Organic Bug Repellent

During the summer, we need to protect ourselves from bugs such as mosquitoes and ticks. In Los Angeles, I don’t deal with them much, but in Italy, I deal with persistent “tiger” mosquitoes.

Conventional bug repellents are not an option since they are full of toxic chemicals such as DEET that are unsafe for us with their collateral toxic effects, and the environment, in fact, puts at risk other creatures such as honeybees and aquatic life.

Conventional Bug Repellent 

Avoid conventional bug repellent made with toxic ingredients harmful to you and nature.

❌ DEET: What is DEET anyway? It sounds so mysterious. DEET is simply the common name for N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, and nearly all conventional insect repellents contain DEET, a chemical that was developed during the Second World War and used by the U.S. Army in jungle warfare. It is reported fatalities related to DEET and serious harm to children.

An active ingredient linked to skin blisters, seizures, memory loss, headaches, stiffness in joints, shortness of breath, and skin irritation, it has been detected in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. 

Cyfluthrin: linked to neurotoxicity, muscle trembling, and behavior changes. 

Permethrin: is a synthetic pesticide, also toxic to aquatic life, bees, and fish.  

Pyrethroids: are an insecticide linked to dermatitis and asthma-like reactions, nausea, burning sensations, loss of coordination, and endocrine disruption. The majority of the chemicals within this class are toxic to aquatic life and fish as well.

Picaridin

Greenwashing Bug Repellent 

Avoid greenwashing bug repellent 

❌ Products containing both sunscreen and bug spray, as the mixture may increase your skin’s absorption of the chemicals.

Organic and Natural Bug Repellent 

Look for plant-based alternatives with bug-repelling oils like citronella, clove, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, thyme, and neem.

  • ✅ Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil: A natural mosquito repellent with a citrusy scent that also discourages ticks and gnats. Also listed on labels as Cymbopogon citratus or schoenanthus oil, lemongrass oil is another great natural alternative. In one study, this oil was found to be 74 percent and 95 percent effective against two species of mosquitoes for up to 2.5 hours.
  • ✅ Organic Clove Essential Oil: Offers powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, providing additional protection against skin irritations. One study found that clove oil when compared against five other oils, was one of the two most effective mosquito repellents. Clove oil is most effective when mixed with other oils such as geranium oil or thyme oil.
  • The Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Aerosol contains 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus.  And the Off Botanicals Insect Repellent IV is comprised of 10% synthetic PMD. CDC warns against use on children younger than 3 years old.
  • ✅ Organic Peppermint Essential Oil: Its refreshing menthol aroma deters mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects.
  • ✅ Organic Lavender Essential Oil: Soothes and calms irritated skin while repelling moths, ticks, and gnats.
  • ✅ Organic Grapefruit Essential Oil: Deters mosquitoes and other biting insects with its invigorating aroma.
  • ✅ Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Its strong, camphoraceous scent repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
  • ✅ Organic Geranium Rose Essential Oil: Discourages ticks and gnats while leaving a pleasant, floral aroma.
  • ✅ Organic Rosemary Essential Oil: Repels mosquitoes and other insects with its invigorating scent while promoting healthy skin.

Here you will find all-natural bug repellents made with organic, responsibly sourced ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free, and family-owned. USDA Certified Organic bug, insect repellent, spray, wipes.

🌿 Natural, non-toxic, DEET-free, Alcohol-free, Citronella-free, and Permethrin-free.

Cruelty-free. Kids-safe, family protection from bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks without toxic effects on other creatures such as honeybees and aquatic life. For Indoor-outdoor use.

Here are the healthier alternatives!

​The Best Organic Bug Repellent Brands 

There are very few USDA-certified organic bug repellents on the market. These are also plastic-free, and they work! The only USDA Certified organic bug repellent without water inactive ingredients, which means no preservatives are needed, and you only get 100% active ingredients. You are not paying for water!

 

USDA Certification Seal, logo

 

My number one organic bug repellent brand recommendations are:

 

 

 

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