Bugs!

[ShannonCC]

Just venting really.

Bugs LOVE my son. He goes the same places that the rest of us do and he ends up covered with bug bites. Now that spring is here it's started again. Two days ago he and his sister were playing in the backyard. She came in with two bug bites. He has about a dozen. Plus, to make it more fun : he seems to be very sensitive to them. When she gets a bite it's just a bite. When he gets one it swells up and is just big and red and itchy and doesn't go away for days and days.

So it's time to get out the bug spray. The problem is, it all stinks I'm not good with essential oils and strong smells in general so pretty much anything I protect him with is going to bother my nose. From what I can tell, natural bug spray HAS to be stinky because that's what sends the bugs off. I don't mean it's a gross smell, I just mean it's strong and strong smells are what bother me. So what's my option? Soak the kid in DEET? Just kidding. And that probably stinks too

Just whining. Obviously I'll put the stink on him and deal with it. Hey, I'm already miserable from seasonal allergies, what's a bit more, right?

[Spastica]

There's herbal and more natural bug sprays out there, Burt's bees makes one.

You can also get some citronella oil or something too. Bugs also hate lavender, lemongrass, and cedarwood essential oils.

You can get him some breathable cotton long-sleeved clothing and ask him to wear jeans and sneakers. Less of a chance of skin exposure for bugs. Bugs like A+ blood, is he that type? I get eaten alive when other people don't. People tell me it's because I am so sweet

Seriously. The only thing I can think of is that I'm A+ blood type and that I eat a lot of fruit. My blood is sweet

I try not to wear any perfumed lotions before going in a bug-infested area. You may want to switch him to some unscented/perfume free products for the summer before he goes out. Bugs are attracted to shampoos, soaps, etc.

[ShannonCC]

Originally Posted by Spastica

There's herbal and more natural bug sprays out there, Burt's bees makes one.

No, the problem is the smell. We already use natural spray but most seem to be based on essential oils and they bother my nose if they are too strong. And from what I've read, it's the strong smell that sends the bugs packing. My son doesn't mind, it's ME.

You can get him some breathable cotton long-sleeved clothing and ask him to wear jeans and sneakers. Less of a chance of skin exposure for bugs.

No, they *really* like him Many of his bites are under shirts. The little buggers crawl under his clothing to get him. He hasn't worn anything but jammies since November so he's still wearning long sleeved, long legged cotton jammies. Well, at least I have less sunblock to apply But it hasn't done anything for the bugs.

Bugs like A+ blood, is he that type?

SERIOUSLY? Because yes he is. I never heard that.

I get eaten alive when other people don't. People tell me it's because I am so sweet

I read once that heavy meat eaters get bit more but that doesn't hold true here. DS is practically a vegetarian. He does eat a lot of fruit but then so does dd. That blood type thing is interesting. Not that I can change his blood type of course

I try not to wear any perfumed lotions before going in a bug-infested area. You may want to switch him to some unscented/perfume free products for the summer before he goes out. Bugs are attracted to shampoos, soaps, etc.

He's pretty much soap free He just takes water baths by his preference. He even gives me a big stink when I try to get him to use soap on his hands. We just trust that water will get most of the germs because I just don't believe it's worth the battle

[Spastica]

Hmm, that is a pickle - speaking of which, bugs down't like vinegar either. Not sure if your son would be opposed to being sprayed with white or apple cider vinegar before he gets out of the tub - but the scent would dissipate when he dries. Probably still effective if your rinse the apple cider vinegar off or towel dry him. Towel drying would be more effective, but then you'd have to throw his towel into the wash.

I do no-poo and use apple cider vinegar in my hair and armpit - I haven't noticed many bugbites yet, but I'm not sure if there are a ton outside in Atlanta yet. There were many in Florida when I visited, and I only came back with one or two bites. Maybe the vinegar is helping? I rinse it off me before I get out of the shower too.

I use burt's bees facial mist (lavender) on my body and armpits, but it has a light scent. I'm usually sensitive to strong odors too, they give me a headache. But this one doesn't bother me. You can always dilute any bottled substance with water if the smell bothers you. A little bit of bug repellant is better than none at all.

[ShannonCC]

Hey, I just read about vinegar too! I'm going to give that a try since that smell doesn't bother me (something about essential oils just kills my nose). Now, maybe if I douse my son in it, it *will* bother me, but we'll see

My big problem is finding spray bottles : The only ones I finally found were garden ones that are huge. I want small ones to mix up some vinegar and carry it to playgrounds (for re-applying). Right now I'm stuck using the (works but stinks) herbal bug spray we have leftover from last year. When it's gone, I'll use that spray bottle for vinegar and give it a try. It would be a dream come true if vinegar works. Cheap, easy to make on your own, and doesn't bother my nose

[Spastica]

I always find small spray bottles in the travel section of any grocery store or walmart/target. You can also find small ones at beauty supply stores. Sometimes $1 stores or the $1 section in Target (up front in Target) will have them.

The Container store has some really pretty ones that are in brushed steel. Very professional looking and sturdy!

Also, vinegar is great for easing the itch of existing bug bites. Good to have around! Apple cider vinegar shouldn't be used if he has clothes on, it will leave a faint brown stain. Fine if he's nekkid though.

Dilute the vinegar 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar.