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Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects
Protect yourself, your children, your pets, and your home from bugs — without using harsh or toxic chemicals! Herbalist Stephanie Tourles offers 75 simple recipes for safe, effective bug repellents you can make at home from all-natural ingredients. For protection from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects, there are sprays, balms, body oils, and tinctures, with scents ranging from eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. There are also recipes for pets, such as herbal shampoo, bedding formulas, and flea-and-tick collars and powders. And Tourles includes repellents for the home, such as sachets that repel moths, carpet powders that repel fleas and ants, and essential oil repellents to keep your pantry pest-free. A detailed ingredient dictionary explains the properties of all the herbs, essential oils, and other key ingredients.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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March 13, 2017I read this to compare how medieval pest control methods compared with modern, natural (non-pesticide) approaches to pest control. Not only are some of the ingredients the same, but at times there is a similar rhetorical approach to talking about problems and solutions. It makes me want to write an analytical paper comparing the two.
Having not tried any of the remedies, I don't feel qualified to rate this book, though I'm sure many of these natural methods work quite well.
Having not tried any of the remedies, I don't feel qualified to rate this book, though I'm sure many of these natural methods work quite well.
July 1, 2019
Very worthwhile and useful book that you will want to keep handy.
June 5, 2020
Not all of these recipes are safe. Please do your research first and avoid recipes without carrier oils. If you don't know what a carrier oil is, then you need to find better herbalism books. That said, the information they provide on individual herbal ingredients is fairly accurate, and for those who are well-educated in herbalism, this books is handy reference despite it's inaccuracies.
December 24, 2015
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.
March 18, 2016
A wonderful how to battle bugs, ticks, and pests naturally. I love that this book has a section for pets!!!
July 1, 2023
If you are looking for ways to be more natural in your bug repellent, at home and for your pets this is the book for you! I highly recommend it. It's one that is now in my amazon cart because I want to have it on my shelf to reference whenever I need to. She has great recipes along with tips and how-to info on ways to be neutrally bug free.
August 13, 2025
So many recipes in here that I want to try! As a beginner, these sound simple and easy to make. I appreciate the summaries of various herbs and oils in the beginning. I got it at the library, but am going to buy a copy for myself.
October 9, 2017
I'm all for natural pest control, but a lot of these recipes include a lot of hard to find or expensive ingredients :/
February 17, 2018
A great collection of natural bug-free remedies, such as "Lavender Lover's Insect Armor". Discovered that mosquitoes don't like the smell of garlic either. This book also lists products for pets.
August 11, 2024
This has an interesting list of plants and essential oils. However, it also has toxic advice like feeding garlic to dogs. The statements in the book are not supported by science.
February 27, 2016
Naturally Bug-Free, 67 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths, and Other Pesky Insects, Stephanie L. Tourles
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non Fiction
I hate dowsing myself in chemicals, the skin is our biggest organ and of course what goes On it also goes In it and I don’t like that. However we’ve a large garden with ponds, compost heaps and my lovely old horse Muska, so flies especially mosquitos are in abundance in summer – and warm spring/autumn days...We have bats too and they help but....While Him Indoors never gets bitten they seem to find me very tasty, and I spend my time trying not to itch the latest lovely bite. ( I’m prone to head lice too when the grandkids inevitably come home with them. are you itching yet reading this ?? ) I do use sparingly some chemical repellents, having tried unsuccessfully to concoct my own from essential oils. I tried once to make a fly repellent for my other horse ( died of old age ) Sylvester, a lovely dapple grey. I’d used walnut leaves and boiled them as suggested and applied as a wash over him. It smelled lovely, kind of Cedar-y but next day he was a dirty brown colour. Apparently walnut juice is what Romany's used to use to cover up white patches on dark coloured horses when selling them...It wore off eventually but led me to be a bit wary of my experiments.
So this book is a godsend, containing some amazing recipes for things I need, and as a fan of essential oils I’ve got many of the ones used. ( I recently got a couple of incredible sets for review too) I’ll be buying a few more ready for the spring! Its interesting too that there are recipes for repellents for pets. My lovely Muska gets bothered by flies but hates sprays and the stuff sold for horses, so I’m going to try some of the pet ones on her, ones I can apply with a sponge. My daughter has two cats and two dogs so I might see if I can make stuff for them.
Its set out in a very easy to follow way. Often I feel non fiction reads are really better in print form as they’re hard to browse but this is in very defined chapters so its easy to go to a specific recipe or problem solution. Stephanie gives detailed info on the herbs and oils needed. I’ve always been interested in the use of herbs, use them a lot in cooking but I’ve never got round to using them as natural cosmetics and home cleaners. I grow quite a few so I’m going to try that starting with some simple potpourri – they beauty of making your own stuff is that you can tailor it to what you like, not be pushed by what someone else dictates. There’s so much in this ;little book, and its a fascinating, practical read.
.
Stars: Five, a terrific resource for those interested in natural remedies.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non Fiction
I hate dowsing myself in chemicals, the skin is our biggest organ and of course what goes On it also goes In it and I don’t like that. However we’ve a large garden with ponds, compost heaps and my lovely old horse Muska, so flies especially mosquitos are in abundance in summer – and warm spring/autumn days...We have bats too and they help but....While Him Indoors never gets bitten they seem to find me very tasty, and I spend my time trying not to itch the latest lovely bite. ( I’m prone to head lice too when the grandkids inevitably come home with them. are you itching yet reading this ?? ) I do use sparingly some chemical repellents, having tried unsuccessfully to concoct my own from essential oils. I tried once to make a fly repellent for my other horse ( died of old age ) Sylvester, a lovely dapple grey. I’d used walnut leaves and boiled them as suggested and applied as a wash over him. It smelled lovely, kind of Cedar-y but next day he was a dirty brown colour. Apparently walnut juice is what Romany's used to use to cover up white patches on dark coloured horses when selling them...It wore off eventually but led me to be a bit wary of my experiments.
So this book is a godsend, containing some amazing recipes for things I need, and as a fan of essential oils I’ve got many of the ones used. ( I recently got a couple of incredible sets for review too) I’ll be buying a few more ready for the spring! Its interesting too that there are recipes for repellents for pets. My lovely Muska gets bothered by flies but hates sprays and the stuff sold for horses, so I’m going to try some of the pet ones on her, ones I can apply with a sponge. My daughter has two cats and two dogs so I might see if I can make stuff for them.
Its set out in a very easy to follow way. Often I feel non fiction reads are really better in print form as they’re hard to browse but this is in very defined chapters so its easy to go to a specific recipe or problem solution. Stephanie gives detailed info on the herbs and oils needed. I’ve always been interested in the use of herbs, use them a lot in cooking but I’ve never got round to using them as natural cosmetics and home cleaners. I grow quite a few so I’m going to try that starting with some simple potpourri – they beauty of making your own stuff is that you can tailor it to what you like, not be pushed by what someone else dictates. There’s so much in this ;little book, and its a fascinating, practical read.
.
Stars: Five, a terrific resource for those interested in natural remedies.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
February 23, 2016
I would like to thank Storey Publishing for providing me with a free ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
What a fantastic little compendium to have in the home to help not only keep you, your pets and your home bug-free, but nasty chemical free too!
As some of my other reviews may have indicated, I’m a bit of a herbalist and I have to say this would be a great addition to my small library of herbal remedy books as it covers “bug” eradication far better than any others I own!
One of the things I really enjoyed was that, yes, it covered all the basics that I already (mostly) knew… but it did it in such a manner it wasn’t dull, repetitive or made me feel like I was being talked down to. This has happened in other books I won’t mention! No, ‘Naturally Bug-free’ was thorough, comprehensive and enjoyable to read without me feeling like I was being granny taught to suck eggs… now I do wonder how many people know that saying? ;-)
I also loved the ‘Ingredient dictionary’ as it just focussed on the facts of the herbs in their relation to being bug-free. So many herbalist books list the herbs and all the things they do and only occasionally touch on why they are in the book. Nope, in ‘Naturally Bug-free’ we kept to the subject at hand, kept it short, sharp and shiny and made the read all the more enjoyable for someone like me. When I use a herbal book like this I am doing it for a specific purpose and don’t want to wade through pages of pointless facts before the point is found. So really enjoyed the ‘directly to the point’ attitude of this book. It encourages me to turn to it again and again with the feeling I will find what I want first time without having to look too hard. Best sort of reference/ recipe/ remedies book you can get!
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. Whether you are a beginner in natural remedies, a bit advanced like me or someone who feels they know what they’re doing but still like a little reminder – this book is for you. It might be basic, but is still covers things in such a way that it doesn’t make you feel like you’re an idiot. It is simply there to help, guide and keep you naturally bug-free.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I would. Whether as an eBook or a paper version, I would HAPPILY have this book take up space in my home as I can see myself turning to it time and again as a better option to nasty chemical pesticides. My garden is filled with a lot of the ingredients already so it is perfect!
In summary: Storey Publishing have done it again by creating such a fantastic little reference book to help keep you, your pets and your home natural bug-free. It is a great herbal helper to have in your home and I strongly recommend it!
What a fantastic little compendium to have in the home to help not only keep you, your pets and your home bug-free, but nasty chemical free too!
As some of my other reviews may have indicated, I’m a bit of a herbalist and I have to say this would be a great addition to my small library of herbal remedy books as it covers “bug” eradication far better than any others I own!
One of the things I really enjoyed was that, yes, it covered all the basics that I already (mostly) knew… but it did it in such a manner it wasn’t dull, repetitive or made me feel like I was being talked down to. This has happened in other books I won’t mention! No, ‘Naturally Bug-free’ was thorough, comprehensive and enjoyable to read without me feeling like I was being granny taught to suck eggs… now I do wonder how many people know that saying? ;-)
I also loved the ‘Ingredient dictionary’ as it just focussed on the facts of the herbs in their relation to being bug-free. So many herbalist books list the herbs and all the things they do and only occasionally touch on why they are in the book. Nope, in ‘Naturally Bug-free’ we kept to the subject at hand, kept it short, sharp and shiny and made the read all the more enjoyable for someone like me. When I use a herbal book like this I am doing it for a specific purpose and don’t want to wade through pages of pointless facts before the point is found. So really enjoyed the ‘directly to the point’ attitude of this book. It encourages me to turn to it again and again with the feeling I will find what I want first time without having to look too hard. Best sort of reference/ recipe/ remedies book you can get!
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. Whether you are a beginner in natural remedies, a bit advanced like me or someone who feels they know what they’re doing but still like a little reminder – this book is for you. It might be basic, but is still covers things in such a way that it doesn’t make you feel like you’re an idiot. It is simply there to help, guide and keep you naturally bug-free.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I would. Whether as an eBook or a paper version, I would HAPPILY have this book take up space in my home as I can see myself turning to it time and again as a better option to nasty chemical pesticides. My garden is filled with a lot of the ingredients already so it is perfect!
In summary: Storey Publishing have done it again by creating such a fantastic little reference book to help keep you, your pets and your home natural bug-free. It is a great herbal helper to have in your home and I strongly recommend it!
February 6, 2016
Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects by Stephanie L. Tourles is currently scheduled for release on February 23 2016. This book is a resource that offers the information you can use to protect yourself, your children, your pets, and your home from bugs without using store bought chemicals. There are 75 simple recipes for safe, effective bug repellents you can make at home from all-natural ingredients. The recipes can offer protection from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects. There are also recipes for pets, such as herbal shampoo, bedding formulas, and flea-and-tick collars and powders. The book also includes repellents for the home, such as sachets that repel moths, carpet powders that repel fleas and ants, and essential oil repellents to keep your pantry pest-free. A detailed ingredient dictionary explains the properties of all the herbs, essential oils, and other key ingredients.
Naturally Bug-Free is a wonderful resource for readers that want to explore natural avenues in home and health care. the book goes into great detail about the why and how anyone can go about using all natural recipes. There are concise and informative descriptions about each possible ingredient, tool, and storage container that you might use. There are recipes sprays, balms, body oils, and tinctures, with scents ranging from eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. I like the level of detail and information included, as well as the variety of recipes. While I tend to stick to the most gentle sprays, there is something for everyone willing to take the leap into natural repellents. The inclusion of personal insect repellents, as well as those for pets, homes, and prevention really make this a resource that can be utilized by all skill and interest levels. All of the information included is important, some of it necessary reminders for those that might think themselves already experienced or highly knowledgeable on the subject.
Naturally Bug-Free is a useful and highly informative resource for anyone looking the defend themselves, their family, their pets, or their homes from pests without using harsh chemicals that might cause damage to the environment (or themselves). This would be a great addition to home or library collections.
Naturally Bug-Free is a wonderful resource for readers that want to explore natural avenues in home and health care. the book goes into great detail about the why and how anyone can go about using all natural recipes. There are concise and informative descriptions about each possible ingredient, tool, and storage container that you might use. There are recipes sprays, balms, body oils, and tinctures, with scents ranging from eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. I like the level of detail and information included, as well as the variety of recipes. While I tend to stick to the most gentle sprays, there is something for everyone willing to take the leap into natural repellents. The inclusion of personal insect repellents, as well as those for pets, homes, and prevention really make this a resource that can be utilized by all skill and interest levels. All of the information included is important, some of it necessary reminders for those that might think themselves already experienced or highly knowledgeable on the subject.
Naturally Bug-Free is a useful and highly informative resource for anyone looking the defend themselves, their family, their pets, or their homes from pests without using harsh chemicals that might cause damage to the environment (or themselves). This would be a great addition to home or library collections.
March 2, 2016
Title: Naturally Bug Free - 67 Non-Toxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes,
Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths and Other Pesky Insects
Author: Stephanie L Tourles
Published: 2-23-16
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Pages: 176
Genre: Home & Garden
Sub Genre: Do It Yourself
ISBN: 9781612325961
ASIN: B00Z8CZOQA
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
This is the perfect book for anyone like myself that has grown up with so many allergies that the all but lived in a bubble. Strong odors will set off an attack in a heartbeat. When shopping I literally cannot go down the scented candle aisle or the cleaning supply one either. If no one is with me I have to have a store clerk go and retrieve the items I need. Naturally bug free tells you of the different plants you can grow in your own yard to repel fleas and ticks, and when you live in the middle of nowhere. I love it and make no apology for it. Examples are catnip for fleas and ticks and ordinary household spice of Black and Cayenne Pepper, which work on cockroaches and aunts.
I have plans to own two copies of this particular book soon. I do not want to take a chance of losing it. I literally have to leave my home when the exterminator comes each month. Using Naturally Bug Free I can stay in my home and not impose on anyone to stay there waiting for the man to show.
The Glossary of plants, herbs, and oils is an eye-opener. The instructions are very easy to understand and follow. You can learn how to dry our these beauties and how to store them. I cannot recommend this book enough. Pick it up, look it over and it will soon become a frequently used book in your library.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Bug-F...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/natur...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths and Other Pesky Insects
Author: Stephanie L Tourles
Published: 2-23-16
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Pages: 176
Genre: Home & Garden
Sub Genre: Do It Yourself
ISBN: 9781612325961
ASIN: B00Z8CZOQA
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
This is the perfect book for anyone like myself that has grown up with so many allergies that the all but lived in a bubble. Strong odors will set off an attack in a heartbeat. When shopping I literally cannot go down the scented candle aisle or the cleaning supply one either. If no one is with me I have to have a store clerk go and retrieve the items I need. Naturally bug free tells you of the different plants you can grow in your own yard to repel fleas and ticks, and when you live in the middle of nowhere. I love it and make no apology for it. Examples are catnip for fleas and ticks and ordinary household spice of Black and Cayenne Pepper, which work on cockroaches and aunts.
I have plans to own two copies of this particular book soon. I do not want to take a chance of losing it. I literally have to leave my home when the exterminator comes each month. Using Naturally Bug Free I can stay in my home and not impose on anyone to stay there waiting for the man to show.
The Glossary of plants, herbs, and oils is an eye-opener. The instructions are very easy to understand and follow. You can learn how to dry our these beauties and how to store them. I cannot recommend this book enough. Pick it up, look it over and it will soon become a frequently used book in your library.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Bug-F...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/natur...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
February 5, 2016
I received an ARC from Netgalley to read and review.
Fantastic book with great recipes for deterring bugs in your home, from your pets and from you!! I'm fairly new in my use of essential oils, but already love using them. This books helps me with more uses for my oils and helps me get more chemicals out of my home.
I've already pre-ordered my book and can't wait for it to arrive!
Fantastic book with great recipes for deterring bugs in your home, from your pets and from you!! I'm fairly new in my use of essential oils, but already love using them. This books helps me with more uses for my oils and helps me get more chemicals out of my home.
I've already pre-ordered my book and can't wait for it to arrive!
March 23, 2016
Yay, my new weapon in the fight against pesticides! The man of the house trusts in his toxins--does he not gag at the cloud of fumes? Thank-you, Ms. Tourles, for helping me grow healthy. And as a rampant knitter, I especially appreciate knowing the great variety of herbs for keeping the clothing moth at bay. (Yes, that was an appropriate pun.)
July 25, 2016
Well, I was looking for a mosquito repellant without harsh chemicals, didn't know I'd have to use Vodka, or Grain Alcohol! But I did like the recommendation that a simple fan will keep mosquitos away. I have one of those!
September 23, 2016
If the essential oils were not so expensive I would try some of these recipes. It is very interesting little book. It makes me want an herb garden. Definitely a healthy alternative to the poisons they sell.
December 28, 2015
I love the idea of most of these remedies. My daughter is allergic to bug bites and the fact that I have most of these at home is perfect.
May 24, 2016
The book has some good recipes but some of the ingredients are harder for me to find.
May 31, 2016
lots of great recipes for getting rid of mosquitoes! Some of the ingredients are a bit hard to find...
October 8, 2016
Handy little reference.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews