Natural and Safe Mosquito Repellent Sprays

Living in the South, I have lots of experience with mosquitoes. They love to bite me and my children. I grew up using mosquito repellents and sprays that were full of Deet and other chemicals. We thought nothing of spraying it on and going out to play and sweat. As I have gotten older and more aware of the side effects of chemicals such as Deet, I have steered clear of the traditional mosquito sprays. In recent years, there have been many natural and chemical free mosquito sprays coming onto the market. While you can make your own homemade versions using essential oils, purchasing a commercial spray is usually easier. The five natural mosquito sprays that I have listed here are all ones that I have used with great results.

Natural Mosquito Spray # 1 - Skedattle Anti-Bug Spray

Chemical free, Deet free and all natural, Skedattle may have a funny name, but it makes the bugs go away. This spray is safe for kids and pets and contains Citronella, lemongrass, and Peppermint Oils as well as other natural ingredients. You can find this spray athttp://mexitanproducts.com/skedattle.html and an 8 ounce bottle will cost you $12.95. The bottle is biodegradable and it is also available in half gallon and gallon sizes.

Natural Mosquito Spray # 2 - Bite Blocker Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray

Chemical free, Deet free, organic and biodegradable, Bite Blocker is supposedly the only all natural repellent that is as effective as a Deet based product. It includes such ingredients as Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil and plant oils. Not only does it repel mosquitoes, it also moisturizes your skin. You can purchase Bite Blocker at http://www.cleanairgardening.com/biteblocker.html in a 6.7 ounce bottle for $9.99. This product worked great for me but did not smell very good.

Natural Mosquito Spray # 3 - California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray

Chemical free, Deet free and made with organic and sustainably grown ingredients, California Baby Bug spray is one of my favorites. Ingredients include Citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils. The spray also helps to soothe bites you may have already gotten. You can buy this bug spray at http://californiababy.com/natural-bug-blend-bug-repellent-spray-6-5-oz.htmlin a 6.5 ounce bottle for $13.49.

Natural Mosquito Spray # 4 - Buzz Away Extreme Insect Repellent

Chemical free, Deet free, all natural and long lasting! This spray lasts longer than any of the others that I have tried. Ingredients include Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Essential Oils of Wintergreen and Citronella. The smell is pleasant and it will last, supposedly, up to 8 hours. I never tried lasting that long and reapplied after about 4 hours due to sweating. You can buy Buzz Away Extreme at http://www.quantumhealth.com/productgroups/itchandbite.html in a 4 ounce bottle for $9.99.

Natural Mosquito Spray # 5 - Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Chemical and Deet free, this bug spray is simple and effective. With only one active ingredient, it is safe and all natural. The Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is safe for anyone to use and the spray will last up to 6 hours. I usually reapply after 4. The smell is great and the simplicity is a big draw for me. If I do not feel like making my own repellent from essential oils, this product is a great one to buy. You can find this at http://www.rei.com/product/703338 in a 4 ounce bottle for $7.75.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://mexitanproducts.com/skedattle.html

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/biteblocker.html

http://californiababy.com/natural-bug-blend-bug-repellent-spray-6-5-oz.html

http://www.quantumhealth.com/productgroups/itchandbite.html

http://www.rei.com/product/703338