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How to protect your family from mosquitoes this Fourth of July

Posted at 7:22 PM, Jul 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-03 20:22:58-04

If you want to avoid bug bites and using repellent sprays that have Deet or other chemicals there are natural bug repellent alternatives.

Some findings suggest using a fan to push the bugs away or plant lavender or lemongrass. Milk and Honey store manager Kevin Kroll says another option his customers use, natural oils. 

 "We find a lot of pregnant women, women with small children. They're worried about putting those kinds of chemicals on their body so many will use some of those alternative natural oils," said Kroll. 

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have data to support the use of natural mosquito repellents. CDC does say Deet is on the EPA's safe mosquito repellent list. It's why Ken Harris says he's not too worried about using brands like OFF or Avon's Skin So Soft.

"At some point it's been safe all this time and I've not had any adverse effects so it works great," said Harris. 

Granted there is no way to completely avoid getting bitten using either natural or safe chemical repellents. The alternative is just to stay inside.