Hey momoluvers, it's Momo and today I'll be showing you how to have the perfect picnic free of annoying bugs. Spring is coming soon and that means the picnic blankets and baskets will come out so I thought I'd help you prepare to have the perfect day outside.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

1. First, you have to pick a location. Try to stay on dry ground when having a picnic. Any kind of lake or muddy soil is a home for many little creatures. A hot dry area, like an open field can be ideal for a great picnic. Even just a backyard picnic can be fun!

2. Check the weather. If it doesn't look too good, take a rain check. Bugs love the rain and the mud it causes, as well as the extreme heat. It's best to reschedule or change your plans if the weather seems risky.

3. Pack the right foods. (See step 2)

Step 2: What to Pack

1. Pack some citrus fruits. Peels of lemons, limes, and oranges have strong insect repelling properties. Oranges can be a yummy snack, but when you're done, place the orange peels around your blanket or picnic basket.

2. Hot dogs, coleslaw, and watermelon are all great foods to bring to a picnic, but attract bugs. If this is a food you choose to take, depend on the peels, and some bug spray.

3. Sandwiches! A good PB&J, BLT, or club sandwich can be great for picnics! These don't attract most bugs, so this is a perfect meal for picnics.

4. Resealable foods. Foods in bags, like chips, are easy to close up and keep from bugs when not being eaten. Any food item in a bag or package that can be closed up is a great snack for a great day!

5. Games! Pack a soccer ball, frisbee, volleyball, etc. anything that can keep you active and moving around. Bugs mostly attack when you are sitting and seem vulnerable. When you're running around, the bugs tend to stay away.

6. In case of emergency; you should bring an umbrella, first aid kit, cover for your food, etc. in case it begins to rain or someone gets hurt.

7. BUG SPRAY. I know you all were thinking when I'd get to this one! (See step 3)

Step 3: Homemade Bug Spray + Alternatives

To make your own bug spray, you will need:
1. 15-25 drops of your preferred essential oil. (Tea tree, lavender, lemongrass, clove, mint, panaway, peppermint, and Rosemary all work great.)
2. 2 tbsp. Water
3. 1 tbsp. Rubbing alcohol
Pour water into a spray bottle (you can adjust proportions depending on the size of your bottle). Add rubbing alcohol and shake. Stir in the essential oil until well combined. Shake before use.

If you don't want to make your own bug spray, you can use any of the following as substitutes:
1. White vinegar ~ this is another pungent and sour smell bugs hate. Put a little in a spritz bottle and spray the surrounding area
2. Dryer sheet ~ when I read this one, I couldn't believe it but if you stick a dryer sheet or two in your pocket, it can act as natural bug repellent.
3. Garlic ~ you can either pack foods with lots of fresh garlic, or you can just bring a bit and put it near you somewhere

Step 4: Execute!

Now just put everything together and call some friends! A picnic is a great weekend activity to get outside and spend time with loved ones. I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial!

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