Whether you’re frolicking through a field of flowers, hiking the trails, or kayaking along the river, bugs can be a real buzz kill in the hot summer months. Many commercial bug sprays contain chemical compounds that, with prolonged usage, can be harmful to the environment and our bodies. These are some of our favorite natural and organic bug sprays to keep those uninvited guests from crashing the party.
Pure essential oils including citronella, rosemary and wintergreen repel unwanted winged creatures without DEET, petroleum products or synthetic chemicals. Packaged in a light-weight aluminum bottle to recycle for convenient travel. badgerbalm.com
Farmaesthetics Tansynella Organic Bugscreen
Apply the specialty oil directly to the body, or combine with sunscreen or body lotion for an extra boost. Rub on wooden picnic tables or lawn chairs with a paper towel or clean cloth to to keep bugs away from your outdoor festivities. Tansynella may even be used on dogs and horses to condition the coat and to prevent bug bites. farmaesthetics.com
Eucalyptus, cedarwood, citronella, catnip, and lemongrass essential oils combine for a citrus fragrance. Following Erbaviva’s “farm to bottle” philosophy, many of these oils are products of biodynamic farming, which views agriculture as a holistic system. erbaviva.com
This fine fragrance not only smells great, but also repels bugs to ensure a glamorous evening outdoors. Essential oils of geranium, lemongrass, cedar leaf, cedarwood, thyme, rosewood, balsam, lavandin and patchouli combine to create a spa-like aroma for over 700 sprays in each bottle. aromaflage.com
SOS The Natural Bug Away Spray Mosquito Repellent
Safe for adults, children, and pets, the secret award-winning recipe of eleven essential oils is available in 3 sizes for convenience at home and away. Key ingredient lemon eucalyptus has been approved by the Center for Disease Control as effective against mosquito-borne diseases. sosnaturalproducts.com
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
Key ingredient citronella oil, made from the stem and leaf of the Cymbopogon, and essential oils rosemary and lemongrass provide an enjoyable herbal fragrance. Spray on to exposed skin before heading outdoors for a bug-free venture! burtsbees.com