Don't Let Them Bug You - Natural Ways to Combat Summer's Pesky Insects; Heloise, Top Lifestyle ''Hintologist'', Offers ''No Buzz'' Hints On Controlling Ants, Mosquitoes and Other Bugs Naturally.

TEXARKANA, Texas -- With increased time outdoors combined with skin-baring fashions and footwear, Americans will likely be spending more time swatting bugs than chowing on hotdogs and hamburgers this summer. "However, there are natural and effective ways to beat these pesky insects and still be able to enjoy the pleasures of the season without all the chemicals," says Heloise, popular "hintologist" and lifestyle expert at www.simplehomeremedies.com.

"It is possible to enjoy outdoor spaces this summer for picnics, gardening and barbecues with homemade, eco-friendly insect repellent alternatives," says Heloise. "Using essential oils and other natural products can help control the insect population in and around your home without saturating your space with pesticides."

Commercial bug sprays and foggers can keep pests at bay, of course, however, they also kill beneficial insects in your garden (such as spiders, for instance). Here are just a few helpful insect repellent hints from Heloise to help combat summer pests:

--Put a couple of drops of lavender or peppermint oil on a cool light bulb. Turn on the light to spread this light fragrance and help repel bugs in a particular room.

--Place several drops of lavender or peppermint oil on a cotton ball in an open jar. Place the jar near or under the bed to help keep bugs away.

--Mix a solution of 32 ounces of water and five drops of lavender oil to wipe down a picnic table or lawn furniture for a pest-free meal/gathering.

--Mix just two drops of lavender, peppermint or citronella oil with a teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as almond or sweet oil, to create a natural insect repellent to dab on exposed skin. (Note: Do not use essential oils full-strength - without the carrier oil to dilute them - on bare skin as this could cause skin irritation in some individuals).

--Make a homemade insect repellent body splash by adding five drops of lavender oil to four tablespoons water and two teaspoons of rubbing alcohol. Put in either a small bottle to use as a splash or in a spray bottle to apply on your skin.

--To get rid of roaches, mix half boric acid powder and half sugar, cornmeal or flour. Put in lids or small containers and place in the areas where you see roaches. They will track it back to their nests and eventually they will die. Boric acid is very effective in controlling these insects in or around your home. Note: please keep it away from pets and children.

--Lavender oil is recognized as an effective and safe way to help get rid of fleas and keep them away for the short term. Using a dog brush as a guide, cut a piece of fabric (i.e., an old clean towel, cotton material or even several layers of old clean panty hose) larger than the "head" of the brush. Dab on several drops of lavender oil and then scrunch the fabric together to spread the oil. Put this over the brush and press into the bristles. Brush over your dog's coat, rinsing the brush in clear water if necessary. This is a nice way to "freshen" your dog's coat and help ward off fleas at the same time. Don't use around the face area. You can even combine a few drops of lavender oil in water in a spray bottle and spritz pet bedding to freshen and protect from fleas, too.

For more information about insect repellent tips and other home remedies using natural ingredients, visit www.simplehomeremedies.com