How To Repel and Prevent Tick Bites Naturally

How To Repel and Prevent Tick Bites Naturally

How to repel and prevent tick bites naturally. As warm weather spreads across America, most of us will return to our outdoor activities. Kids, golfers, hikers, gardeners and pets, are more likely to come in contact with ticks especially in tall grass, shrubs, wooded areas, and piles of leaves.

We are now entering prime tick season and that means increased and even fatal risk. The highest tick activity is usually April through June, however this year the CDC has warned that we will be seeing an increase in ticks this summer with a new and deadly tick-borne disease (click here to learn more), but there are ways to keep your family safe.

Did you know there are different types of ticks across America?  Beware of these different types of ticks.

Is DEET The Only Solution?

Everything you will read about avoiding or repelling ticks and other insects will have the word DEET in it. From the CDC to the EPA, they all recommend using DEET to protect yourself and those you love.

In an attempt to live a more natural lifestyle, I try to remove as many synthetic and toxic chemicals from my life as possible, in search of natural alternatives.  Even though DEET is recommended across Government Agencies, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for my family.  It’s up to each of us to make informed and educated decisions. Here is why I chose not to use DEET:

The Hazards of DEET

DEET is a registered pesticide. DEET is short for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (also known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). It is a member of the toluene chemical family. Toluene is an organic solvent used in rubber and plastic cements and paint removers. DEET is absorbed through the skin and passes into the blood.

The Medical Sciences Bulletin, published by Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd. reports, “Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream.” Blood concentrations of about 3 mg per liter have been reported several hours after DEET repellent was applied to skin in the prescribed fashion. DEET is also absorbed by the gut.

The most serious concerns about DEET are its effects on the central nervous system. Dr. Mohammed Abou-Donia of Duke University studied lab animals’ performance of neuro-behavioral tasks requiring muscle coordination. He found that lab animals exposed to the equivalent of average human doses of DEET performed far worse than untreated animals. Abou-Donia also found that combined exposure to DEET and permethrin, a mosquito spray ingredient, can lead to motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction. READ MORE…

Benefits Of DEET-Free Bug Repellent

I spend a lot of time outdoors whether around the house gardening, doing yard work, or out hiking in the woods.  And while the first line of defense is to avoid getting bit by taking proactive measures to protect myself (more on that below), using a bug repellent is your second line of defense and that’s why I formulated the All Natural Bug Mist. If you are looking for a natural bug repellent, here is what our Bug Mist has to offer:

  • Proven ALL NATURAL ingredients repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects.
  • Formulated without DEET and other synthetic pesticides
  • Lightweight, safe, gentle spray mist
  • 100% pure, unrefined, first-pressed Jojoba Oil, naturally moisturizes, conditioning and softens skin. 
  • Cooling and refreshing natural fragrance
  • Recyclable aluminum container
  • A non-sticky spray with no residue
  • HYPOALLERGENIC and non-irritating
  • Gluten and nut free formula.
  • A safe and effective barrier for dogs and puppies

Safety Tips

Keep your family safe this bug season with these safety tips:

High Risk Areas For Bug-Bourne Diseases

We are always on the side of natural verses synthetic. That being said, we are also wellness advocates and understand the need to use commercial bug repellents when necessary. If you are traveling into areas that are heavily infested with mosquitoes and ticks that carry diseases, like the Zika virus or Malaria, DEET is still recommended as the most effective because it lasts longer in severe conditions. Please be sure to follow application directions to minimize risks.

The CDC website has numerous pages of information concerning insect-borne diseases, the most effective insect repellents, and travel precautions.

Product Recommendations:

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER

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May 19, 2023 10:05 am

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