How To Use A Sage Bundle To Keep Bugs Away

Spending time outdoors can be enjoyable until mosquitoes and flies decide to crash the party. To avoid using chemical bug sprays, burning sage in an outdoor campfire or on a fireproof surface nearby can help prevent a massive swarm. That distinct aroma that is produced once it's allowed to smolder is found to be unpleasant to many insects. Additionally, sage contains natural compounds like cineole and camphor, which disrupt the sensory receptors of insects, deterring them from landing and biting. As a bonus, scientific studies have confirmed the mood-enhancing properties of burning sage, as well as its ability to purify and cleanse the air by eliminating bacteria.

It's important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of burning sage can vary depending on different factors, including smoke concentration, wind conditions, and the different species of insects you're trying to deter. Still, it's always a good idea to use natural methods in conjunction with burning herbs. 

You'll first want to start with dried sage leaves. If you're using your own herbs, tightly bundle the dried leaves using cotton thread, hemp, or natural twine. Light the sage bundle at a 45-degree angle and let it burn for around 20 seconds. Gently blow out the flame and allow the leaves to smolder and release smoke. You can then carry the smoldering sage bundle with you or place it in a fire-safe container in your desired outdoor area. Alternatively, you can take a bundle of fresh herbs and add it to your fire, though this will rapidly release smoke and not necessarily give you long-term mosquito coverage.

In addition to burning sage bundles or tossing a handful of dried sage into your fire pit, crushing and rubbing fresh sage over your skin will directly prevent mosquitoes from bothering you. Alternately, sage incense sticks and-or cones are also an easy and effective way to harness the bug-repellent properties of this potent herb. To use sage incense, simply light one end of the stick or cone and allow the flame to burn for a few seconds. Once it catches fire, gently blow out the flame so that it just leaves a glowing ember. Make sure you put your incense in a suitable holder, like ceramic or metal. You can also try making a sage-infused all-natural bug-repellent spray, too.

In addition to sage, there are other potent herbs that have the same repelling abilities. Lavender, mint, lemon balm, and citronella are herbs that mosquitoes and some bugs strongly dislike, and they will make a quick 180-degree turn if they smell it. When burned, lavender is highly effective at repelling flying insects and can also be rubbed directly onto your skin to release its natural oils. This fragrant flower is also thought to help elevate mood. Members of the mint family, like peppermint and lemon balm, can be either kept in a planter nearby or dried and burned. The latter option emits a strong odor that mosquitoes can't deal with. Lemon calm blooms small white flowers that have a mild lemony scent.  

While some people can't stand the smell of citronella, the fresh version is a mild deterrent and can be grown in your outdoor space to help deter pests. You can also use all-natural citronella punks, candles, and-or incense, or even make citronella bundles to burn.