My four year old has a number of moderate allergies to chemicals like pesticides and preservatives, so living in Winnipeg, MB (“Mosquito Capital of Canada) presents it’s own challenges. Even the kid targeted insect repellents and sunscreens tend to give him a rash, so we have taken to more and more natural measures. It has taken some creativity, reaching back into memories of what my Mum used when I was a kid.
Mum’s Kid Friendly Bug Spray
Method 1:
10 drops high concentration lavender oil
5 drops high concentration lemon oil
Add to a 600ml(or similar) spray bottle, and fill to about an inch from the top with water.
Method 2:
Instead of lavender oil, use a high concentration tea tree oil
We find that the lavender oil method is better for ticks and black flies, and the tea tree works great for mosquitos.
Happy outdoor living!