With the summer months and warmer weather approaching, it's inevitable that we will venture outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and engage in fun activities. However, we are not the sole beneficiaries of the summertime; mosquitoes and ticks also flourish in these conditions, which regrettably poses a threat to us. Dengue fever and Lyme disease are on the rise, so we need to err on the side of caution when spending time outside. Luckily, there are many things we can do to mitigate the risk that these bugs pose on us, like wearing lightweight clothing that covers our arms and legs, avoiding standing water (since it's a breeding ground), staying inside during dusk and dawn, using mosquito netting, or wearing bug spray.
Many conventional bug sprays contain some harsher ingredients in them, however, and can pose a potential risk to our health. You've probably heard of DEET and picaridin, both common and effective bug repellants; DEET is found more often in sprays and picaridin in repellant clothing or netting. Permethrin is another ingredient found in bug spray and repellant clothing that has some carcinogenic and neurotoxic properties, and is highly toxic to wildlife such as fish, cats, and even bees. DEET has sparked the most controversy, however, over whether or not it can cause cancer, but it has been found that it is not a carcinogen. It does have some side effects with excessive use, however, such as skin irritation, seizures, aggressive behavior, and uncoordinated movements, most likely due to its potential neurotoxic qualities. The research that is out there suggests that DEET is not overtly toxic to humans, and upon reading these journals, the neurotoxic effects are tested on bugs, not humans, so more is needed to truly confirm if it is toxic or not. As previously mentioned, too much of any substance can illicit unruly side effects, so it makes sense that DEET could cause some harm.
The purpose of the above information is to highlight that there are potential risks associated with various ingredients, including DEET. However, the decision on what is suitable for your body ultimately rests with you, the consumer. If you already have a bug spray that works effectively for you and you prefer to stick with it, that is completely acceptable. I also bring up DEET and bug spray in general to draw attention to the fact that even the inactive components may pose risks, such as fragrances, alcohols, preservatives, pesticides, and others, which can impact our well-being. Some companies may not disclose all their inactive ingredients or may use generic terms like 'fragrance' and 'natural ___' to obscure their formulations.
If you're looking for more natural bug spray options, essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, and peppermint have been shown to be effective in keeping bugs away. Luckily I have identified some products with these ingredients that you can incorporate into your outdoor activities to minimize potential harm from both insects and the repellent itself. Just know that natural formulations tend to need more applications, so follow the specific instructions accordingly. Let's take a look at my top 8 picks!
Here's the 8 Best Natural Bug Sprays:
3 Moms Organics
3 Moms Organics TickWise Insect Repellant has rave reviews, and for good reason. It uses minimal, plant-based ingredients, and really keeps those ticks and mosquitoes at bay. It has a very pleasant smell and doesn't leave a sticky residue like other repellants, so you don't feel gross by the end of the day, which is a plus! It's also safe to use for dogs, since they are prone to ticks as well. No need for your furry friend to get ticks either!
Active Ingredients: Cedarwood oil, Geranium oil, Peppermint oil, Citronella oil, Lemongrass oil, Rosemary oil
Price: $18.95 for 8-oz
Babyganics
When it comes to thinking about safety from mosquitoes and ticks, we have to protect our children, too. Some products aren't safe for kids, though, but luckily Babyganics has them covered. With the only ingredients being essential oils and soybean oil as a carrier oil, this will protect your little ones effectively without the harsh ingredients that other bug sprays contain. And if you don't like spray, they also have a lotion that is just as effective.
Active Ingredients: Rosemary oil, Citronella oil, Geranium Oil, Cedarwood oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass oil
Inactive Ingredients: Soybean Oil
Price: $19.98 for 2-pack of 6-oz bottles,
Badger
Another family-friendly brand I love is Badger. Their bug spray is certified cruelty-free and uses organics oils in their formulation, so it's a high-quality option while also being budget-friendly! If you've already been bit, they offer a convenient anti-itch treatment in a stick that you can take with you on the go!
Active Ingredients: Citronella oil, Cedarwood oil, Lemongrass oil, Rosemary oil, Geranium oil, Peppermint Oil
Inactive Ingredients: Soybean oil, Castor Oil
Price: $8.55 for 4-oz, $19.99 for 2-pack
Mambino Organics
Non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic, hypoallergenic, DEET-free...what more could you want? Mambino Organics is safe for the whole family and your pets, and is free from parabens, sulfates, SLS, and artificial fragrances. Grab it here, or get a combo-pack with their anti-bug lotion!
Active Ingredients: Citronella oil, Lemongrass Oil
Inactive Ingredients: Organic Lecithin, Water
Price: $13.95 for 4-oz
Medella Naturals
If you live in an area where ticks aren't prominent (lucky), but still worry about mosquitoes, Medella Naturals has a great product. It's not only for mosquitoes, but gnats, black flies, and other pesky, flying critters. It's main ingredient is Lemongrass oil, but it contains a few other ingredients that help nourish the skin while offering protection, like Vitamin E; it doesn't leave a greasy residue either. The University of Georgia even used this spray in a study and it showed that it helped repel 90% of gnats and black flies after 5.5 hours of application. We love a long-lasting and effective product!
Active Ingredients: Lemongrass Oil
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Castor Oil, Vanillin, Lecithin, Vitamin E
Price: $18.99 for 8-oz (2 4-oz bottles)
Primally Pure
A staple brand in the Thrive with Bear blog is Primally Pure, and their Nature Spray is no exception. It's advertised as a mosquito repellent, but the addition of the cedarwood oil can mitigate ticks and other insects as well. I love that it has the addition of witch hazel, which is another super, natural insect repellant!
Active Ingredients: Essential Oils of Organic Citronella, Wildcrafted Cedarwood, Organic Lemongrass, Organic Rosemary, Organic Geranium, Organic Peppermint and Wildcrafted Wintergreen
Inactive Ingredients: Organic Witch Hazel, Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Grape Alcohol
Price: $14 for 2.5-oz, $20 for 4-oz
Rowe Casa Organics
Like Primally Pure, Rowe Casa Organics is mentioned quite frequently on this blog, and for good reason. Their insect repellent utilizes the powers of witch hazel and essential oils to combat mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, and it'll last you a long time, too! This one is a little more bang-for-your-buck than Primally Pure, but both are superb options to add to your outdoor arsenal.
Active Ingredients: Citronella oil, Geranium oil, Eucalyptus oil, Rosemary oil, and Lavender oil
Inactive Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Distilled Water, Distilled Vinegar
Price: $17 for 4-oz, and $27 for 8-oz
Sky Organics
Another minimalistic ingredient label from Sky Organics! With just 8, skin-safe ingredients, and no added parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, mineral oils, etc., there couldn't be a better option for you and your family!
Active Ingredients: Citronella oil, Lemongrass oil, Rosemary Oil, Cedarwood Oil, and Peppermint Oil
Inactive Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Castor Oil, Water
Price: $18.99 for 4-oz
*Disclosure: Some of the links in the article above are affiliate links, so if you are inclined to make a purchase based on the recommendations, the author will make a small commission. Thank you for your support if you so choose.*
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