The goal of Insect Repellent Awareness Day, celebrated on June 3 every year, is to promote the use of insect repellents to prevent not only bites but also the spread of diseases that are carried by insects. A lot of insect repellents on the market, though, can be quite toxic not only to helpful bugs but to people and animals as well. Here are some more natural approaches to protect you from insect bites:

• Lemon eucalyptus oil: Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 parts witch hazel and use in a spray bottle.
• Lavender: Use crushed fresh lavender flowers directly on the skin or apply lavender oil to both repel bugs and soothe bites.
• Thyme: If you're having a bonfire, add dried thyme to the fire to help keep bugs away. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.
• Tea tree oil: This oil has many great uses for skin conditions, but it can also deter bugs. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 5 parts olive oil (or more if you have sensitive skin).