*We’re proud affiliates of these products and we do receive a small commission from each sale.

It’s that time of year again. It’s nice outside and those darn mosquitos and ticks have returned (sigh).

So… now what? You can’t exactly leave your kids unprotected. But, you also aren’t sure which bug sprays you can or should use. You may be even wondering if you should make your own concoction using essential oils. Before you go all DIY… there is something you should know.

“All natural” isn’t necessarily a safer alternative to chemical bug sprays. For starters, most natural products haven’t been tested for toxicity or effectiveness. And while some plant oils may offer mild protection against insects, others may be ineffective or even harmful to you and your family.

And as much as you may not like the idea of using chemicals on yourself or your children, a chemical, by name, means a compound or substance that has been purified. Most chemical repellents on the market have been derived from components found in natural plants. Some are "distilled" down to their most basic and pure version while others have been synthesized to make them more effective while taking out the toxicity of their natural counterparts.

Plus, chemical repellents and pesticides, on the market, underwent rigorous testing before being released to the public. This means their adverse effects are known and are well-documented.

Thus, you don't need to be afraid of using chemical bug repellent products, as long as you know how to use them correctly.

Below is a list of “alternative” bug sprays that you should skip out on or avoid altogether, and some alternatives that are not only safe to use, but actually work really well!

Table of Contents

How Do Bug Sprays Work?

Most bug sprays are repellents. This means that they "repel" bugs by either their odor or taste. Odorant repellents are the most effective at preventing bug bites.

Other types of bug sprays include pesticides and insecticides. These only affect the bug after it comes in contact with it. Pesticides and insecticides work by affecting the nervous system of an insect. When a bug comes in contact with the chemical and/or ingests it, it kills them. Pesticides are used to kill fungus, bacteria, insects, and more. Insecticides specifically target and kill insects.

Insect Repellents to Avoid

Natural Plant Oils

These only repel some mosquitos

Why you may be better off using a chemical alternative:

These are only effective for typically 30 minutes, for a max of up to 2 hours
Known as essential oils, natural oils have to be reapplied more often than their chemical counterparts
Allspice, basil, cedar, cinnamon, citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil (not to be confused with oil of lemon eucalyptus), garlic, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, pine, rosemary, and thyme are natural oils that are only mildly effective at repelling some mosquitos
Most natural oils have not been studied and are not regulated for safety or effectiveness
Citronella oil and plants are toxic to dogs. In fact, most oils are too concentrated for animal use and can cause neurological problems, or even death, if inhaled, absorbed, or ingested.

Ingestible Repellents

Vitamin B12

It is suggested that Vitamin B12 supplements cause you to smell less attractive to mosquitos. Ingesting a B12 supplement is not as effective as skin and/or clothing repellents, but can be used in combination with another repellent to make it more effective.

Chemical Repellents

Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

These only repel gnats and leave large zones or areas of your body “uncovered.”

Bounce dryer sheets have both linalool and beta-citronellol. While these two components are effective at repelling gnats, they are not very effective at repelling mosquitos.

Wearable Repellents

These can include clip-ons, wristbands, stickers, etc. Unfortunately these leave large areas of the body exposed, making them ineffective. I’ve even seen mosquitos land right next to repellent stickers and bracelets.

Candles

Citronella candles, and other scents, are utterly useless beyond creating a nice ambience. While smoke is a great deterrent and bugs don't like citronella, the candles do not disperse the citronella widely or uniformly, making them ineffective at keeping bugs at bay.

Battery-operated Insecticide

Allethrin

Allethrin mimics a natural pesticide produced by chrysanthemum flowers. Thermacell makes battery-operated plant-derived chemical insecticide that use Allethrin.

While useful and much more effective than citronella candles, the fumes can cause mild to extreme skin, airway, and eye irritation. It is not safe to inhale the fumes. Immediately remove any clothing and wash skin if it comes in contact with Allethrin. High exposure can result in a headache, dizziness, asthma-like symptoms, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

It is not recommended to use these devices around young children.

Devices that disperse Allethrin are effective for only as long as they are running, and up to a max of 4 hours.

Insect Repellents You’ll Both Love

Skin Repellents

Picaridin:

A plant-derived chemical repellent that is safe for use on babies 2 months of age and older.

You may love using Picaridin for your family because…

It is effective for up to 8-14 hours
It repels ticks, mosquitos, and some flies
It is nearly odorless and does NOT cause skin irritation
It is made to mimic Piperine, an ingredient found in peppers who’s “peppery” smell is unattractive to ticks, mosquitos, flies, gnats, chiggers, and more
It is safe for pregnant or nursing mothers to use
It is safe to use on clothing, backpacks, synthetic fibers, sunglasses, watches, and more
Initially registered for use by the US EPA in 2001, it became available to the public in 2005. It has been used outside the US since 1998. Since it has been in circulation for 25 years, the short-term and long-term effects are well documented.
Outside the US, it may be called KBR 3023 or Icaridin

Reasons you may NOT want to use Picaridin:

It is not safe for use on dogs

Picaridin has a nearly endless shelf life. However, if you notice the odor has faded, it may not be as effective at repelling insects.

Grab Sawyer’s Picaridin in spray* or lotion* form.

IR-3535:

A synthetic chemical repellent that is safe for use on babies 2 months of age and older.

You may want to use IR-3535 on your family because…

It is effective for 4-8 hours
It repels mosquitos and most ticks
It is considered safe to use on pregnant or nursing women
It is also considered safe for use on dogs
It is not toxic to aquatic animals like fish or algae
It is also safer for the environment, than other options, since it doesn't build up
It has been around for over 30 years, (initially developed by Merck), so it's short-term and long-term effects are well documented

Reasons you may NOT want to use IR-3535:

Does not repel flies

Its shelf life is about 2 years. After that it begins to break down and is less effective.

What to learn more? Check out Merck's site.

Avon's Skin So Soft* and Zevo On Body Bug Spray* both use IR-3535 as their active ingredient.

<30% DEET:

A synthetic chemical repellent that is safe for use on babies 3 months of age and older.

You may want to use 10% DEET to protect your family because…

10% DEET is effective for about 2 hours
It repels ticks, mosquitos, and some flies
10-35% DEET provides adequate protection in most scenarios and is considered safe for pregnant and nursing moms, when used correctly
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends <30% DEET for use on children 2 months and older to help prevent the spread of diseases like West Nile, Lyme, Zika, and more
Initially created in 1944 by the government for military use during WWII, it has been in public use since 1957. That is 66 years that it has been around and in use!

Reasons you may NOT want to use DEET:

DEET damages plastics such as sunglasses, watches, trekking pole grips, and more
It is not safe for use on dogs. It can cause neurological problems and even death if used. Do NOT use it on or near dogs.

Like Picaridin, DEET has a nearly endless shelf life. However, if you notice the odor has faded, it may not be as effective at repelling insects.

Want to learn more?

Read what the EPA has to say about DEET.

Read what Consumer Reports has to say about it here.

SC Johnson debunks myths about DEET.

Grab a bottle of OFF FamilyCare Unscented Aerosol* or Spray* (7% DEET) or OFF FamilyCare Smooth & Dry Bug Spray* (15% DEET).

30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE / PMD):

A plant-derived chemical repellent that is safe for use on children 3 years and older.

You may choose it for your family because…

It is a "gum" squeezed from the oil of a plant
PMD, also known as oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), is effective for up to 4-6 hours
It repels some ticks, mosquitos, and flies

Reasons it may not be a good fit for your family:

Its effects have not been studied as thoroughly as DEET
Some people may experience mild skin irritation after application
Its effects have not been studied in children under the age of 3. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age.
Its effects have not been studied in pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, it is not approved for use on pregnant or nursing women.
It is not considered safe for use on dogs
OLE/PMD may damage plastics such as sunglasses, watches, trekking pole grips, and more

Like Picaridin and DEET, OLE/PMD has a nearly endless shelf life. However, if you notice the odor has faded, it may not be as effective at repelling insects.

Learn more about OLE from Consumer Reports.

You can grab a bottle of Cutter here* or Murphy’s here.*

Clothing Repellents

Permethrin:

A plant-derived chemical repellent and insecticide that is safe for use on children’s clothing, ages 3 months and older.

You may want to use it on your family's clothing because…

It repels ticks and mosquitos
It was created to mimic the chemicals found in chrysanthemums. These lovely flowers contain a neurotoxin that kills insects
It is safe for use on and around dogs. Learn more about proper use of Permethrin for your dog at Sawyer's
It will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, or other outdoor gear
Initially made in 1979 for use by the US military, it has been in use by the government and public since the early 1990s. 40+ years is a long time, meaning it's short-term and long-term effects are known

How long is it effective for?

For pretreated, impregnated clothing, it lasts up to 70 washings. Wash separately!
For clothing in which it was sprayed on by the user, it lasts up to 6 washes. Wash separately!
It loses effectiveness after being exposed to the outdoors for 6 weeks

Reasons it may not be a good fit for your family:

If you are pregnant or nursing, you should use it with caution. Ensure that none of the product gets on your skin.
It is harmful to aquatic life, so if you use it on your dog, make sure they don't go puddle jumping in creeks and lakes

Permethrin has a shelf life of 10 years, when stored properly.

Grab a bottle of Sawyer's Permethrin Spray.*

Safeguard Your Kids: Bug Sprays to Avoid & Alternatives You’ll Both Love

How Do Bug Sprays Work?

Insect Repellents to Avoid

Natural Plant Oils