Conquering the Critters: Family Fun in the Sun (Even with Mosquitos!)
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Summer sunshine beckons us outdoors, but let's be honest, sometimes the mosquitos have the same idea. Here at the Coggins household, we're passionate about soaking up the beauty of God's creation, and that includes spending quality time together in our backyard. But how do you balance those long, lazy summer days with the pesky itch of a mosquito bite?
We've all been there: the kids begging to play outside, but the thought of swatting away bugs all afternoon keeps you chained to the porch swing. Here's the thing – missing out on those precious outdoor moments shouldn't be the answer!
We've developed a few tactics over the years to make the most of our summer evenings, even with the mosquitos buzzing around.
First Line of Defense: Clothing
It might sound counterintuitive in the heat, but hear me out! Long sleeves and pants are surprisingly effective at keeping the little buggers at bay. Plus, when the kids are busy digging in the dirt these extra layers can also offer protection from scrapes and sunburns.
Murphy's Naturals Insect Repellent: A Gentle Approach
We like to use a natural bug spray on exposed skin. It provides a layer of protection without the harsh chemicals found in some commercial brands. There are plenty of great options available, so do some research and find one that works for your family, but we love this one is mosquito AND tick repellant. We very recently found a tick on our oldest which was quite the experience for both her and us. Unfortunately we weren’t outside when she got it (still not sure how this happened) so she wasn’t wearing this repellant at the time, but this instance makes us love this repellant event more with the tick repellant included!
Thermacell: Creating a Bug-Free Zone
For longer outdoor adventures, we swear by our Thermacell. This little device creates a bug-free zone around us – a lifesaver when we're working in the garden, setting up camp for a backyard fire, or having a family cookout.
The Bug Bite Thing: A Soothing Savior
Let's face it, even with all our precautions, a sneaky mosquito might still find a sweet spot. That's where "The Bug Bite Thing" comes in. We found this this nifty little gadget years ago when we were at our wits end with bug bites and willing to try ANYTHING. For $10 we gave this thing a shot and it has been worth every single penny. It uses suction to reduce the swelling and itch of a bite, a welcome relief for everyone (especially the kids!).
Remember: We're not suggesting you turn your backyard into a fortress against nature. But by putting a few simple strategies in place, you can conquer the critters and reclaim your outdoor space.
After all, there's something truly magical about watching fireflies dance under the twilight sky, or listening to the symphony of crickets as you roast marshmallows around the fire pit.
Don't let the mosquitos win! With a little planning and some smart tools, you can create lasting memories with your family, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
P.S. Looking for more information on the products mentioned? Here are a few links to get you started:
Murphy's Naturals Insect Repellent: As mentioned above, this is both mosquito AND tick repellant!
Thermacell: FYI, This device requires charging and to buy refill repellant inserts after you use what initially comes with the device, but we’ve still felt it was worth it!
The Bug Bite Thing: This thing is infinitely reusable year after year!
Now get out there and soak up the sun (and the joy of being together)!