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October 27, 2024 6 min read
Hey Go For Zero fam!
Today, we're tackling something every Aussie deals with - bugs! Whether you're protecting your home from unwanted visitors or trying to enjoy the great outdoors without being a mozzie's lunch, I've got you covered with natural solutions that are kind to both your family and our planet.
Natural bug protection taps into the incredible power of plants to repel pests without synthetic chemicals. Plants have developed natural defences to keep bugs away, using unique scents, tastes, and textures that insects don't like. Here are some of the top natural ways plants protect themselves:
It's nature's way of keeping a balance. Using these natural plant defences as insect repellents allows us to stay protected naturally without harsh manufactured chemicals.
Research shows that many household pests can be effectively managed using natural methods. The key is understanding what attracts these unwanted visitors and how to deter them using safe, eco-friendly solutions naturally. Here are our top four common (household) bugs and their natural solutions:
Ants create invisible scent trails, much like street signs, to lead their companions to food sources. When one ant discovers a tasty spot—like your dog's food bowl or kitchen trash can—it leaves a scent trail to help the rest of the colony find the way. That is why you often see them in 1 line on the same spot. To get rid of ants, we want to remove these trails.
Did you know that there are over 400 species of cockroaches in Australia? Gross! They are attracted to food, water and shelter...our homes, basically. Here is what you can do:
Clothes moths are drawn to natural fabrics like wool, silk, fur, and cashmere. The larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in animal fibres, so they often damage woollen clothing and other animal-based textiles. Besides storing clothes in airtight containers, here are some other things you can do:
Did you know only female mosquitos bite? They need the protein in blood to develop their eggs, so they seek out animals (including humans) to feed on blood before laying eggs.
Certain essential oils can naturally repel mosquitoes by disrupting their attraction mechanisms or acting as mild insecticides. Here are some of the top essential oils to repel mosquitoes:
If you are not keen to make your own spray, we have some Australian made, mosquito repellent balms here too!
The main thing to remember is to reapply natural bug balms regularly. The fragrance is a deterrent to insects, so as long as you can smell the balm, it's doing its job. Ingredients in bug balms, such as essential oils, can evaporate over time, which reduces their effectiveness. This means the protective barrier they provide can diminish, especially in warm or windy conditions or when you go swimming or sweat a lot. I follow a simple rule: if I can’t smell it anymore, it’s time to reapply. Once you do this, you will love using natural bug balms—they smell incredible!
While we stock a range of natural insect repellents made by Aussie families at Go For Zero, if you want to have a go at creating your own effective bug spray using research-backed ingredients, check out our simple recipe below:
Ingredients:
Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use. Remember! Always patch test first and avoid contact with eyes.
Remember, while natural solutions might require more frequent application than chemical alternatives, the benefits to your health and our planet make it worth the extra effort. Plus, many of these solutions are multi-taskers - like essential oils that not only keep bugs away but make everything smell amazing too!
Here's to bug-free living, wherever life takes you!
With love,
Ellie x
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