Safer Bug Protection Options
So most of the time I write blog posts out of sheer necessity. It’s summer in Texas which means BUGS ARE EVERYWHERE and especially those pesky mosquitos, which makes going outside for any extended period of time some kind of medieval torture. Every year we try something different, and every year we pretty much resort to using pretty questionable ingredients because we are desperate!
This year, I decided NO MORE! I was going to take a deep dive into what’s out there in the safer realm and by golly I did it. I also did a huge crowd sourcing effort to gather as many recommendations based off YOUR experience as possible! Together we built an amazing list of safer options and I’m so excited to share it!
What I need to say here is that this list is another example of finding things that are safer options on a spectrum. Each individual person needs to know what ingredients they’re comfortable using and which ingredients they’re not! Even during my own research, I learned that ingredients like DEET, are thought to be safe for use at certain levels (according to the EWG) even though I personally choose not to use DEET at any concentration right now. There are many 100% natural options (thinking essential oils) that work but also still have safety guidelines around their use for adults, children, and pets. So you need to weigh and understand safe and effective use no matter which product you choose to go with!
Here are some things to consider before diving into this list:
I don't have the means to try and test every bug spray recommended here, so I don’t have personal experience with all of the products on this list. If I have tried it, I’ll include a short review with it to let you know what I think!
Not all of the ingredients in every product are listed fully on the product descriptions. This is another example of how crazy the personal care product industry is! They aren’t required by law to disclose their full ingredient list, so be advised that if you really want to know a full ingredient list, you’ll want to email the company directly!
Pretty much every single product I looked at had reviews in the 3-4 star range. What this really tells me is that nothing out there is perfect! I’m sure that lots of effectiveness is based on proper application, body chemistry, environment, and a ton of other factors! So know that even some of the very best safer options might now work perfectly for you!
Some of the products listed are actually SOLD OUT. I still wanted to include them on the list just in case you really wanted to try a certain product. I’d recommend emailing the company to get on a waitlist for when it will be back in stock or stalking their site for a new drop!
I've had the best results with protection by combining a yard or environmental system with a protective spray. I found hindering the mosquito reproduction makes for the best long lasting results!
I think also being aware of how your yard and surroundings can actually encourage mosquito growth is super important! There are a few ways you can inhibit and repel bugs just by altering or modifying your environment!
eliminating standing water
Air flow such as fans when having outdoor gatherings
Top Safer Yard or Environment Treatment Systems
Spartan Mosquito Eradicator System
We actually purchased this system on the recommendation of fellow blogger Carly of Frolic + Flow who also happens to reside here in South Texas! This system is designed to take out 95% of your mosquito population within 14 days of use! Our started working within a week and we are on week two now and seeing SIGNIFICANT improvements in our mosquito population around the house! It’s cost friendly and so far very effective! We still need a spray when we’re outside for a prolonged period of time, but we no longer get attacked by swarms when we step outside. Biggest downside is you do need to wait a week or two to start seeing results.
This is a pricier system but came highly recommended by multiple readers.
Very intrigued by this line of products. They have multiple products for yard treatments, human bug sprays, and pet sprays. Definitely on my list to try!
Top Safer Bug Sprays
This one had the most positive reviews of any product I found. The only thing that would give me pause is not all of the “inactive ingredients” are listed. Picaridin is rated well by the EWG as a repellant.
one of the more popular natural bug sprays recommended. I’ve personally used it, and it works pretty well for the most part!
This also came highly recommended by multiple people. You can order online via amazon or I recommend finding a friend who sells DoTerra and support them!
Wondercide Insect Repellant Spray
This one is next on my list to try!
Primally Pure Nature Spray (SOLD OUT)
This is one I’ve tried and felt that it worked fairly well too! I am waiting impatiently for it to be back in stock. You can use the code JESS10 for 10% off your first order!
Wild Woman Herbal Bug Spray (SOLD OUT)
Young Living Insect Repellant (SOLD OUT)
Other Safer Bug Repellant Options
These are bands that you or your kiddos can wear to also have protection against bugs and mosquitos. I haven’t personally tried them, but I’ve heard good things!
Our current bug repellant plan looks like this:
Using the Spartan Mosquito Eradicator System in our yard.
We are currently using the last of our Primally Pure Outdoor spray but I will personally be ordering the Sawyer Picaridin and the DoTerra Terrashield to try next when that runs out!
When we are out in our yard we have the fan running on our front porch and on our back porch at all times.
Bottom line, there are so many more safer options out there then there used to be and that is always a good thing! I recommend experimenting with a couple of brands to see what works for you and your family! I also recommend starting with a yard system too so you can start wheedling down the local population, which will be a big help! Remember no system or spray will work 100% perfectly, but finding one that does the best job, while minimizing toxic ingredients as much as possible is a great goal! If you want to see all of my safer bug repellant options in one place you can find the full list through the included link.