The Best Natural Bug Sprays That Actually Work (and Smell Good Too)

Looking for a clean, non-toxic bug spray and insect repellant? We’ve got you covered!

Being outdoors is great for your child’s development, whether you’re exploring or just playing. It can also be an excellent way to step back from electronics and focus on family time. But just as you’re creating those special family memories, uninvited guests always seem to crash your party. BUGS!  

My youngest son seems to have a scent that attracts bugs more than anyone else in our family. And he’s so sensitive to mosquitoes that every bite tends to swell into a big, weeping welt that would hurt for days.

Not only are mosquitos, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects a pain and a nuisance, but they can also carry pathogens and diseases that can be transmitted to humans. 

Insects can carry Lyme, malaria, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. Many of these illnesses can become severe.

So how do you protect your family from being bitten by disease-carrying insects while avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals like DEET? Thankfully, there are some natural yet effective, non-toxic and natural bug spray options for you and your little ones.

In this article, we will go over what ingredients to avoid, as well as my top picks for the best natural bug spray and insect repellents that are safer for your family.

Top Picks for Non-Toxic Bug Sprays

Why You Should Avoid Chemical Bug Sprays

Typical bug sprays contain multiple synthetic chemicals such as DEET, fragrance, preservatives, etc. Many of these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to health impacts. 

There is a lot of conflicting information on the safety of DEET, which is quite often the active ingredient in commercial insect repellents. I will share more on this in the ingredients to avoid below. 

There are also studies that say chemical insect repellents are not safe for the environment. Per one study published on NIH “An increasing number of evidence suggests that insect repellents may trigger undesirable hazardous interactions with biological systems with a potential to generate harmful effects…”.

Ingredients to Avoid in Bug Spray

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)

This is a common active ingredient in commercial bug sprays. The safety of this chemical has been controversial. However, we do know that DEET is absorbed through the skin. 

EPA has determined that DEET does not pose a safety risk to humans and has approved its use for all ages. However, concerning studies have linked DEET to negative health outcomes such as seizures and toxic encephalopathy. 

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Toxicological Profile for DEET cites multiple studies on the health impacts of DEET. This includes poison control center information from 1993-1997. During that time 520 people called poison control for inhalation exposure of DEET, 70 of which showed respiratory effects such as coughing, difficulty breathing, pneumonitis; and 57 of which experienced neurologic effects such as dizziness, headache, and lethargy.   

In addition, five deaths have been potentially associated with skin exposure to DEET. Three of those deaths occurred in children and were attributed to brain edema. 

Fragrance

Most traditional bug sprays contain fragrance as an ingredient. “Fragrance” can be a lot of things, including phthalates and other chemicals. These are often endocrine disruptors. Phthalates can impact the nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. I personally avoid products with fragrance listed as an ingredient.  

Parabens, Sodium Benzoate, and other preservatives

Many preservatives are known endocrine disruptors that can be absorbed through the skin. Some have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive damage. 

Also a preservative, sodium benzoate has been linked to asthma, allergies, and skin rashes. 

Butane and Propane

These are gases used in aerosol cans. I recommend avoiding aerosol sprays as they have environmental and respiratory impacts. Breathing in gases can decrease oxygen, causing headaches and drowsiness. These gases are also highly flammable.

Permethrin

This is a chemical insecticide used to treat clothing marketed as bug repelling. I would avoid using insecticide-treated clothing. 

How to Pick the Best Bug Spray

Look for natural and organic ingredients and avoid synthetic ingredients. 

Confirm that the active ingredients have been verified to be effective at repelling bugs. For example, citronella oil is an EPA-registered plant-based insect repellent. 

Ensure that your child is not allergic to any ingredients. Essential oils can often cause allergic reactions or irritations. If unsure, start with a very small amount of the product to ensure no reaction before applying more. Read the safety and usage information and verify that it’s safe for use at your child’s age.   

Avoid aerosol sprays as they have negative respiratory and environmental impacts. 

Avoid combination sunscreen and bug spray products because that combo brings along with it a whole different set of requirements and recommendations. (Note: check out our sunscreen guide here!)

The Best Bug Spray [Reviews]

I’ve reviewed the ingredients of the bug sprays below and would feel comfortable using these products on myself and my own kids.

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Oww… Got a Bite? Try These Tips!

If you or your little one is bitten, here are a few favorite home remedies and products that you can try. These won’t help much in the event of an allergic reaction, so be sure to seek medical attention right away if you or your little one might be reacting to a bite or sting.

• The Bug Bite Thing suctions out the itch. I love this little tool! It is designed to suction out any venom, saliva, and irritants left under the skin after a bug bite. Use this after any bug bite, including mosquito bites, bee stings, wasps, and more. It’s small enough to keep in your purse or diaper bag!
• Active Skin Repair is also great for bites. This spray is so useful to have at home in your natural medicine cabinet, but it’s also great for bug bites.
• Aloe vera is also very soothing. If you have some at home, apply it to a fresh bug bite to soothe the itch and the sting.
• Earthley Black Drawing Salve soothes the sting. This balm contains activated charcoal, lavender, and bentonite clay to soothe itchy or painful bites.
• Create a bentonite clay paste. If you keep bentonite clay at home like I do, this is an easy and all-natural homemade solution for painful bug bites. Just mix a little bentonite clay into water (or coconut oil) until it forms a paste, and apply it directly to the bug bite.

Enjoy Some Natural, Bug-Free Fun Outdoors

I hope this list of all-natural bug sprays has been helpful! Choose the one that works best for your family, and use whenever needed and per the manufacturer’s instructions.

But, let’s be honest. You don’t always want to have to use a bug spray, even when it’s natural. So here are some practical tips for bug safety…

• Wear pants and long sleeves when you’re able. Or dress your little ones in loose cotton and linen clothing so that they can stay cool, even in the middle of the summer or a heat wave.
• Use nets and fans near your outdoor space to keep the air moving and circulating.
• Avoid combination sunscreen/insect repellent products. If you reapply as directed for sun exposure, you will likely apply more repellent ingredients than necessary. 
• Avoid tall grass. If you’ve spent time in tall grass or wooded areas, check for ticks when you return. If you find a tick and want to have it checked, try a lab like Ticknology or Tick Check.
• Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise, sunset, and nighttime. Be ready with your all-natural bug spray if needed during these times!

Now, enjoy the outdoors and stay bug-bite-free!

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