We all know that with warmer weather, BBQs, and campfires comes the pesky little insects we’ve grown to call bugs – an ironic name seeing how that’s all they seem to do. Unfortunately many of the insect repellents we purchase not only repel these pests, but also introduce harmful chemicals that can seep into our skin. A harmful ingredient like DEET, when absorbed into our skin, is linked to neurological damage, seizures, and death. And the worst part, people put this stuff on themselves and their kids. Naturalnews.com points out this worrisome statistic: each year approximately one-third of all Americans spray and slather on insect repellents containing central nervous system toxin DEET.
Fortunately there are replacements for the many brand name insect repellents that contain DEET and other harmful chemical ingredients.
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent $7.99
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is not only effective but also 100% natural. The simple ingredients list includes: Lemongrass Oil, Citronella Oil, Rosemary Oil, Grape seed Oil, and Vitamin E. Burt’s Bees also comes in a recyclable aluminum can and is never tested on animals.
Bug Off! Bug Rub $10.00
Bug Off! Bug Rub from SunFeather Natural Soap Company is the perfect all natural pocket size bug repellent. It deters mosquitoes, black flies and other pests with an essential oil blend of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium. Shea butter is added for a touch of moisture action. SunFeather also makes a Bug Off! Spritzer, Bug Off! Wipes, and a Bug Off! Candle.
Amazon Lights All-Natural Insect Repellent Outdoor Garden Candle $14.59
Focusing on deterring insects and not killing them, Amazon Lights All-Natural Insect Repellent Outdoor Garden Candle is a healthier way to protect yourself and those pesky pests. This all-natural candle is made with 100% Palm Wax and contains essentials oils like Andiroba, Citronella, Rosemary and Thyme. Amazon Lights products are all part of a Fair Trade Community in the Brazillan Amazon. They have used the main ingredient Andiroba in their daily lives since the beginning of time. Andiroba works as a natural bug repellent by causing insects to lose their appetite and not bite.
Nature’s Peace Bug Repellent $11.99
Nature’s Peace Bug Repellent keeps bugs away with natural citronella oil. Other natural bug repelling ingredients include coconut oil, Organic Cocoa butter, Ostrich oil, Shea butter, Oils of Citronella, Lavender, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Tea tree, and vitamin E.
Alaska’s Best Insect Repellent $9.99
Alaska’s Best Insect Repellent is handmade in Alaska by Alpenglow. This insect repellent is part of Alpenglow’s 100% natural skin care line. It is made with a broad spectrum of essential oils that combat a wide range of bugs. It’s natural ingredients include sweet almond oil, a proprietary blend of 6 essential oils, and rosemary oil extract (a natural preservative). They also make a balm that will soothe the irritation of bites – Cottonwood Balm.
Organic Rosemary + Citronella Fetching Dog Shampoo Bar Soap $9.00
I can’t think of anything better than a dog that smells great and repels insects naturally – and I wouldn’t dare forget about man’s best friend. Made by Skinnyskinny Soap, Organic Rosemary + Citronella Fetching Dog Shampoo Bar Soap is the best of both worlds. Skinnyskinny Soap adds rosemary, citronella, and ylang ylang to their handmade shampoo bar to repel insects. But the rosemary also aids in a wide range of skin problems such as dandruff and hot spots. The sweet orange is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. And the ylang ylang soothes insect bites and irritated skin. They also add organic aloe and glycerin to make this soap even gentler, moisturizing, and non-drying. It is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies.
Sweet info, would also be cool to get some beta about which ones work best.