Well tomorrow is the 4th and like most I'll be outside, grilling and watching the fireworks. Yep me, the kids, neighbors and OMG the bugs. I swear in FL our mosquitoes can be so big I think you could ride them with a saddle. So what to do? Do you pour bugspray that is full of harmful pesticides all over you or do you try other ways to get rid of the pesty little buggers?

So what are some of your ways of keeping the pests away? Here are some tips from Suite101

Common Products Frequently Used as Bug Repellent

One of the most effective ways to keep biting and stinging insects away is to mask natural human scent. The following foods will lower personal appeal:

• Citrus peels: gnats and mosquitoes detest the smell of citrus fruit peels like oranges, limes and lemons. Rub freshly cut peels over the skin and expect immediate results.
• Garlic: mosquitoes (not to mention many humans) hate the smell of garlic. During spring and summer months, consume garlic on a regular basis. This decreases insects' interest in feasting on your flesh. Do not rub garlic directly on the skin (see below), as it can cause irritation.
• Onion: although it's not a great perfume, a freshly sliced onion, rubbed over the skin, helps to keep mosquitoes and other insects from biting.

Instructions for Making Homemade Insect Spray

A variety of household products can be used to create non-toxic insect sprays. Experiment using any of the following sprays to determine your personal potion:

• Apple cider vinegar: fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and spray the solution on skin before going outdoors.
• Garlic repellent: although garlic should not be directly applied to the skin, a garlic spray created with warm water and a few cloves or crushed garlic is excellent mosquito repellent. Place the mixture in a plastic spray bottle. Before an outdoor picnic, spray the surrounding area (plants, chairs, etc.), including clothing, with garlic spray to clear away pests.
• Lemon eucalyptus oil: add 5-6 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water and fill a spray bottle. Spray clothing, plants, and surrounding area.
• Vanilla spray: a sweeter choice than garlic, vanilla extract is a total turn-off to many types of bugs. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of water and one tablespoon of vanilla extract and spray directly onto the skin. Use a cloth or tissue to blend well into the skin.

I dunno I have sensitive skin so the thought of rubbing lemons, garlic or onions on it doesn't really thrill me. Plus I can't imagine I would be fun to hang out with you if you smell like that. I do however stalk up on Citronella Candles. This is a very noxious scent to mosquitoes. When burning, they will not fly near them, so it is best to have many outside when you are going to spend an evening on the porch or patio.

Here is another trick that we use and it does seam to work: Pin several fabric softener dryer sheets to your clothes when you are outside. The sheets have a repelling effect on mosquitoes. You can also take a sheet of it and rub your skin with it. Bonus you smell nice and much better then if you were to spray or rub garlic on you .

I guess when all else fails you can always be a ninja like the President (just don't do it if your Hosting a PETA party).

SO does anyone else have any tips? I know some are lucky and they don't bother you. For my middle son and I well we aren't so lucky. If there is a mosquitoe within 5 miles it will hunt us down and bite us