green nails with gold tips

ECO-FRIENDLY SUMMER TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER SEASON

Glorious summer days spent outdoors can quickly be spoiled by pesky wasps, annoying mosquitoes, relentless ants, and painful sunburns.

But don’t worry! I’ve gathered some super smart summer hacks to help you tackle all these nuisances quickly and effectively, including:

DIY WASP TRAP

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to keep wasps out of the garden when you have lovely, sweet-smelling fruit trees that attract them.

If wasps become a problem, you might need to create a DIY wasp trap. However, only set it up if you’re dealing with an infestation, as it can attract even more wasps to your garden. If you just want to eliminate a few wasps, try this DIY wasp spray instead.

Making this trap is simple:

  1. Take a large plastic bottle.
  2. Cut off the neck of the bottle.
  3. Invert the neck and place it inside the bottle to create a funnel.
  4. Poke handle holes on either side of the bottle using a screwdriver.
  5. Remove the funnel and add your wasp bait (see below).
  6. Reinsert the funnel and tie string through the holes to create a handle.
  7. Hang the trap on the opposite side of the garden from where you want to relax!

Wasp Trap Bait

Different baits work best at various times of the year:

  • Spring: Combine cooked meat fat, water, and a little dish soap. The meat fat attracts wasps during their breeding season.
  • Mid to Late Summer: As fruit ripens, use fruit juice or pieces of ripe fruit mixed with dish soap. The dish soap suffocates the wasps, preventing them from flying so they become trapped.

Caution: Be very careful when emptying the trap, as there may be live wasps inside.

Tip: To safely block the funnel overnight, quickly place a tennis ball on top of the trap. The wasps will be dead by morning, and you can then flush them away.

Wasp Sting Remedies

If you do get stung by a wasp, use these quick home remedies to relieve pain fast.

WASP REPELLENT PLANTS

Plants that repel wasps can effectively help keep these pests away from your garden, patio areas, and dining spaces. Here are some effective wasp-repellent plants:

  • Rue
  • Lemongrass
  • Citronella
  • Eucalyptus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Marigolds
  • Thyme
  • Lemon Balm
  • Basil
  • Cucumbers
  • Spearmint
  • Peppermint

RUE

Rue is a semi-woody perennial herb characterized by its yellow flowers and growth height of 2-3 feet. This herb is effective at repelling stinging wasps.

You can plant rue alongside fruit trees to deter wasps, or use large pots of rue around patios to help keep these pests at bay. Its aromatic foliage not only serves as a natural repellent but also adds beauty to your garden space.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is another effective wasp-repelling plant that grows to a height of 2-3 feet. Its tall, dense growth makes it an excellent choice for bordering backyards, gardens, and patios. In addition to repelling wasps, lemongrass adds a fresh scent to your outdoor spaces and can be used in culinary dishes.

CITRONELLA

Citronella is a delightful plant with purple flowers and a scent that both wasps and mosquitoes dislike. Growing up to 2 feet tall, citronella can be effectively added to mixed borders to help repel wasps. Its aromatic properties not only keep pests away but also enhance the overall ambiance of your garden.

EUCALYPTUS

The beautiful eucalyptus tree is an elegant option for repelling wasps. It can be grown as a tall tree or, with proper pruning, maintained as a graceful shrub. Eucalyptus not only enhances the aesthetic of your garden but also emits a scent that deters wasps, making it a functional and attractive addition to your outdoor space.

PENNYROYAL

Pennyroyal is a charming flowering plant recognized for its ability to repel wasps and mosquitoes. However, it’s important to note that pennyroyal is toxic if ingested, so it’s best to avoid planting it near edible herbs to prevent any confusion. Its pleasant appearance can still enhance your garden while providing pest-repelling benefits.

MARIGOLDS

Golden marigolds are a vibrant addition to any garden, effectively deterring various pests, including mosquitoes, slugs, snails, and wasps. These hardy flowers are easy to grow in patio pots and can also be used to beautify garden tables, helping to keep wasps away from your food. Their colorful blooms not only enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor space but also serve a practical purpose in pest control.

THYME

Thyme is incredibly easy to grow, making it a great choice for both small patio pots and as a charming edging hedge. This fragrant herb not only adds beauty to your outdoor space but also helps repel annoying wasps. Its compact growth and low maintenance requirements make thyme an ideal addition to any garden or patio area.

LEMON BALM

Lemon balm adds a delightful fragrance to the garden and is effective at repelling wasps. It looks beautiful in patio pots and can also enhance mixed borders and be planted around fruit trees.

BASIL

Basil is a simple-to-grow natural antibiotic that serves as an excellent wasp repellent, making it a perfect addition to any herb garden.

SPEARMINT

Place pots of wasp-repellent spearmint on your patio or porch to deter wasps while you relax or enjoy a meal. Plus, with fresh spearmint on hand, you can easily make a variety of recipes, including a deliciously refreshing spearmint iced tea—perfect for those long summer days spent on the porch!

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is another easy-to-grow mint that effectively keeps wasps at bay. Having fresh peppermint in the garden is fantastic for whipping up delicious dishes like mint salad, mint sorbet, or the perfect mint mojitos!

CUCUMBER

Last summer, I grew wasp-repellent cucumbers for the first time, and they turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable and easy gardening project. Cucumbers thrive in pots, allowing you to use them as a wasp-repellent plant on your patio or porch, as well as in your vegetable garden.

For additional tips, check out this guide to wasp-repellent plants from Five Spot Green Living.

WASP REPELLENT SPRAY

A simple DIY wasp repellent spray can also help keep wasps at bay. You can carefully spray it on yourself and around tables and doorways.

Many common herbs repel wasps, so you can create a DIY wasp spray using an infusion of any of the following herbs found in your kitchen:

  • Rosemary
  • Chamomile
  • Sage
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
  • Aniseed
  • Fennel seed
  • Cloves

While cloves are excellent at repelling wasps and flies, you might want to avoid spraying them directly on yourself!

To make the spray, combine equal parts of your herbal infusion (essentially a herb tea) with witch hazel in a small spray bottle.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of essential oils, you can make this DIY wasp spray from Five Spot Green Living using clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils.

WASP KILLER SPRAY

I try to avoid killing bugs unless absolutely necessary, but sometimes you have to take action if wasps get inside the house. You need to be cautious when dealing with them, as it’s easy to get stung. However, if they land on a hard surface, I use my quick DIY fly spray to handle the situation.

NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT HACKS

I live on one of London’s old marshes, where there’s an underground river at the end of the street, so come summer, mosquitoes are everywhere. Fortunately, I have some super easy hacks to keep them away and prevent them from breeding:

  • Burn Scents They Dislike: Use rosemary or sage on BBQs, or burn candles, incense sticks, or infusers with these scents.
  • Spray Yourself: Apply scents they hate, such as lavender or mint.
  • DIY Fly Trap Jars: Set up quick fly traps to catch them.
  • Avoid Standing Water: Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Keep Pond Water Moving: Use an aerator or bubbler to keep pond water circulating.
  • Use a Fan: Set up a fan on outdoor tables and by your back door to create a breeze that deters mosquitoes.
  • Cook Garlic on the BBQ: The smell of cooking garlic is something they dislike.
  • Drink Mint Tea: Enjoying mint tea helps you smell minty, which mosquitoes find unappealing.
  • Hang Lace Curtains: Just like grandma used to, hang old-fashioned lace curtains for an added barrier.
  • Plant Unwanted Flowers and Herbs: Incorporate flowers and herbs that repel mosquitoes in your garden.

For more information, check out tips below on making your own mosquito repellent candles, DIY bug spray, and bug balm. If you’re facing significant mosquito issues, take a look at this comprehensive guide to repelling mosquitoes.

MOSQUITO REPELLENT CANDLES

Mosquito repellent candles are a fantastic hack for summer evenings, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get them. You can easily make your own using just:

  • Empty jars
  • Tealights
  • Any mosquito-repellent herbs you have on hand

I grow mint and rosemary in my herb garden, so I often use those. You can also incorporate basil, as suggested in these DIY instructions from The Country Chic Cottage.

You can also add lemon that’s leftover from your drinks or, if you have it, a few drops of citronella oil, as seen in these versions from Bunch of Posies. This will enhance the mosquito-repelling properties of your candles!

DIY BUG SPRAY

A simple DIY bug spray is an essential hack for keeping bugs away in the backyard, while camping, or anywhere your kids are having fun outdoors. To make your own, all you need is:

  • A small spray bottle
  • Witch hazel (which also works as a natural treatment for blackheads!)
  • Any combination of essential oils that bugs dislike or herbal tea

For some fantastic tips on how to make bug spray with essential oils, check out One Essential Community.

I make mine with a quick infusion of lavender, rosemary, and mint:

  1. Steep a handful of herbs in boiled water for 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Let it cool (you can speed up the process by putting it in the fridge if you’re short on time).
  3. Combine the infusion in a spray bottle with equal parts of witch hazel.
  4. Shake well to mix everything together.

You can then spray it all over, but be sure to keep it away from your eyes!

NATURAL BUG BALM

If you really struggle with bug bites, you can make your own bug balm. The simplest trick is to add a few drops of essential oils with scents that bugs dislike to a big dollop of sunscreen in your hands. Lightly rub them together to combine, then apply to bare arms and legs—but avoid your face.

While I’m not a huge fan of essential oils—since many can be a bit of a con—there are a few that are worth having, like tea tree oil for head lice, athlete’s foot, and dandruff, plus lavender for bug spray and balm.

If you’re interested in making simple potions, check out this quick bug balm recipe from Wendy Polisi.

MOSQUITO BITE TREATMENTS

If you do get bitten, there are plenty of natural mosquito bite remedies in your kitchen for quick relief. Ice cubes and honey are among the best treatments, but you can also use everything from lemon juice to raw potato or banana peel!

If you’re going camping, hiking, or heading out on an outdoor adventure, be sure to take aloe vera gel or witch hazel with you.

For a comprehensive list of bug bite remedies, check out this bug bite treatment guide.

ANT REPELLING HACKS

Nothing ruins a summer morning quite like an army of ants marching across your kitchen! I still have nightmares about it years later. The problem is that many ant poisons are toxic to other wildlife and pets.

However, a few simple natural hacks can help keep them at bay:

  • Act Fast: Address the problem as soon as you see them inside.
  • Squish Any You See: This helps reduce their numbers right away.
  • Thoroughly Clean: Use dish soap to clean the areas where you see them entering.
  • Wipe Down with Vinegar: After cleaning, wipe the surfaces with vinegar and let them dry.
  • Create a Barrier: Make a barrier line at the entry points using:
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Baking soda (bicarbonate)
  • Cornflour or cornmeal
  • Crumbled chalk

You can strengthen the barrier by mixing in these repellents:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Pepper
  • Paprika

Once you’ve stopped the ants from coming inside, tackle the source outside. For simple, practical tips on getting rid of ants naturally, check out this guide!

NATURAL SUNBURN TREATMENTS

It’s easy to get sunburned in the summer, even when we take precautions. Interestingly, cooler breezy days can be the most dangerous, as we often underestimate the sun’s strength. Fortunately, many common kitchen ingredients can effectively soothe pain and help prevent blisters naturally.

I have a long list of natural remedies for sunburn, but my favorite for severe burns is an oat milk bath. My super pale Scotch-Irish skin tends to burn easily, but a cool oat milk bath provides quick relief from the pain.

Here’s how I make it:

  1. Blend a few tablespoons of oats with a cup of tepid water until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a cool or tepid bath deep enough to submerge the affected area.
  3. Relax in the bath for about 15 minutes.

For extra soothing benefits, you can enhance the oat milk mix by adding chamomile and lavender, as suggested by Shaken Together Life.

OUTDOOR FUN FOR KIDS

I love these summer hacks for outdoor play for kids! They’re not only super fun but also incredibly easy to make, allowing older kids to enjoy the process of creating them before diving into playtime. It’s a win-win situation!

DIY GARDEN HOSE SPRINKLER

This DIY garden hose sprinkler from Housing A Forest is a fantastic way to entertain the whole family! It can be assembled quickly and easily, making it perfect for spontaneous summer fun without any prior planning.

BUBBLE SNAKES

These bubble snakes are also super simple but super fun.

To make the bubble snake, you’ll need:

Materials:

  • A plastic bottle
  • An old sock
  • An elastic band
  • Dish soap bubble mixture

Instructions:

  1. Cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle.
  2. Pull the sock tightly over the cut end of the bottle.
  3. Secure it in place with the elastic band.
  4. Dunk the bottle into the bubble mixture.
  5. Blow hard through the neck of the bottle.

Watch as your bubble snake wiggles through the bottom!

TIC TAC TOE STONES

These DIY tic-tac-toe stones from Taryn Whiteaker are a wonderful project for making something with kids that they can enjoy outdoors all summer long. They’re not only fun to create but also provide endless hours of play!

And they couldn’t be easier to make! Just collect some stones during a hike or at the beach, and spend an afternoon painting them however you like. Older kids can get creative and artistic, while even little ones can leave their mark.

NATURAL PAINT BRUSHES

These delightful natural paintbrushes from Messy Little Monster are another fantastic no-prep activity that kids of all ages can create and enjoy using. They’re a great way to inspire creativity and make art in the great outdoors!

Simply head outside to your backyard, a park, or the woods to:

  1. Gather leaves, grasses, and flowers.
  2. Collect a bundle of twigs.
  3. Attach everything together with rubber bands.

Then, it’s time to paint away! Enjoy your creative outdoor fun!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these easy and fun DIY activities provide fantastic opportunities for kids to engage creatively with nature. From making bubble snakes and tic-tac-toe stones to crafting natural paintbrushes, each project encourages exploration and artistic expression without requiring extensive preparation. So, gather your materials, head outside, and enjoy the summer by creating lasting memories with your children!

30 STUNNING PUMPKIN NAILS AND NAIL ART DESIGNS TO INSPIRE ROMANTIC FALL DAYS

Searching for the cutest pumpkin nail designs to try this season? This collection of trendy fall-inspired pumpkin nail art is perfect for recreating at home! Whether you’re into pink gradient fairy pumpkins or classic orange styles, there are so many playful options to choose from.

If you’re ready to embrace the fall vibe with some stunning pumpkin nail designs, you’ve come to the right place. With fall finally upon us, it’s the ideal time to gather some fresh inspiration for the season ahead. No matter how intricate or simple you want your nails to be, there’s a pumpkin design for everyone.

Pumpkins are a fantastic choice because they stay on trend from the start of fall right through Thanksgiving! They’re versatile enough for everything from Halloween celebrations to a cozy, romantic stroll in the crisp autumn air.

BRIGHT ORANGE OMBRÉ NAILS

When in doubt this fall, a faded French ombré is the perfect go-to. Opt for a vibrant orange shade to give your nails an autumnal, pumpkin-inspired flair.

PRETTY PINK PUMPKIN NAIL ART

You didn’t think we’d wrap up this list without another pink nail design, did you?! Embrace the pink trend with this stylish nail art, featuring whimsical swirl patterns, soft pastel polish, and charming pastel pumpkins. If you’re as obsessed with these pastel pumpkin nails as we are, be sure to grab some adorable pumpkin nail stickers — they come in all our favorite shades!

PUMPKIN-FILLED PICNIC NAILS

Featuring unique art on each nail — including a cute pumpkin in place of a classic French tip — this picnic-themed manicure is an absolute showstopper.

FUNKY ORANGE PUMPKIN NAIL ART

Ready to add some groovy vibes to your pumpkin nail art? Give your festive manicure a playful twist with fun swirly designs. Combined with tiny pumpkins and white stars, these nails are sure to brighten even the gloomiest October days. Consider the joy officially sparked!

ORANGE & BLACK JACK ‘O’ LANTERN NAILS

These bold jack-o’-lantern nail designs are perfect for Halloween, made even more striking with contrasting base colors on each hand for extra drama.

GLAMOROUS GOLD FOIL + CLASSIC ORANGE MANICURE

For a touch of luxury, sprinkle gold foil flakes onto your pumpkin-themed manicure. The shimmering gold pairs perfectly with the warm orange hue, creating a sophisticated and elegant look.

SOFT GIRL PUMPKIN PRINT NAILS

For all the coquettish soft girls who love keeping their manicures as cute as their style, a design that combines mini pumpkins with tiny daisy nail art is the ultimate choice.

WITCHY TURQUOISE PUMPKIN NAILS

For pumpkin nails that really stand out, why not go for an unexpected color? We’re loving the shimmery turquoise hue of these pumpkin designs (which you can achieve with this holographic nail polish). It’s the perfect witchy manicure for your annual screening of Practical Magic!

MAKE IT MATTE

For an adorable and incredibly detailed fall manicure, opting for a matte top coat instead of a high shine will make your nail art crisp and clear.

FESTIVE MISMATCHED MATTE MANICURE

These nails have everything you could want in a festive manicure: cute pumpkins? Check. Friendly ghosts? Check. Spooky cobwebs and trendy checkerboard designs? Double check. Finished with a sleek matte top coat, these October nails are total goals.

ORANGE AURA

This autumn-inspired spin on the celeb-favorite aura nail art trend features a glowing orange base with silver chromatic accents, adding a bold edge to your look.

SHORT + SWEET PUMPKIN NAIL DESIGNS

For an adorable manicure you can wear from September to November, this simple design is unbeatable. It’s cute, classic, and pairs perfectly with your favorite cozy sweater! Plus, you can easily DIY this look with pumpkin stickers. We’re obsessed!

ARTISTIC HALLOWEEN MOTIFS

Featuring a patchwork of artsy designs from white ghosts to spooky black spiders, the playful orange pumpkin art adds a vibrant pop of color.

SHIMMERY SHORT PUMPKIN MANICURE

When it comes to the perfect seasonal color palette, this nail design is a must-try. With its classy and moody color combo, it’s perfect for wearing well beyond October. Instead of bright neon orange, it embraces warm pumpkin spice vibes with cinnamon brown and terracotta orange shades. Delicious! Recreate this dreamy nail art with the pumpkin spice latte nail polish set and finish with a shimmery top coat for an elegant and trendy touch!

CLEAR-TIPPED BURNT ORANGE NAILS

ICYMI: clear nails are trending right now. This seasonal twist on the trend features a lacquered base that resembles burnt pumpkin seeds.

FOLIAGE INSPIRED PUMPKIN NAIL ART

Draw inspiration from the changing leaves with this adorable pumpkin nail art. The blend of bright orange and dark beige polish evokes images of crunchy foliage and crisp afternoons. Finished with glittery copper accents for that golden hour glow, it’s the perfect autumnal manicure.

ABSTRACT PUMPKIN-SPICED SWIRLS

For a festive manicure that pays homage to October’s favorite latte, choose pumpkin-inspired nail polish colors and add inky abstract swirls on top.

POSESSED PUMPKIN NAIL DESIGNS

We’ve seen cute pumpkin nails, pink pumpkin nails, and even delicious pumpkin spice designs. Now, it’s time for possessed pumpkin nails! This manicure captures the true spirit of the season with black and orange tips adorned with demonic jack-o’-lantern designs. They’re perfect for those who embrace the spookier side of October — get ready for a scary movie marathon!

HEART-SHAPED PUMPKIN NAIL ART

If you want to add a touch of cozy fall vibes to your go-to neutral nails, this design featuring subtle heart-shaped pumpkins is both simple and sweet.

BARBIE PINK PUMPKIN NAILS

Hello, October Barbie! Here’s another favorite pink pumpkin nail idea featuring a classy French tip design and charming pink hues straight from Barbie’s Dreamworld. Whether you’re dressing up as Barbie for October 31st or just want to add a splash of pink to your look, these nails are perfect for you.

TRENDY CHECKERBOARD NAILS WITH BLACK PUMPKIN DESIGNS

Checkerboard nail designs are seriously trending right now, and this pumpkin-themed twist on the trend is a favorite. Pro tip: use nail striping tape to get those perfectly straight lines for your checkerboard pattern! Finished with a simple black nail decal, these nails are the ultimate cool-girl take on pumpkin nail art.

BRIGHT ORANGE OCTOBER MANICURE

If October were a manicure, it would probably look like this. The orange polish! The pumpkin designs! The spooky nail art! If you’ve been hunting for the perfect seasonal mani, this is it. To make this design uniquely yours, choose your favorite orange nail polish colors and get creative with themed nail stickers. The manicure possibilities are endless!

SHORT GREEN NAILS WITH BLACK PUMPKIN DESIGNS

This nail design is giving us major “monster mash” vibes, and we are absolutely here for it. For a unique and festive manicure, check out this ghoulish green nail polish. It pairs perfectly with the black pumpkin nail art, and as a bonus, green hues are super on-trend this season!

PUMPKIN SPICE VELVET NAILS

For a more subtle take on pumpkin spice nails, we’re loving this shimmery orange design. It captures the sweet, spicy, and cozy essence of pumpkin spice with a warm bronze hue and glittery holographic finish. The nail artist used gel cat eye polish to achieve this velvety effect, but you can easily recreate the look at home with a similar bronze polish!

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE NAILS

One pumpkin spice latte, please, and keep them coming! Every year, we eagerly count down the days until pumpkin spice season returns. What better way to celebrate its arrival than with this adorable nail design?

CUTE MINI FESTIVE NAIL ART

Can we take a moment to appreciate this adorable spooky nail art?! We love how the colorful designs stand out against the festive black base coat. If you’re looking to unleash your inner nail artist this season, just grab your favorite polish colors and some nail art tools and start creating!

SPOOKY MISMATCHED NAIL ART

Pumpkins, ghosts, and slime, oh my! Embrace all the spooky season motifs with this adorable mismatched nail design. Each nail showcases a different seasonal staple, creating a haunted house effect for your fingers. To keep your mismatched mani cohesive, stick to a single seasonal color palette. This black, white, and neon orange combo is perfect for October!

SIMPLE PUMPKIN ORANGE NAILS

When you want a festive nail design but don’t have time for a salon appointment or intricate nail art session, this pumpkin orange polish is your go-to. It’s the perfect spicy, warm, and cozy orange hue—not too bright, not too dark.

SPOOKY JACK-O’-LANTERN MANICURE

Love the jack-o’-lantern design but crave something a bit scarier for October 31st? We’ve got you covered. These spooky pumpkin designs (which you can recreate with jack-o’-lantern nail decals) are straight out of our favorite festive movies. 

MOODY BLACK NAILS WITH ORANGE PUMPKIN DESIGNS

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we find ourselves craving dark and moody tones, putting our bright colors away for the season. It’s spooky season, and black nail polish is calling! To add a festive twist to your classic black manicure, just add a cute pumpkin accent to one nail. After all, you can’t go wrong with a black and orange color palette!

PUMPKIN THEMED FRENCH MANICURE

Your favorite French manicure, but with a festive twist! We adore how these nails swap traditional white tips for bright pumpkin designs. They’re fun and playful yet still classy and elegant—truly the best of both worlds! To DIY this look, start by painting the tips of your nails with a light orange polish. Then, outline them with a darker orange shade and add a swipe of forest green for the stems.

CONCLUSION

As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the fall season than with a touch of pumpkin-inspired nail art. From classic oranges and browns to trendy metallics and glitter, these 30 designs offer endless possibilities to express your personal style and celebrate the beauty of autumn.