Top Natural Insect Repellants

Almost all insect repellents available on the market contain DEET even though the CPA has said that a low percentage of DEET is safe to use. Natural insect repellants are the ideal repellants for families that are concerned about using traditional insect repellents that contain DEET.

About 20 years ago many some children that used DEET products had seizures as a side effect. My 10 year old sister was one of those children. She broke out with seizures on a family camping trip. She was instructed to not use insect repellant anymore and to this day she has never had another seizure.

No matter what the CPA says, I still wouldn't let my own children have products that contain DEET in any percentage just based off my sister's childhood experience with it.

A new natural compound found in South America has shown to be as effective as DEET in warding off mosquitos and even repelled blacklegged ticks and lone star ticks called Isolongifolenone. It is currently being patented and may be on shelves soon. Until then, natural insect repellants have my interest.

If making your own insect repellant sounds too time consuming and a daunting task, then you can check out these available products on the market.

Herbal Bug X Spray

This bug spray is so natural and non toxic that you can actually ingest it. It is completely safe to use on babies, children and pets.

I haven't actually tried this product so I can't say one way or another on its effectiveness or smell.

Herbal Armor Insect Spray

This natural spray protects against mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies, ants, black flies and several other pesky insects.

This spray has been clinically proven to be effective for over 2 hours and drops to 98% effective over 3 hours and about 77% for 4 hours or more.

It is water and sweat resistant. It also smells of geranium and citronella.

Don't Bite Me!

Another great and eco friendly insect repellent is a natural insect repellent skin patch called Don't Bite Me!

These patches offer 36 hours of protection from just one patch and it protects your entire body.

It is completely safe for children and only has 2 active ingredients in it: Vitamin B1 and Aloe. The vitamin B1 and aloe enters the body and the excess is secreted through the body's pores which creates a scent that is almost undetectable by humans but very offensive to mosquitos.

These are a great solution to applying and forgetting about bugs or reapplying later.

Another good product is Burt's Bees All Natural Insect Repellent although this one can be a bit messy.

With so many great choices of natural insect repellents available on the market, may you find one that makes your skin and your family able to enjoy outdoors; bug-free!