It’s summertime—time to get outside and have fun! My perfect summer day? A jog through the park in the morning, a picnic on the beach in the afternoon, and a walk around the neighborhood at sunset.

Unfortunately, summer isn’t all about being carefree. Along with beach days, hikes through the woods, backyard barbecues, and all-night games of Relievio come bug bites and poison ivy. Scientists believe that the plant is becoming even more abundant due to increasing carbon dioxide levels as well as an unusually moist spring and a hot summer in some regions. The plant can be hard to spot – look for clusters three leaves which can be either shiny or dull, and turn red or orange in the fall. Summer is also, often, about bug bites, which can also ruin summer fun.

For poison ivy, you can always use Benadryl or over-the-counter anti-itch creams, but they can get pricey. There are natural solutions out there, too—and they’re much cheaper than drugstore medications. Check it out:

Pacify poison ivy

• DO NOT SHOWER! Well, shower eventually—just make sure you first clean the infected area with rubbing alcohol to get rid of the poison ivy oil. If you don’t do this then the warm water of the shower will open up your pores and spread the oil.
• Rub the inside of banana peels on the infection, then cover with a bandage. This will sooth the itch. Just make sure to change the bandage frequently so you don’t smell like a rotting banana!
• Cover the infected areas with either oatmeal paste or baking soda paste. For the oatmeal, make it like you normally would, let it cool, then apply a thick layer and let it harden. For the baking soda, make a thick paste with 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water, and apply that to the rash. Or make a mixture—put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into your oatmeal and try that!

Battle bug bites

• Put tea tree oil on bites every few hours. The oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal.
•  Dab some honey on your bite, then cover with a bandage. It will cut the pain, plus it’s antibiotic and will help the bite heal.
• Put cucumber or eggplant slices on bites to reduce itch and draw out toxins.

Hopefully, when you go outside, you’ll remember your bug spray and you’ll be sure to avoid those shiny leaves. But if you do get bit or stung or face a nasty rash, keep these tips in mind—both to save money and to feel better!

The power of vinegar

Vinegar doesn’t smell so good, either to us OR bugs. Apparently if you rub vinegar on your skin, it will keep mosquitoes away. And if you do get a bite, rubbing with vinegar will make it feel better.