Many parts of the country are experiencing heavy spring rains, and with the rain comes a bumper crop of mosquitos. Essential oils can provide a safe, chemical-free solution to warding off those blood-thirsty pests. The following is a simple blend you can easily prepare at home. Apply sparingly to exposed skin before going outdoors, and reapply every few hours as necessary.

Kath's Mosquito Repellant
1/2 oz.     apricot kernel oil
4 drops     lavender essential oil
4 drops     geranium essential oil
4 drops     eucalyptus citriodora or eucalyptus globulus essential oil

If applying to children, use half the recommended amount of essential oil.