As summer rolls in and you start spending more time outdoors, you inevitably become a target for mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs. This simple bug bite relief stick, made from a few essential oils and natural ingredients, can help alleviate pain, minimize redness, and most importantly, stop the itching!

Here’s what you’ll need:

– 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
– 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
– 2 tablespoons of Beeswax Pastilles
– 2 tablespoons of Coconut oil
– Lip balm containers
– A heatproof container with a spout
– A bamboo skewer for stirring

I chose small lip balm container tubes for easy application. These usually come in packs of 25, which might seem like a lot, but this recipe filled 14 tubes, each holding 3/16th of an ounce. If you prefer not to make that many, you can use a half-pint canning jar instead.

Step 1:
Add the beeswax and coconut oil to a heatproof container with a spout. Using a container with a spout is crucial because it makes pouring into the tubes much easier later on.

Step 2:
Place the container with the beeswax and coconut oil into a heavy-bottomed pan with about 2 inches of water. Set the pan on low heat and allow the contents to melt, stirring frequently with the bamboo skewer.

Step 3:
Once the mixture is melted, remove the container from the pan carefully. Add 20 drops each of Lavender and Peppermint essential oils to the melted mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 4:
Line up your lip balm tubes on a cookie sheet or a flat surface lined with a towel to prevent slipping. Fill each tube just to the top and allow them to cool. They will become opaque as they solidify.

Application:
Apply the bug bite relief stick generously to any bug bites. The coconut oil and beeswax will help keep the bite area moist and aid in healing. Peppermint provides pain relief while lavender reduces inflammation. Both essential oils also have antibacterial properties. Carry a tube with you and give one to each family member.