Homemade and Natural Bug Repellents That Actually Work

The 4th of July weekend is almost here, and it looks like the weather is going to be fantastic for all the cookouts, boating, and fireworks! Good news, right? Now, for the bad news. Thanks to all of Mother Nature's rain, the bugs are gonna be BAD! Here's some natural (and cheaper) insect repellents to give mosquitoes, ticks, and flies the message to "Bug Off!"

I super hate putting on bug spray! Of course, I hate mosquito bites too, but bug spray smells nasty, and feels gross. Plus, all the bad stuff you read about DEET has this new Mom completely freaked out. There are natural bug spray options available, which I will be buying too, but why not try some of these for extra protection? They are safe for the entire family, and I love that everyone will smell like vanilla and other pretty stuff. Let me know if they work for you!

• Vanilla extract
• Homemade bug spray recipes 
• 4 cheap and easy mosquito repellents

I have also had people tell me that rubbing your skin with a dryer sheet, and then pinning it inside your clothes works great too.

Here's to a safe, happy, and bite free 4th of July!