Anyone heard of cactus juice? (Bug spray ?)

happylady07

One of my friends was telling me it's a great bug repellent, is anyone familiar with it and do you know if it's safe to use when pregnant?  The bugs are already getting horrible where I live and I know many bug sprays are out for me this summer, I'm looking for alternatives.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!  

TeamM

I have not heard of cactus juice, hmmm. I have tried basil in planters on my deck for mosquitoes. I am sure that you can find a way to make it into a spray. Also a lemon oil is good.

Good luck!

jenb_99

Who told you that many bug sprays are out?

I've read quite a few sites that say even DEET is safe as long as you use it only as directed (and in lower concentrations) and don't ingest it.

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-use-insect-repellent-while-im-pregnant_9220.bc

happylady07

jenbarker99:

Who told you that many bug sprays are out?

I've read quite a few sites that say even DEET is safe as long as you use it only as directed (and in lower concentrations) and don't ingest it.

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-use-insect-repellent-while-im-pregnant_9220.bc

With the amount of bugs where I live, you have to use a LOT of bug spray, and reapply often, and I remember the DEET stuff making me feel sick from the smell last year when I wasn't prego, so I'm not going to go near it.  I'm not over-cautious with most things, but the fact that DEET is a pesticide that does get absorbed into your bloodstream and therefore can reach the baby, freaks me out.