With summer finally arriving this month we also see the arrival of another not-so-fun critter – mosquitoes! This summer, instead of lathering your child in toxic repellents, many of which contain DEET, the active ingredient in most insect repellents which has been linked to neurological problems in kids and adults and is toxic to wildlife, birds, and aquatic life (about 75% of all U.S. water sources contain DEET), try one of the many natural plant-based repellents on the market today.

If 10,000 people switch to plant-based bug repellents and steer clear of ones with DEET, we’ll keep the weight of 11 people in toxic chemicals out of the environment.

Plant-based repellents (from balms to bracelets) use powerful scents such as citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary to effectively keep bugs at bay. Or, you can try a do-it-yourself version which I learned from being a counselor at a summer camp about 15 years ago! Mix some vanilla extract with water in a spray bottle and spray on exposed skin (your child can help you make this). You get to smell like a sugar cookie AND keep bugs away! Undiluted apple cider vinegar sprayed on exposed skin also works.

Have your child help eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes in your yard by finding and getting rid of standing water sources – unemptied water tables and pails and buckets can all be culprits.