW, Sandstrom MW. Is there a risk associated with the insect repellent DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) commonly found in aquatic environments? Sci Total Environ. 2007 Oct 1;384(1-3):214-20. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.05.036. Epub 2007 Jul 30. PMID: 17659764.

Almeida AR, Oliveira ND, Pinheiro FASD, Morais WA, Ferreira LS. Challenges encountered by natural repellents: Since obtaining until the final product. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2023 Sep;195:105538. doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105538. Epub 2023 Jul 14. PMID: 37666610.

Sharma R, Rao R, Kumar S, Mahant S, Khatkar S. Therapeutic Potential of Citronella Essential Oil: A Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2019;16(4):330-339. doi: 10.2174/1570163815666180718095041. PMID: 30019646.

Lalthazuali, Mathew N. Mosquito repellent activity of volatile oils from selected aromatic plants. Parasitol Res. 2017 Feb;116(2):821-825. doi: 10.1007/s00436-016-5351-4. Epub 2016 Dec 24. PMID: 28013374.

Misni N, Nor ZM, Ahmad R. Repellent effect of microencapsulated essential oil in lotion formulation against mosquito bites. J Vector Borne Dis. 2017 Jan-Mar;54(1):44-53. PMID: 28352045.

Rappole JH, Derrickson SR, Hubálek Z. Migratory birds and spread of West Nile virus in the Western Hemisphere. Emerg Infect Dis. 2000 Jul-Aug;6(4):319-28. doi: 10.3201/eid0604.000401. PMID: 10905964; PMCID: PMC2640881.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterile_insect_technique