Natural Insect Repellent Guide

If the buzzing is driving you to the point of getting out your chemical insect spray, then read on.. natural alternatives work too!

Bugs BE gone!!

This is the time of year where the heat rolls in and so do the BUGS! We all hate the buzzing, biting and fluttering of those pesky bugs but, sometimes enough is enough and we reach for the personal bug spray… The only problem here is that those mainstream sprays DO keep those bugs at bay but it can be dangerous to our own health. DEET (which has been used for many moons) is one of the main ingredients that conventional bug sprays use and if you are like me, I grew up in the era where my parents (who knew no better) coated me with the stuff … one word, UNSAFE.

 What is DEET?

A super quick history/science lesson, I promise not to bore you. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) was developed by the US Army during WWII in 1946 alongside chemical warfare agents, following the armies experience of jungle warfare, it was then registered for use by the general public in 1957. It works by coating the insects’ antennae which then confuses the insects by jamming their odour receptor, so they cannot find or munch on you!

Is DEET safe to use?

Since its development it has been put into conventional Bug repellents and even myself as I mentioned before have coated my limbs in it for many years until I did a bit of research into DEET and its effects on the body from skin irritation to nausea, dizziness and a whole heap of other nasty side effects BUT research and information about DEET is divided depending on what you read and who you speak to, so you can form your own opinion. However, if you are anything like me I won’t risk it and will always look for the natural options for my family, because as I always say our skin is our largest organ. You can be the judge…

Natural bug repellents

There are so many natural alternatives out there, but which one is the right one? I have done a bit of digging and swatting for you and found the best of the bunch.

Biologika Bug Another Insect Repellent Spray

This ALL natural and organic insect personal spray is designed to safely protect you and your family. Formulated with a blend of Citronella, Lavender, Lemon Myrtle, Peppermint and Sage essential oils all used for their well-known insect deterrent, antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties. This spray does not have an overpowering scent, in fact it has a beautiful subtle and uplifting scent of Lemongrass. Bug Another will help to naturally deter insects and bugs and is safe for all ages whilst providing effective protection, so you can enjoy the outdoors!

Natural Wonders - Good Riddance Mozzie and Midgie Mousse

This beautiful product is a slightly different take on the generic Insect Spray repellent, its more a mousse and nourishes the skin whilst repelling insects. Mozzie and Midgie toxin free Insect Repellent is a tropical strength body Mousse which is proudly DEET-free and comes in a handy no mess pump pack. The cream has a pleasant non chemical smell and will leave the skin feeling moisturised whilst protecting you from the outdoor critters for up to 4 hours. This hard working repellent works by deterring insects using a unique formulation of a strong blend of essential oils including, Citronella and Lemon Scented Tea Tree. It is also formulated for extra protection with beeswax and Shea Butter, which help to create a physical barrier on the skin to further impede the critters! This product It comes in both 100ml, 250ml or 500ml Pump Pack and also in a baby version (see below)

Natural Wonders – Baby Good Riddance Mozzie and Midgie Mousse

This product is also a cream, DEET-free of course and has been specifically designed to be safe for pregnant women, babies and people with sensitive skin. The ingredients soothe and moisturise whilst giving you protection, formulated with a gentler blend of essential oils; Lavender, Palmarosa, Geranium and Rose, combined with Citronella and Lemon Scented Tea Tree. Whilst it feels like a moisturiser rest assured it will still give you and your little one protection for up to 3 hours. This product comes in a handy 100ml tub size.

Bug - Grr Off - Natural Insect Repellent Roll On

This Natural Insect Repellent by Bug-Grr Off is a safe alternative to toxin filled sprays. This Deet Free formulation will protect you for up to 6 hours using a blend of essential oils which cleverly work by making you virtually invisible to the insects'senses. Bug-Grrr Off uses the scientifically proven PMD (Repellin ™), an acid modified extract of Australian Lemon Scented Eucalyptus combined with a combination of Lavender and Sandalwood to keep them off your scent. Available as a roll on or a spray  these products can be used with adults and children over the age of 12 months. Please always patch test on children and sensitive adults before applying to the whole body. Available in oll on 9ml or Spray 100ml

Eco By Sonya Driver - Personal Outdoor Spray

Keep those pesky biting insects away with this Certified Organic alternative to traditional insect repellents! This Outdoor Spray from Eco by Sonya Driver is DEET free and is suitable for adults & children. It is cleverly formulated using a blend of citronella, basil & lemongrass to deter mosquitoes, whilst the essential oils will hydrate and nourish your skin. This repellent Comes in a 100ml spray bottle.

Eco Kid Bug - a - Bug Spray

This certified organic Insect Repellent is a gentle hypo-allergenic formulation that is safe enough to be used on children of any age and type of skin without any irritation or toxicity from constant re-application. It is uniquely different in its action to traditional scented insect repellents. Its pure essences work with young skin's own biology whilst hydrating and nourishing the skin. Made in Australia, Certified Organic, 99.5% natural, Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, biodegradable, recyclable packaging. This bottle comes in a 200ml bottle.

Enjoy the outdoors and know that you are choosing the best possible option for yourself and your family.

Be Well xx

 

 

 

 

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