Unfortunately, the most amazing camping trips can quickly sour when mosquitoes take over and start to eat away at the party! I abhor bug bites, and my children are quite allergic to them. This isn’t a huge problem in the Seattle area because there aren’t many mosquitoes around here. However, when we travel to the East Coast or when we travel throughout Alaska in the summer, mosquitoes can be a huge annoyance.
Over the years, I tried various products, but about eight or nine years ago I discovered an all-natural bug repellant from one of my favorite stores in Seattle–The Herbalist. Located in a residential neighborhood, this privately-owned shop is simply wonderful and their own custom-blended bug spray–B.O.O.– is awesome. Consisting of a blend of essential and herbal oils, the spray is designed to simultaneously repel bugs and to soothe the bites if they have already struck. My children love this product and we highly recommend it! I always keep a bottle of the spray in my camper medicine cabinet just in case the bugs start to bite! It is also apparently great for keeping fleas off your pets! It is available by mail order. With Memorial Day just around the corner, I plan to stop by my favorite little herb shop in order to stock up for the summer…
Do you have a tried and true method for keeping bugs away? If so, do tell!
–Melissa A. Trainer