Have you seen the AfterBite sticks in the store? they are designed to kill the itching of bug bites and they truly work. They are ammonia sold for about $3 per stick. I dilute regular ammonia for cleaning about to about one part water and one part ammonia and use that instead of the sticks. It truly works even for our worst mosquito years. I just keep it in a well marked little bottle and dab it on with a tissue or cotton ball.
As for ticks, I have read neem helps but have no firsthand info or research on that.
If citronella candles work for you, it is possible to order citronella essential oil and blend it into products you want at levels that you would like. Many EOs are said to repel or kill bugs. Catnip is one of the most effective though. If I spent time outside, I would put pots of it around the area and then use a fan or two to help keep bugs away. But I must be FAR more careful than most wtih bug sprays as I react very very badly to them even in small amounts.
As for ticks, I have read neem helps but have no firsthand info or research on that.
If citronella candles work for you, it is possible to order citronella essential oil and blend it into products you want at levels that you would like. Many EOs are said to repel or kill bugs. Catnip is one of the most effective though. If I spent time outside, I would put pots of it around the area and then use a fan or two to help keep bugs away. But I must be FAR more careful than most wtih bug sprays as I react very very badly to them even in small amounts.
