Bug repellents are products applied to the skin or clothing to prevent insect bites. They are available in a variety of forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes. Bug repellents typically contain one or more active ingredients that repel insects such as mosquitoes.
 "The Bug Out lotion is the only natural bug repellent that I've found to actually work! Mosquitos usually love me, but the Bug Out stick keeps them away and everyone will say you smell great!" - Roxanne E. |
What are the Ingredients of Bug Repellents?
The most common active ingredient in bug repellents is DEET. DEET is a synthetic chemical that is effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Other active ingredients that you might find in bug repellents are Picaridin (KBR 3023) which is a synthetic alternative to DEET, which is generally considered to be odorless, non-greasy and doesnāt dissolve plastics as readily as DEET. If you are looking for a bug repellent for children, you may find that Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) is an active ingredient in bug sprays suggested by pharmacists as a milder synthetic, less active than DEET or KBR3023.
Why Do Bugs Not Like DEET?
DEET is the acronym for N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. A synthetic chemical compound that is used as an insect repellent. DEET is effective against a variety of insects, and it is available in a variety of concentrations from 10% to 100%. The higher the concentration the longer lasting the protection.
DEET works by interfering with mosquitoes ability to smell and taste, so when DEET is applied to the skin, it creates a chemical barrier that mosquitoes cannot penetrate, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find and bite humans.
Why Is DEET Bad for You?
While DEET is highly effective as an insect repellent and considered safe for most people when used as directed, there are some concerns and potential side effects associated with its use, such as:
- Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience milk skin irritation, such as redness, rash, itching or burning, especially with higher concentrations of DEET or if it is applied to sensitive skin, on or near cuts or other irritated areas.
- Allergic Reactions: Although less common, allergic reactions to DEET can occur in some people. Symptoms might include a more severe rash, hives, or even difficulty breathing.
- Neurotoxicity: When overused and/or misused, high doses of DEET can cause potential damage to the nervous system.
To avoid these side-effects and the negative connotations that come with using a bug repellent based on synthetic chemicals and ingredients, we would recommend always looking to use natural bug repellents.
What Is a Natural Bug Repellent?
Natural bug repellents are products that contain only natural ingredients. These ingredients can include essential oils, herbs, and other plant-based compounds. While it is recognized that natural bug repellents are sometimes less effective than DEET-based repellents, they are both safer for the environment and less likely to irritate your skin.
"Took this beautiful bar all the way to St Martin and St Kitts. Mosquitoes and other bugs enjoy biting me more than anyone else I am with. I used the Bug Out soap every shower and surprise, surpriseā¦ no bites!" - Valerie B. |
5 Types of Natural Bug Repellent?
There are many different types of natural bug repellents available. Some of the most popular are:
- Citronella: This is an essential oil that is extracted from the lemongrass plant. It has a strong citrusy scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant.
- Peppermint: As another essential oil used primarily to repel mosquitoes, it has a strong minty smell that mosquitoes are keen to avoid coming into contact with.
- Lavender: Not just a plant for the garden, lavender has a host of aromatherapy and scent benefits, including being a mild but effective repellent of biting flies, bugs and mosquitoes.
- Lemon Eucalyptus: an extracted essential oil for the lemon eucalyptus tree, the citrusy scent is a great way to keep mosquitoes away and avoid the local area.
- Tea Tree: Extracted from the Melaleuca Alterifolia Tree, Tea Tree is an essential oil that has a strong medicinal scent that can help to repel all manner of bugs.
"Love the Bug Out lotion stick. Works great keeping mosquitoes away. Smells nice too!" - Kathy L. |
How Best To Apply Bug Repellent?
When applying bug repellent, it is important to follow the product instructions carefully. Most bug repellents should be applied to exposed skin only, such as the arms, legs and face. It is important to avoid applying bug repellent to the eyes, mouth or any broken skin.
"I grabbed a bottle yesterday to use while we were picking up branches after a windstorm, and.....no bother with mosquitoes after I sprayed it on my arms. So glad you make a Bug Out Spray for mosquitoes (and ticks)!" - Marcia Y. |
Natural bug repellents can also be applied to clothing and footwear especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.
What Time Should You Apply Bug Repellent?
Bug repellents should be applied in the minutes before you go outdoors for them to be most effective; and if you are looking to combat mosquitoes, bug repellents should be applied shortly before sleep.
Most bug repellents will last for several hours, depending on the concentration of the most active ingredient.
What Is a Natural Bug Repellent?
At Goat Milk Stuff, weāve created three natural alternatives to those chemically enhanced synthetic DEET products. Our Bug Out Goat Milk Soap, Bug Out Insect Repellent, and Bug Out Spray are all powerful bug deterrents, that utilize a blend of essential oils, and are designed to keep your skin free of itchy bug bites.
"My favorite is the Bug Out. Here in California we have so much tiny bugs that fly around your face when you are out walking your dog. Since I have been using the Bug Out soap these tiny flying bugs leave me alone and don't fly near me or my dog." - Louise W.
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Commercial bug repellents are often full of chemicals that can harm you and your skinās health, whereas natural bug repellents are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from insect bites; try Bug Out today and get silky skin that is bite free.