Summer is upon us here in Aotearoa and I for one can’t wait to hit the beach and spend time outdoors with my family and friends. The warmer weather inevitably brings mosquitos, sandflies and other pesky insects to our shores. Although the majority of insect bites are harmless to most, they can cause considerable discomfort and have some of us wishing for the end of the summer season before it’s barely begun.

Don’t let insect bites ruin your summer! Act now to plan your defence against insects and let’s make this summer the best yet.

How do I know if I’ve been bitten?
You know the feeling fell… you’re sitting outside enjoying a cold drink or BBQ and suddenly you have the urge to scratch a spot on your legs or arms. A red lump or swelling may appear soon after, sometimes with a small blister in the centre. Ouch! Mosquitos and other insects are naturally attracted to some of us, while others escape the summer unscathed. You never know when one will choose you as their next victim, so it pays to be prepared…

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail (or, in this case, be bitten!)
Before you throw open the windows in your home, don your jandals and head for the great outdoors, take a few moments to insect-proof yourself and your home. Believe us, you’ll be thankful later.

There’s plenty of preventative measures you can take around your home; fitting insect screens on your windows or putting a mosquito net over your bed will help stop insects from getting in and enjoying a midnight feast at your expense. Better still, keep windows closed at night and opt for a fan and a cooling pad to keep you from overheating on those hot, sticky nights. Wear long cotton pyjamas or a long-sleeved nightshirt.

But what about when you’re heading outdoors? Us Kiwis love to tramp and camp in the summer months, so make sure you protect yourself and your family’s delicate skin by applying an insect repellent that contains 100% natural ingredients and zero nasty chemicals. Your skin will love you for it! Natures Pond insect repellent, available in spray or balm is easy to apply and it works for hours to repel insects and protect your skin. The all-natural ingredients include almond oil, Witch Hazel, beeswax and essential oils. Our skin-friendly products make for a sweet-smelling alternative that won’t see you sneezing on application. https://naturespond.nz/collections/outdoors 

Help! I’ve been bitten!
Despite our best efforts, sometimes insects strike when we’re least expecting it. So, what can you do to relieve the symptoms of bug bites? The key is acting fast to minimise pain and inflammation. Apply a cold, wet compress to the affected area or take a cool bath, if possible. Most importantly, resist the urge to scratch as this can lead to broken skin and even infection.

It pays to have an effective healing balm or ointment to hand at all times. Natures Pond Healing Balm is made with medicinal plants including kawakawa, manuka, kanuka and tarata. It has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that many have found super soothing on itchy insect bites. Available in a range of sizes and containers, it’s easy to find one to suit.  https://naturespond.nz/collections/healing-balm

So, what’s the key takeaway from this blog? Act now to prevent discomfort later! When you’re doing your summer shopping, don’t forget to stock up on the all-important insect repellent and a good healing balm. Apply insect repellent as regularly as you slap on your sunblock. Choose products with natural ingredients to protect your family’s skin and check out customer recommendations before you buy. Here at Natures Pond, we pride ourselves on using all-natural ingredients grown and harnessed by ourselves. Browse our full product offering and customer reviews. https://naturespond.nz/pages/healing-balm-natural-skincare-reviews

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With natural loving care, Natures Pond x