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LITTLE CRITTERS AT OUTDOOR CRAFT SHOWS

© Barbara Massie

From a crafter: "Our town has a three-day festival every summer. A large field is mowed down for setup of the craft booths, food booths, games etc. The festival is over for this year and it seemed more of us than usual complained about bug bites. I thought I would suggest that you add bug spray to your check list for people who do outdoor shows."

We always do have to be aware of the little critters, don't we? Whether an outdoor show is held on the asphalt or in a mowed field, you should go prepared for bugs. Mosquitoes, ants, flies, gnats and chiggers are the most common. So, insect repellent is an item to add to the supply check list.

There are many commercial sprays on the market. Because of their effect on bugs, I just don't trust what the chemicals do to our systems and skin. The following are a few natural repellents, using essential oils, that some might have fun experimenting with. Some concoctions will not seem as effective as commercial mixtures, but are healthier. There are "natural" herbs that can also be harmful if taken . Use only plants and chemicals determined as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Learn more about "safe" medicinal plants at the Country Living "Nature's Pharmacy" site.

Buy "essential" oils. If the bottle is labeled "fragrance" oil, the aroma may be synthetic and won't have the effect you're looking for. The local pharmacist usually stocks some essential oils, as do health food stores. There are also companies that sell the oils by mail. Find a source by surfing thePenn Herb Co., Ltd. site.

Oil applied to skin evaporates quickly, so sprays need to be applied several time! during a day. The spray also has a cooling effect on your body and the fragrance a pleasant effect on your nose. But spraying the mixtures on your clothes is more effective as the aroma clings longer.

To make a spray to keep biters and stingers away, fill a 1 1/2-cup plastic spray bottle with water and add 1 teaspoon of mixed essential oils such as:

• Mint
• Camphor
• Eucalyptus and camphor.

Another spraying mixture used as protection from flying insects is a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water; add a few drops of Oil of Peppermint.

Citronella is the most commonly used repellent for mosquitoes. Make a spray for your skin or clothes of 50/50 alcohol and water with a few drops of Oil of Citronella. When itching does occur after being bitten, put Oil of Citronella directly on the bite to alleviate the discomfort.

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