I'm always looking for good natural alternatives to the different problems that we have.

The latest one is insect repellent.

For years all the repellents have been loaded with chemicals like: DEET (30 to 50%), Picaridin (up to 15%), oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, IR 3535 and Permethrin.

The headline read: West Nile virus spiking across the USA.

This is what the CDC is recommending we use to avoid getting West Nile, Dengue fever, and other mosquito born diseases.

DEET: The EPA reported 46 cases of DEET related seizures including 4 deaths last year. Also may dissolve some plastics, rayon, spandex, and other synthetic fabrics, painted or varnished surfaces including nail polish. Oh yea, that's something I want to give my babies!!

Permethrin: acts as a neurotoxin slowing the nervous system. Excessive exposure to Permethrin can cause nausea, headaches, muscle weakness, shortness of breath and seizures. Also Permethrin is used in the flea collars for dogs. Those are the bad ones. FYI .. I might give that to Wayne, but there is NO WAY I am going to give that to my babies!

The other is Picaridin which is much better then DEET and some what less harmful.

Then there is Oil of Lemon & Eucalyptus: a plant based substances shown to be as effective as DEET, has a pleasant fragrance and is far less likely to irritate the skin . Now you talking. but they still pair these with DEET (the really bad one) and Permethrin (the other bad one).

So what are we to do? Look for a natural flea repellent, of course. I went to the health food store and got;

• Whole clove's - 1 tbl
• Lavender Flowers (dried) 3 tbls
• Peppermint Leaves (dried) 3 tbls
• Oil of Citronella - 30 drops

I put the clove, lavender, and peppermint in a tight mess bag. Then I brought about 4 quarts of water to a boil. Drop in the bag and let steep until cool. Then I put equal parts of alcohol in the mixture, along with 30 drops of oil of citronella. Put it into a misting spray bottle and there you have it.

The nice thing about this mixture is that it smells really good, does not sting, and is not sticky. It evaporates quickly, and it is still very effective. You can spray it on your clothes and it does not stain them and I've sprayed this on the doggies and it does not brother them at all. Now we can go on walk's and the mosquito's wont bit them at all. Best of all its natural, and its seems to work great on fleas. So now I say bring on the eucalyptus bushes for the yard. We need all the help we can get to get ride of those pesky fleas.