Enjoying the outdoors is the hallmark of the summer season, but mosquitoes and other pesky insects can make an otherwise pleasant experience unpleasant. While bug sprays do ward off these unwanted intruders, you may have concerns about the safety of such products and would like to know about creating homemade bug spray and other alternatives to bug spray.

Create a natural mosquito repellent

Natural mosquito repellents can be made by combining certain essential oils with carrier oils. Cinnamon oil, for instance, was found to be more potent in killing mosquitoes than DEET, as reported in the July 14, 2004, edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Other essential oils effective at warding off mosquitoes include lemon eucalyptus, citronella and castor. Combine 10 to 25 drops of one of these essential oils with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as olive, witch hazel or sunflower oil. Apply the natural mosquito repellent by rubbing or spraying it onto exposed skin, avoiding the eye area. Reapply every one to two hours or after exercise and swimming. Store the homemade bug spray in a dark bottle in a cool location.

Other ways to ward off bugs

Other options for keeping bugs at bay include bug repellers, insect-repellent candles that contain citronella, and bug zappers, the latter of which also serve as outdoor lights. For maximum effectiveness, use as many of these tools as possible and place them nearby when you are outdoors.

Grow mosquito-repelling plants in your yard

Certain easy-to-grow plants act as deterrents and tend to ward off bugs like mosquitoes. Consider planting in your garden pest turnoffs, such as citronella, which is the plant that produces the oil commonly used in mosquito-repellent products. Also good to grow are bee balm (monarda), which is also known as horsemint, catnip, ageratum and marigold.

Supplement with barrier methods

Further avoid the possibility of getting bitten by pests by dressing in long sleeves and covering the feet with socks and shoes. And avoid scented soaps and lotions with a fruity or floral fragrance, as well as dark clothing, both of which attract unwanted bugs.